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Public Works Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Works Seasonal Worker

IL · On-site

$18.75 - $19/hr

Public Works Seasonal Workers (1 Cemetery and 1 Parks and Recreation) Dept./Div.: Public Works ... Perform heavy manual labor to lift heavy objects from the ground level into trucks and back out ...

Public Works Summer Help- $16.00 per hr. Performs a variety of tasks requiring manual labor. May perform basic landscaping tasks such as mowing lawns, raking leaves, planting shrubbery, leveling ...

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Ability to lift 50 pounds or more and perform physically demanding labor. * Comfortable working ... public works or construction, apply today! Equal Opportunity Employer Company Description We are a ...

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Public Works Laborer information

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$10

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$27

How much do public works laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works laborer in the United States is $18.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Public Works Laborer vs Maintenance Worker?

AspectPublic Works LaborerMaintenance Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require CDL or safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications vary by specialization
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, city infrastructure projectsIndoor and outdoor, facilities, equipment, and building maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal government, public works departmentsPublic and private sector facilities, property management
Common Search & Comparison IntentPublic Works Laborer vs Maintenance WorkerPublic Works Laborer vs Maintenance Worker

The Public Works Laborer and Maintenance Worker roles often overlap in outdoor work and basic manual tasks. However, Public Works Laborers typically focus on city infrastructure projects, construction, and public service tasks, while Maintenance Workers handle building repairs, equipment upkeep, and facility maintenance. Both roles require similar certifications and work environments, but their specific duties and employer settings differ.

What are some common challenges faced by Public Works Laborers and how can they be addressed?

Public Works Laborers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling physically demanding tasks, and adapting to different types of public infrastructure projects. To address these challenges, it's important to prioritize safety by wearing appropriate gear, staying hydrated, and following established protocols. Teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and colleagues also help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. Additionally, ongoing training in equipment operation and maintenance can help laborers stay effective and reduce workplace risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Works Laborer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Laborer, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical skills, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, safety protocols, and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) are typically required. Reliability, teamwork, and attention to detail are important soft skills that help ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely. These abilities are essential for maintaining public infrastructure, adhering to safety standards, and supporting the overall effectiveness of municipal services.

What Does a Public Works Laborer Do?

The duties of a public works laborer include various manual labor tasks in a city. In this career, you operate power tools and equipment like air compressors, chainsaws, and lawn mowers, as well as heavy machinery like backhoes and cranes. Common jobs you may work as a public works laborer include maintaining or building roads, parks, sewage systems, and more. Most positions require the use of company vehicles. Depending on your specialization or department, your duties may revolve around cleaning, repairing, or installing public structures.

What are Public Works Laborers?

Public Works Laborers are workers employed by local, state, or federal government agencies to maintain and repair public infrastructure. Their duties typically include tasks such as road maintenance, sidewalk repairs, landscaping, sanitation, and assisting with construction projects. They may also be responsible for operating various machinery, cleaning public spaces, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of community areas. Public Works Laborers play a crucial role in keeping cities and towns functioning smoothly and safely for residents.
What cities are hiring for Public Works Laborer jobs? Cities with the most Public Works Laborer job openings:
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Works Laborer jobs? The top employers for Public Works Laborer jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works Laborer jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works Laborer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Laborer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Laborer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works Laborer jobs? For Public Works Laborer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Public Works Laborer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $38,452 per year, or $18.5 per hour.
Temporary Public Works Maintenance Laborer

Temporary Public Works Maintenance Laborer

City of Annapolis (MD)

Annapolis, MD

$15/hr

Part-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Job Summary The work requires accomplishment of a wide variety of maintenance, repair and construction on city streets, storm drains, water and sewer system operations. The work consists of general manual tasks requiring no special training and little or no experience. The incumbent completes work to provide efficient customer service and serves as a positive and cooperative team member.

Public Works Maintenance Workers I conduct and complete work assignments under the immediate supervision of an Equipment Operator II/III, or Supervisor who outline the details of each specific assignment. Supervisors check the work in process and, upon completion, evaluate the work within a well-defined framework of established policies and standard operating procedures. Although individual positions may be assigned to specialized work units, incumbents in this job class are expected to be cross-trained and fully functional in all areas of public works activities and assignments.

