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Public Works Jobs in Michigan (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 ...

City of Ypsilanti

Public Works Supervisor

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$27 - $39/hr

Reporting to the Department of Public Works Director, the employee exercises independent discretion and judgment within statutory requirements, City policies, ordinances, and procedures. In addition ...

City of Ypsilanti

Public Works Supervisor

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$27 - $39/hr

Reporting to the Department of Public Works Director, the employee exercises independent discretion and judgment within statutory requirements, City policies, ordinances, and procedures. In addition ...

A2

Public Works Technician I - Solid Waste

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$23.50/hr

Public Works Technician I - Solid Waste Starting Rate: $23.50/Hour (This rate is non-negotiable and there is a 6-month probationary period). After hire, pay increases are dependent on length of ...

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Public Works information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$21

$38

How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works in Michigan is $21.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $24.33 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 Michigan?

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

What are popular job titles related to Public Works jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Public Works jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Public Works job openings:

Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,945 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Public Works Worker

Southfield, City of (MI)

Southfield, MI

$52K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 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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