Public Works Laborer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $60,228.00 - $73,284.00 Annually
Location : Public Works Department, 2551-A 23rd Avenue, Forest Grove, OR
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Job Number: 2026-27_02
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/26/2026
Closing Date: 9/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Job Description
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
JOB OBJECTIVES
To perform routine duties in the maintenance, construction and repair of City streets, water and sewer collection systems, and other related infrastructures; to operate maintenance and repair tools and equipment; and to perform a variety of maintenance tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives immediate supervision from higher level staff.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is the entry-level class within the Utility Worker - Public Works series. This class is distinguished from the Utility Worker II - Public Works by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within the series. Since this class is typically an entry-level class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.
Duties/Responsibilities
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
The following tasks are typical for positions in this classification. Any single position may not perform all of these tasks and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here:
1. Perform routine general maintenance, construction and repair duties on City streets, water and sewer collection systems, and other related infrastructures.
2. Perform curb, gutter and driveway maintenance duties; break up paved surfaces; set forms; mix, pour, spread and finish concrete.
3. Perform street maintenance duties; prepare surfaces for paving; patch potholes; mix, spread, shovel, rake and roll asphalt and chip seal surfaces.
4. Operate heavy and light equipment, and hand and small power tools including loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, pavers, rollers, tractors, fork lifts, chainsaws, shovels, and rakes; ensure all equipment is operated in a safe and efficient manner.
5. Place cones, barriers and signs to define the work area and protect co-workers and the general public; excavate and fill trenches and ditches.
6. Clean and perform minor maintenance work on equipment and facilities within an assigned area; clean and maintain all maintenance vehicles.
7. Repair breaks in water and sewer main lines; review maps for valve locations; set up traffic control devices and excavate materials; assist in repairing or replacing valves or mains.
8. Operate backhoe to remove debris and growth at storm drain outlets; operate dump trucks to remove and haul debris and materials.
9. Maintain, install and repair clay, galvanized steel, plastic, fiberglass and other types of pipes.
10. Operate a vactor, forklift, backhoe and other vehicles in the maintenance and construction of storm drains and sewer lines; perform confined space entry duties as required.
11. Contribute to a positive work environment.
12. Maintain regular, predictable attendance and punctuality.
13. Perform other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of public works maintenance programs, including streets, sewer and water systems.
Methods, tools and equipment used in the installation, repair and maintenance of streets, water and sewer systems.
Operational characteristics of maintenance and construction equipment and tools.
Methods and techniques of traffic control.
Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.
Methods and techniques of confined space entry.
Ability to:Perform routine maintenance and repair functions on City streets, water, and sewer systems.
Learn methods and techniques of repairing sidewalks, curbs, storm drains and related maintenance areas.
Learn methods and techniques of installing water system lines and devices.
Operate a variety of maintenance equipment and tools including heavy and light power driven equipment and hand tools in a safe and effective manner.
Perform heavy manual labor.
Ensure safety around work areas in high traffic.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience Guidelines
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience Guidelines
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities may be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Education:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.
Experience:
One year of maintenance and repair experience.
License or Certificate

• Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Must possess or be able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL A) with a tanker endorsement within twelve (12) months of hire.
  • Note: If the City pays for an employee to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) the employee will be subject to a reimbursement schedule for costs incurred if they leave the City's employment within twenty-four months of obtaining the license in accordance with the collective bargaining agreement.

Emergency Response
Employees are required to live within a 30 minute drive of their regularly assigned work site at the Public Works Department - 2551 23rd Ave. Forest Grove, OR 97116 to ensure their ability to respond to Public Works emergencies. In accordance with department policy, driving time will be checked at standard driving conditions during a work week day at 6:00 am and 6:00 pm. There is no flexibility on the 30 minute response window.
Additional Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Environment: Incumbents work in a field environment and are exposed to inclement weather conditions, noise, dust, grease, smoke, fumes, gases, vibrations, potentially hazardous chemicals, raw sewage, infectious materials and hazardous traffic conditions. Incumbents travel from work site to work site while working on city infrastructure. Work is often performed around heavy construction equipment; in or around water; on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain; may require work underground, in tight or confined spaces. Incumbents may interact with the public in the daily operation of their duties.
Mobility: Incumbents in this classification require sufficient mobility to perform light, moderate or heavy lifting up to 80 pounds. Positions in this classification frequently walk, bend, twist, kneel, reach, crawl, grasp, stand or sit for prolonged periods of time. Finger dexterity is needed to operate motorized equipment and vehicles.
Vision, Hearing and Communication: Vision sufficient to read written materials and operate assigned machinery and equipment; some positions may require the ability to distinguish color. Hearing and speech sufficient to communicate in person and on mobile radios.
The City strives to provide the best, most equitable and cost-effective benefits for employees in recognition of the influence employment benefits have on the economic and personal welfare of our employees.
Paid in various benefit forms on your behalf, the total cost to provide the benefit program described in the Employee Handbook and other documents is a significant supplement to your pay and should be viewed as additional compensation.

• Health Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• Section 125 Plans
• HRA VEBA (Voluntary Employees' Beneficiary Association)
• PERS Retirement
• Vacation Leave
• Sick Leave
• Holiday Leave
• Wellness Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Training

01
Each applicant must complete the supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Please do not say "see resume." Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Answers are subject to verification. Candidates may be tested on their skills. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included in your employment application?

• Yes
• No, and I withdraw from the selection process.

02
Did you graduate from high school or receive your G.E.D.?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

04
Do you have a valid Class A commercial driver's license (CDL)?

• Yes
• No

05
If you answered yes to question 4, please specify in which State (e.g., Oregon, etc.) and provide your driver's license number and the expiration date. Please also list any endorsements you have. If this question does not apply to you, please type N/A.
06
Which best describe your experience in the maintenance and repair?

• No experience
• Less than 12 months experience
• 1 - 2 years experience
• 2 - 3 years experience

07
Please describe your experience in the maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer systems. Please be specific about the tasks you have performed.
08
Please select all the tools in which you have work experience using. If this question does not apply to you, please select N/A.

• Vactor
• Plate Compactors/Rollers
• Forklifts
• Cutoff Saws
• Jumping Jacks
• Backhoes
• Loaders & Dump Trucks
• CCTV Pipe Inspection Equipment
• N/A

09
Do you have a valid Water Distribution I Certificate?

• Yes
• No

10
Do you have a valid Wastewater Collection I certificate?

• Yes
• No

11
List other skills you have to offer that could be beneficial to maintenance of our City infrastructure.
12
This position requires employees to live within a 30 minute drive to the Public Works Department (2551 23rd Ave. Forest Grove, OR 97116) to ensure the ability to respond to Public Works emergencies. There is no flexibility on the 30 minute window. Drive time is checked during the workweek at 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Are you able to meet this requirement?

• Yes, I meet the 30 minute drive window.
• No, I do not meet the 30 minute drive window.
• I do not currently meet but am relocating and will meet the 30 minute drive window.

13
If you are a veteran of the U.S. military, please describe any skills you acquired through your military education or experience that are transferable to this position. Include any skills that substantially relate directly or indirectly to this position. If this question does not apply to you, please type N/A.
14
As a reminder, the education and work experience sections of this employment application, as well as the supplemental questionnaire, must be filled out completely. Additionally, candidates should include an email address on the employment application, as candidates may be notified via email. Have you checked that your employment application has been completed fully and that your application includes a valid email address you check frequently, including spam and junk folders?

• Yes
• No

Required Question