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Public Works Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Southfield, MI

Public Works Worker

Southfield, MI · On-site

$52K - $78K/yr

Description The Department of Public Works seeks a dedicated Public Works Worker to join our Public Works team. This full-time union role involves the safe and efficient operation of various tools ...

ICMA

Public Works Superintendent

Milton Freewater, OR · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

... working relationships with significant local and regional partners; clear, consistent, and ... in public works operations, engineering, or municipal infrastructure management is required. A ...

Town of Mooresville

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

About the Role The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Town ... when working with citizens, contractors, developers, and other stakeholders. Work is performed ...

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How much do public works worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works worker in the United States is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a public works worker?

Public works workers are employees responsible for maintaining and repairing public infrastructure such as roads, bridges, parks, water systems, and public buildings. Their duties often include tasks like street cleaning, snow removal, landscaping, and fixing water or sewer lines. These workers play a vital role in ensuring that communities have safe, functional, and well-maintained public spaces and services. The job typically requires physical labor, the ability to operate machinery, and adherence to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works worker?

To thrive as a Public Works Worker, you need a solid understanding of construction, maintenance, and repair practices, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid driver's license. Familiarity with heavy machinery, hand tools, and safety protocols is essential, and some positions may require certifications such as a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Dependability, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working safely and efficiently in outdoor and sometimes hazardous environments. These skills ensure that public infrastructure is maintained properly, contributing to community safety and quality of life.

What are some common challenges faced by public works workers on the job?

Public Works Workers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling physically demanding tasks, and responding to emergency repairs outside of regular hours. They also need to adapt to changing priorities, like sudden community needs or infrastructure emergencies. Effective teamwork and clear communication with supervisors and other departments are essential, as many projects require close coordination for safety and efficiency.

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

AspectPublic Works WorkerMaintenance Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL often preferredHigh school diploma, relevant certifications optional
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, construction sites, public infrastructureIndoor and outdoor, facilities, equipment
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, government, public works departmentsPrivate companies, facilities management
Common TasksRoad repair, sewer work, street maintenanceBuilding repairs, equipment maintenance, cleaning

Public Works Workers focus on maintaining and repairing public infrastructure like roads and sewer systems, often working outdoors for government agencies. Maintenance Workers handle repairs and upkeep of facilities and equipment, typically in private or commercial settings. Both roles require similar skills but differ mainly in work environment and specific duties.

What cities are hiring for Public Works Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Public Works Worker job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Public Works Worker jobs?

For Public Works Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Public Works Worker jobs near you

Public Works Worker

Southfield, MI • On-site

Southfield, City of (MI)
See more jobs at Southfield, City of (MI)external

$52K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Description The Department of Public Works seeks a dedicated Public Works Worker to join our Public Works team. This full-time union role involves the safe and efficient operation of various tools and equipment to perform construction and maintenance tasks on public infrastructure. The position requires effective communication, the ability to work independently or with supervision, and a commitment to public service excellence.

Location On-site at designated public works facilities Experience No specific experience required; relevant skills and qualifications are essential Skills Proficiency with tools and light equipment used in public works Effective communication and interpersonal skills Ability to interpret written and verbal instructions Ability to work independently or as part of a team Key Responsibilities Perform construction, maintenance, and repair tasks related to public infrastructure, including roads, water mains, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers. Operate tools and equipment safely and efficiently. Follow safety protocols and work under supervision or independently as needed.

Representative Job Duties Works on a maintenance crew that performs installation, maintenance, repair, and removal of the following: water main, water meters, water service lines, fire hydrants, gate valves, sanitary sewer main, sanitary sewer lines, gate wells, sewer manholes, storm sewer lines, and catch basins. Restores damaged landscape areas due to excavations and other damage. Performs maintenance and repair to all the city's sanitary and storm sewer lift stations.

Conducts various aspects of street maintenance and construction including, but not limited to, salting, snow plowing & removal; asphalt paving and pothole patching; concrete curb, sidewalk, structure, and pavement repair and paving; road right of way mowing and maintenance; removal of dead animals from streets and right of ways, utility locating; sign installation; proper use of barricades and road closure equipment, etc. Responsible for various maintenance tasks in carpentry and general maintenance and construction work. Learns equipment operation and terminology of materials used in various aspects of the job.

Performs a combination of the following duties: erecting & repairing guard rails, highway markers and snow fences, using hand tools, nails, and power tools. Participates in training when required. Maintains daily activity and inventory records in the City's computerized asset management system OpenGov EAM.

Adheres to all safety standards for the operation and maintenance of all City owned equipment. Other duties as assigned. Job Requirements - As Determined By the City Of Southfield High school diploma or equivalent Valid driver's license Class A CDL with tanker and airbrakes endorsements within 12 months of employment.

Newly hired employees must pass a 6-month probationary period. If the employee does not acquire his or her CDL Class A with Tanker and Airbrakes Endorsements within the 6-months probationary period, their probationary period will be extended by an additional 6 months. If the individual has not acquired his or her CDL Class A with Tanker and Airbrake Endorsements after the first 12 months of employment, the individual may be terminated.

Supplemental Information The Public Works Worker will be classified based on the following criteria: Public Works Worker I Pay grade 312 (Range: $52,417.02 - $78,547.40) 0 years of relevant experience required at hire. Public Works Worker II Pay grade 313 (Range: $55,038.47 - $82,474.66) At least 4 years of relevant experience and S-4 license at hire. Must demonstrate proficiency with select Public Works tasks and equipment

Public Works Worker III Pay grade 314 (Range: $57,789.96 - $86,598.61) At least 7 years of relevant experience and S-3 license at hire. Must demonstrate proficiency with vast majority of Public Works tasks and equipment.

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