Positions within this job class are flexibly staffed. Essential Job Functions This job class is the entry level in the Maintenance Worker series. This classification is distinguished from the journeyman level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned.

Incumbents in this job class do not carry out assigned work with the same independence of action as journeyman level employees. Incumbents in this job class may perform the more skilled tasks in a training capacity. This is routine work consisting of unskilled manual tasks that require the ability to do heavy physical labor efficiently.

Examples of Work: Empty trash cans in downtown areas. Clean gutters, culverts, sewers, and other drainage structures. Load and unload refuse, stone, gravel, dirt, asphalt, pipe, timber, and equipment.

Operate a jackhammer. Patch streets by shoveling mix off trucks, placing it in holes, and tamping. Assist in semi-skilled work such as concreting by carrying tools, carrying or lifting lumber, mixing or stirring concrete, or running errands.

Sweep streets, gutters, and sidewalks by hand. Shovel snow, gravel, and dirt. Mow lawns with a hand power mower.

Rake leaves and cut brush. Perform a variety of other heavy manual work in connection with the maintenance and construction of sidewalks, streets, sewers, water mains, and parks. Drive trucks to and from jobs and perform other incidental driving.

Assist rodding crews in the cleaning of sewers. Move boxes, furniture, and other items. Remove debris from water at the City dock.

Open and close manholes. Remove storm drain grates. Perform other duties as directed.

Qualifications Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Core Aptitude: Willingness to perform routine manual work, ability to lift heavy articles, and stamina. Literacy & Instructions: Ability to understand simple oral instructions, with a preference for the ability to read and write. Technical Knowledge: Knowledge of standard and accepted methods, tools, and equipment utilized in the maintenance, repair, and construction of a variety of municipal public works operations and facilities.

Equipment Knowledge: Knowledge of standard and accepted operation and routine maintenance of motorized vehicles and power equipment utilized in public works facilities. Safety Awareness: Knowledge of standard and accepted safety procedures applicable to a variety of maintenance and construction activities. Execution Skills: Ability to understand and carry out a variety of oral and written instructions.

Operational Learning: Ability to learn the City of Annapolis's operations, policies, and procedures as they relate to assigned duties, including water and sewer treatment and distribution operations. Machinery Operation: Ability to learn to operate a variety of light to heavy motorized and power equipment in a safe and effective manner. Hand Tools: Ability to operate a variety of hand powered maintenance and construction equipment in a safe and effective manner.

Documentation: Ability to maintain routine records and logs. Public Relations: Ability to communicate orally in an effective and tactful manner and provide courteous and positive customer service. Workplace Relations: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Labor Capacity: Ability to perform assigned duties to include heavy and continuous physical labor in a safe and effective manner for self and others. Minimum Qualifications Experience: Some (6-12 months) experience in heavy manual labor. Education: Completion of high school or a GED certificate.

Industry Background: Some prior experience in the construction, maintenance, groundskeeping, or landscaping industry. Language: Demonstrated ability to comprehend and speak English. Licensure: Possession of a valid State of Maryland motor vehicle operator's license.

Safety Sensitive Status This position is designated as Safety Sensitive due to tasks or duties that the employer reasonably believes could affect the safety and health of the employee performing the task, other individuals, and/or may lead to damage to property. This position is subject to drug and alcohol testing to include pre-employment testing. Employment Conditions Physical/Mental Demands Physical Proviso: The document notes work is sedentary where generally the employee may be required to speak, walk, stand, bend, and/or carry light items to include paper, books, or files.

Heavy Labor Capacity: Physical strength and agility must be sufficient to lift and maneuver heavy objects such as heavy tools, equipment, manhole covers, and storm drain grates, and to climb into and operate large equipment or trucks. Environmental Tolerance: Ability to withstand working outside in all extreme weather conditions year-round. Visual Ability: Sufficient to operate heavy equipment and trucks by both day and night, observe unsafe roadway conditions, and read and write reports, correspondence, or instructions.

Hearing Ability: Sufficient to understand radio transmissions and conversations with other individuals both in person and over a telephone. Speaking Ability: Sufficient to communicate effectively with other individuals in person, over a telephone, and over a radio. Mental Health: Freedom from mental disorders which would interfere with the performance of duties as described.

Work Environment Performed outside year-round in all extreme weather conditions.