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Public Works Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

CITY OF ELKHART - DEPARTMENT Public Works POSITION Assistant City Engineer/ City Engineer DIVISION Engineering STATUS Full-time CATEGORY Salaried, Up to $114,000 FLSA Exempt REPORTS TO Director of ...

Custodian I

Gary, IN · On-site

$32K/yr

Public Works Reports to: Building Superintendent Status: Custodian Salary: $32,333.62 Performs custodial, cleaning, and minor building maintenance duties for City Buildings and facilities and grounds ...

Assistant Public Defender Juvenile

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$63K - $84K/yr

Public Defender's Office FLSA Status: Exempt Classification/Level: Special Occupation Date: 04/2023 ... Works directly with defendant and maintains regular contact with clients through correspondence ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Works information

See Indiana salary details

$12

$23

$42

How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works in Indiana is $23.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.40 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public works, and why are they important?

To excel in Public Works, you need a background in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with project management software, GIS systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable public infrastructure projects that serve the community.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in public works, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals in Public Works often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, managing large-scale infrastructure projects, and responding to public concerns or emergencies. Applicants should be prepared for dynamic workdays that may involve both office-based planning and on-site inspections. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and regulations. Gaining familiarity with municipal processes and developing a collaborative mindset will help you succeed in this field.

What is a public works job?

Public works jobs refer to positions involved in the planning, construction, maintenance, and management of public infrastructure and facilities, such as roads, bridges, water treatment plants, parks, and public buildings. Employees in public works may work for local, state, or federal government agencies, and their roles can include engineering, maintenance, project management, and administration. These jobs are essential for ensuring that communities have safe, reliable, and efficient public services and infrastructure.

What is the difference between Public Works vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPublic WorksCivil Engineer
CredentialsVaries; often includes civil engineering degrees, certifications like PEBachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, construction sites, urban planningDesign offices, construction sites, project management
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, state, federal government agenciesEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies
Common Search/ComparisonPublic Works vs Civil Engineer

Public Works professionals focus on managing and maintaining infrastructure projects for government agencies, including roads, bridges, and public facilities. Civil Engineers design, plan, and oversee these projects, often working within the private sector or consulting firms. While both roles require civil engineering knowledge, Public Works roles emphasize project management and public sector operations, whereas Civil Engineers focus on technical design and engineering solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works jobs in Indiana? For Public Works jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Works jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Works jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Public Works job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,977 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Assistant City Engineer

City of Elkhart

Elkhart, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


City Of Elkhart (Indiana) rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

344th of 841 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

CITY OF ELKHART - JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT
Public Works
POSITION
Assistant City Engineer/ City Engineer
DIVISION
Engineering
STATUS
Full-time
CATEGORY
Salaried, Up to $114,000
FLSA
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Director of Public Works
DATE
2026
JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the work of the Engineering Team within the Department of Public Works Utilities, which includes: Records and GIS Manager, Engineering Project Managers Asset Manager, Engineering Technicians, GIS Technicians, and Televising Technician.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Depending on qualifications and Mayoral appointment, may serve as either "City Engineer" or "Assistant City Engineer".
  • Provides positive leadership and organizational directives that result in efficient services performed by colleagues, and superior services provided to internal and external customers.
  • Supervises and manages assigned staff, including analyzing staff workload, reviewing position documentation, interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions, planning, delegating, and controlling work assignments, establishing specific work goals, training/developing/motivating assigned staff, determining significant changes in responsibilities, evaluating performance, reviewing salaries, recommending personnel actions, maintaining discipline and recommending corrective action, and communicating and administering personnel programs.
  • Oversees, directs, and coordinates the following tasks of the Engineering team:
    • Manages all aspects of the conception, design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a wide-range of public works projects, including streets, sidewalks, drainage, stormwater quality, water utility, and wastewater utility.
    • Assists in the selection of qualified design and engineering consultants.
    • Manages and coordinates the bidding and other procurement processes according to state and local regulations for public works projects.
    • Leads the Engineering team review of development plan applications, including commercial sites, industrial sites, and residential subdivisions.
  • Collaborate with the Elkhart Board of Public Works, and on occasion other boards and commissions, to direct the functions necessary to efficiently and creatively provide internal customers and the citizenry with clean water, effective wastewater management, efficient transportation systems and right-of-way management.
  • Oversees and, if appointed as City Engineer, gives final approval to all in-house engineering work complete by the Engineering Team.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of infrastructure plans, including master planning and multi-year capital improvement programming.
  • Serves on various boards, commissions, and specified committees as required. Periodically prepares and presents presentations to public groups.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The incumbent will have attained the following levels of education and experience:
  • Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
  • Four (4) or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience, preferably in a municipal or public works environment.
  • Experience in project management, infrastructure design, or construction oversight preferred.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Indiana required (or ability to obtain within one year).
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The incumbent must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
  • Knowledge of municipal engineering principles, including transportation, stormwater, water, and wastewater systems.
  • Understanding of applicable federal and state regulations, including environmental and permitting requirements.
  • Ability to review technical plans and ensure compliance with engineering standards.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, elected officials, and the public.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
  • Working knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and project administration in a public sector environment.
  • Ability to use technology and data to support decision-making and operational efficiency.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
  • Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS
  • Ability to logically think and reason.
  • Ability to read, write, interpret, and verbally give or demonstrate work instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a 40 plus hours per week standard office environment. Frequent trips to off-site office locations may be necessary, often in inclement weather. Night meetings are frequent, and therefore the length of the workday and work week may substantially exceed 8 hours and 40 hours, respectively.
POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS
  • The City of Elkhart is a Drug-Free Workplace; successful completion of a post-offer drug screen is required. Random drug testing may be conducted after employment.
  • Background checks must produce acceptable BMV and criminal history reports.

POLICY STATEMENT
  • The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
  • This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and "other" duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
  • This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.

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