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Public Works Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Porterville, CA

Public Works Director

CA · On-site

$120K - $148K/yr

Public Works, CA Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 202400090 Department: Public Works Division ... effective working relationships with City officials, outside agencies and the general public.

City of Bowie

Public Works Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Public Works Director THE CANDIDATE The City of Bowie is seeking a proven and experienced ... Ability to establish effective working relationships with the City Manager, City Council ...

MountainOne

Public Works Superintendent

Williamstown, MA · On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Maintains a strong working relationship with all other Town Department Heads and staff through ... Knowledge of public works financing and administration. Understanding of the confidentiality ...

City of Sparks, NV

Public Works Director

Sparks, NV · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Aside from working for a City team that is dedicated to their community, the person selected will oversee the newly established Public Works department as the Department Director. In addition to ...

West Milford

Public Works Inspector

West Milford, NJ · On-site

Non-standard working hours are required for various public works projects, maintenance operations and similar, including but not limited to duration of working day / hours for road construction ...

City of Oceanside

Public Works Inspector

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

Working Conditions and Selection Process Environmental Conditions: Office and field environment ... drawings and conduct public works inspections. Selection Process: All properly completed ...

Inyo County, CA

Public Works Director

CA · On-site

$166K - $215K/yr

Public Works Division: Public Works Opening Date: 08/11/2026 Closing Date: Continuous DESCRIPTION ... Working closely with the Board of Supervisors, County leadership, employees, and community partners ...

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Public Works Worker information

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How much do public works worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 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 Inspector

Manhattan Beach, CA • On-site

Resource Management Solutions
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Resource Management Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Inspect and oversee public works construction projects, including water lines, sewer, storm drains, and other utilities, to ensure compliance with project specifications and safety standards.

  • Coordinate construction activities, conduct site inspections, and verify work quality, quantities, and adherence to permits and regulations.

  • Attend meetings, review plans, and assist with contract administration tasks such as preparing change orders and maintaining work records.

Job description

A Southern California-based construction management & engineering firm has an immediate need for experienced public works construction inspectors with storm drain inspection experience supporting projects across Los Angeles County.

Under general supervision of the City Engineer, performs construction inspection duties and quality assurance on public works and development projects related to general improvements to concrete, water mains, and general underground utilities. Ensure compliance with City standards, codes, designs, and specifications.


Responsibilities:

Supervises and manages public works construction projects. This entails assuring the contractor’s work conforms to the project specifications and is accomplished by inspecting the contractor’s work on a daily basis; by keeping a daily record of instructions and directions given to the contractor regarding plan and specification interpretation and any required change orders; coordinating with an independent testing lab any materials testing required by project specifications; by verifying quantities for payment on contractor’s monthly pay request; by coordinating construction activities with residents, utility companies and other agencies; by providing for public safety during the project.

  • Assigns, monitors, and coordinates fieldwork.
  • Inspects and performs oversight on other agencies, utility companies, and contractors working within City boundaries and City right-of-way to ensure public safety and ensure the protection of City facilities; reviews and approves traffic control plans and coordinates road closures if required
  • Reviews and issues excavation permits and inspects all road cuts for other agencies and contractors working within City boundaries (whether for water, gas, sewer, telephone, etc.)
  • Inspects and performs oversight on the installation of water lines, sewer and storm drains.
  • Conducts construction site inspections for compliance with site SWPPP and City Storm Water Management Ordinance.
  • Answers technical questions and provides information to public and other agencies.
  • Responds to and resolves public inquiries and complaints related to public works construction projects and development.
  • Attends and participates in preconstruction meetings with department staff, engineers, contractors, developers, and other organizations.
  • Coordinates and conducts progress meetings with contractors, City departments, and other agencies.
  • Assists engineering staff with surveying, drafting, specifications, and bidding documents; reviews plans prior to final department approval.
  • Assists engineering staff with infrastructure inventories and maintenance of records.
  • Perform construction inspection, oversight, and enforcement of contract/permit documents for construction of various road, bridge, aviation, sewer, water, utility service, traffic signal, and flood control projects being constructed by contractors under a contract or a permit issued by the Department.
  • Prepare and process change orders, daily logs, and working day statements; collect work records; maintain accurate records of work done for payment purposes; conduct employee interviews; prepare as-built plans and perform other associated contract administration tasks.
  • Reject work that does not meet permit requirements and issue notices to correct deficiencies.

  • Graduation from high school and four (4) years of experience in public works construction or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Considerable knowledge of public works construction management, concrete and steel water tank inspection, methods and materials; knowledge of contract administration and pay estimates.
  • Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, contractors, other departments and the public; ability to follow written and oral instructions; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.