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Public Works Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Civil Engineer

Sioux City, IA ยท On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Public Works Engineering Division: Public Works Engineering Opening Date: 08/26/2026 Closing Date: 9/26/2026 11:59 PM Central Description Take advantage of one of the country's most affordable cities.

Office Assistant (Part-time)

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$21.48 - $28.07/hr

Public Works Opening Date: 08/14/2026 Closing Date: Continuous FLSA: Non-Exempt Bargaining Unit: NREP Position Summary Position Summary: A customer-focused and detail-oriented Office Assistant to ...

Civil Engineer I

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$96K - $122K/yr

Clean Water Division of Public Works: Planning Engineer to evaluate storm and sanitary sewer needs to support development and re-development within the City of Des Moines. to manage resident ...

Civil Engineer II

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$108K - $137K/yr

Clean Water Division of Public Works: Planning Engineer to evaluate storm and sanitary sewer needs to support development and re-development within the City of Des Moines. to manage resident ...

Civil Engineer II

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$108K - $137K/yr

Clean Water Division of Public Works: Planning Engineer * to evaluate storm and sanitary sewer needs to support development and re-development within the City of Des Moines. * to manage resident ...

Office Assistant (Part-time)

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$21.48 - $28.07/hr

This position serves as one of the first points of contact for residents and customers seeking Public Works services and plays a critical role in ensuring inquiries and service requests are handled ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Works information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$22

$41

How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works in Iowa is $22.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.16 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 Iowa?

The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Public Works jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Works jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Public Works jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Public Works job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,357 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Public Works Operations Specialist

Clive, IA โ€ข On-site

City of Clive (IA)
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

JOB SUMMARY Performs manual labor and semi-skilled to skilled work often involving the operation of light-to-heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment. Work involves maintaining, repairing, and constructing City infrastructure, including streets, stormwater systems, traffic control devices, and public grounds. Each employee is expected to respect others, be customer-driven, present a positive attitude, function as part of a team, act with honesty and integrity, be innovative and creative, communicate effectively, deal courteously with customers and co-workers, and maintain effective working relationships with others.

JOB FUNCTIONS Examples of Essential Job Functions: Drives and operates trucks, tractors, and other motorized equipment with various attachments. Performs installation, maintenance, and repair work on various sizes of pipes, conduits, valves, hydrants, and other water distribution components. Maintains and repairs streets and right-of-ways, including patching, paving, curb and sidewalk replacement, joint and crack sealing, and debris removal.

Performs snow removal and ice control using a variety of equipment and chemical applications. Participates in tree and brush pruning, mowing, landscaping, and right-of-way maintenance. Constructs, repairs, and cleans intakes, grates, storm sewers, and other drainage facilities; performs jetting/vacuum cleaning and CCTV inspection of wastewater and stormwater collection systems.

Installs and maintains traffic signal systems, fiber optic systems, and traffic control devices; paints pavement markings; maintains work zone safety setups. Maintains, fabricates, repairs, and replaces street signs, posts, and traffic control devices, maintaining related inventories. Performs mechanical and non-mechanical repairs on equipment, including welding, sandblasting, and painting.

Cleans tools and equipment after use and stores them properly. Reads and interprets blueprints, technical manuals, construction drawings, and Safety Data Sheets. Collects and disposes of refuse along rights-of-way, parks, or City-owned buildings.

Maintains records related to equipment, materials usage, and other job activities. Assists the public by responding to inquiries and complaints and taking appropriate action. Provides assistance and support in City emergencies.

Attends required safety and technical training. Regular attendance is essential to this position. EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of construction, maintenance, and repair methods, materials, and tools.

Skill in operating construction and maintenance equipment. Knowledge of safety precautions for working around mechanized equipment and in public rights-of-way. Ability to calculate or estimate materials needed for projects.

Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, and technical documents. Ability to communicate effectively and courteously with others. Ability to lead small crews, perform strenuous physical labor under varying weather conditions, and maintain positive working relationships.

Ability to perform all duties safely and in accordance with established policies and training. EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE Required Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED/HiSET). Preferred Experience: One year operating light or medium construction equipment.

Preferred Certifications: Iowa Commercial Pesticide Applicator's License. Licensing and Other Requirements: Must possess or obtain a valid Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) with air brakes and any required endorsements within six months of appointment. Must maintain a good driving record for the past three years.

Must establish residency within a 30-mile radius of City Hall (1900 NW 114th Street, Clive) within three months of employment. Must be generally available for off-hour emergencies, snow duty, and work assignments. PHYSICAL AND ENVIROMENTAL CHARACTERISTICS Required Physical Activities: Climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.

Physical Characteristics of the Job: Heavy work, exerting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally, 25 to 50 pounds frequently, and 10 to 20 pounds constantly. Must be able to lift and move items up to 150 pounds with assistance; remove/replace manhole covers weighing up to 80 pounds; climb into and out of 24-inch openings and equipment cabs; and use tools weighing 30 pounds or more. Vision Requirements: Frequent near and far visual acuity, depth perception, color vision, and field of vision required to safely perform job duties and operate equipment; corrective lenses permitted.

Environmental Characteristics: Work is primarily outdoors with seasonal exposure to cold, heat, wind, rain, and snow. Work may involve confined spaces, poor lighting, noise, vibration, wetness/humidity, fumes, dust, uneven ground, and mechanical or traffic hazards. Some assignments may involve unpleasant social situations, high work pace, and irregular hours.

Equipment Essential to the Job: Vehicles and heavy equipment including dump trucks, loaders, backhoes, graders, skid loaders, tractors, and aerial lifts. Specialized equipment such as snow and ice control equipment, combination jet/vacuum trucks, street sweepers, CCTV sewer inspection units, pavement marking and joint sealing trailers, excavators, pothole patching trailers, tractors with batwing mowers, and GPS units. Power and hand tools including grinders, drills, saws, compressors, pumps, and wrenches.

Measurement and diagnostic tools such as tape measures, levels, and pressure gauges. Safety equipment and clothing including gloves, goggles, gas monitors, rain gear, and ear protection. Personal computers, telephones, and other office or field communication equipment.

The City of Clive retains the authority to change the job duties included in this job description at anytime. The list of duties is not exhaustive and various requirements are subject to possible modification as a reasonable accommodation for a qualified individual.