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Public Works Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Works closely with the City Council, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, other City departments, and a variety of public and private organizations in developing programs and implementing projects to ...

Public Works Technician Inframark is hiring a Public Works Technician to join our team. You will be performing manual labor and operating departmental equipment. We would ask you to perform grounds ...

Public Works Superintendent

VA · On-site

$78K - $90K/yr

Public Works, VA Job Type: Regular Full-Time Job Number: PW060426 Department: Public Works Opening Date: 06/04/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description Performs complex skilled technical and ...

Director of Public Works

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$172K - $249K/yr

Public Works Division: Director's Office Opening Date: 06/18/2026 Description Norfolk, Virginia is America's most authentic and urban waterfront city. Home to the world's largest Naval station and ...

Public Works Crew Leader Inframark is hiring a Public Works Crew Leader in Chatham VA. As a member of our team responsible for the operations and maintenance of municipal public works, you would lead ...

Title: Superintendent, Public Opportunities Type: Full Time, Exempt Location: 100% On-site | Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Reports to: Director, Utilities We are seeking an experienced ...

Title: Superintendent, Public Opportunities Type: Full Time, Exempt Location: 100% On-site | Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Reports to: Director, Utilities We are seeking an experienced ...

Title: Superintendent, Public Opportunities Type: Full Time, Exempt Location: 100% On-site | Richmond, VA and Surrounding Areas Reports to: Director, Utilities We are seeking an experienced ...

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Public Works information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$24

$44

How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works in Virginia is $24.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.12 and $27.64 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works jobs in Virginia? For Public Works jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Public Works jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Public Works job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,987 per year, or $24 per hour.

Public Works Director

City of Hopewell

Hopewell, VA • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Description Performs complex professional work planning, organizing, directing, and administering the activities of the department including street maintenance, building maintenance, stormwater program, fleet maintenance, solid waste collections, and construction project management, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel.

Examples of Duties Directs and coordinates the operations of stormwater management, building construction and maintenance, street and drainage maintenance, grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, solid waste collection, management of inactive landfills, and fleet services. Manages construction contracts for the City; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; coordinates and monitors the work of contractors; makes field inspections of public works or engineering projects to review progress, ensures completion and compliance with contract requirements. Works closely with the City Council, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, other City departments, and a variety of public and private organizations in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to public works issues.

Participates in planning activities for the City; serves as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Virginia Waste Management Organization. Evaluates and develops City ordinances and policies for effectiveness and appropriateness. Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Public Works Department, division, and capital improvement budgets; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.

Coordinates and/or facilitates department activities with the needs of other City departments. Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and explains department programs to citizens; investigates and takes necessary actions. Serves as the City's resource for technical engineering expertise; provides engineering consultations with staff and community.

Recruits and selects department personnel; assigns, directs, trains, and inspects the work of staff; rewards, disciplines, coaches, counsels, and evaluates staff performance; develops staff schedules; recommends transfers, promotions, suspensions, terminations, and demotions. Ensures the proper safety training and practices of staff. Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

Typical Qualifications Minimum Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and extensive progressively responsible experience in civil engineering and public works services, maintenance and operations, including considerable supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses and/or Certifications: Registration as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles and best practices. Extensive knowledge of construction inspections, quality control methods and practices, and of municipal public works administration. Skills: Leadership and communication skills.

Strong technical problem solving and analytical skills. Abilities: Ability to deal with multiple projects/issues concurrently. Ability to work with others and to communicate engineering solutions clearly and concisely.

Other Requirements: Ability to work on rotating shifts during snow and natural emergencies. Supplemental Information Work Environment: Work is primarily performed indoors but is exposed to temperamental changes (warehouses, covered loading docks, garages, etc.) or extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust. Essential Physical Activities: Stooping, crouching, walking, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception

Typical weight handled: up to 75 lbs. DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.