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Public Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Borough of West Chester

Laborer Public Works

West Chester, PA · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Introduction This position is located in the Department of Public Works and is directly supervised by the incumbent 's Foreman, with final supervision by the Director of Public Works. The function of ...

CPS HR Consulting

Public Works Director

Terrell, TX · On-site

Public Works Director The City of Terrell is seeking a Public Works Director. The City is seeking a highly engaged Public Works executive with strong operational and field experience who can lead ...

City of Jonestown

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Leander, TX · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Assistant Public Works Director, Public Works and Parks Department staff. EXAMPLES OF WORK Essential Duties* · Manages special projects. Responsible for planning; both short term and long term. ...

New

City of Hopewell

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA

$160K/yr

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 ...

City of Elmhurst, IL

Public Works Inspector

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$33.91 - $50.87/hr

Performs public works, capital improvement, engineering and developer-built project inspections, for conformance with City, Federal, state and industry plans, specifications, codes and contract ...

City of Paramount, CA

Public Works Director

Paramount, CA · On-site

$170K - $206K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 05/20/2026 Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description THE CITY Paramount is a unique place, known for its successful transformation from what was once a blighted ...

City of Umatilla (OR)

Public Works Director

Umatilla, OR · On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

The Public Works Director performs supervisory, administrative and professional work including planning and budgeting for the Public Works Department. Functions as mandated by ORS and the Umatilla ...

City of Umatilla, OR

Public Works Director

Umatilla, OR · On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 05/22/2026 Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: N/A General Purpose The City of Umatilla is currently recruiting for it's next Public ...

City of Elmhurst

Public Works Inspector

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$33.91 - $50.87/hr

Performs public works, capital improvement, engineering and developer-built project inspections, for conformance with City, Federal, state and industry plans, specifications, codes and contract ...

City of Muscatine

Public Works Director

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$113K/yr

The City of Muscatine, Iowa is seeking its next Public Works Director. Muscatine, Iowa, is a welcoming community located along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, offering a high quality of life ...

4LEAF, Inc

Public Works Inspector

Pleasanton, CA

$75 - $85/hr

Requirements Minimum Qualifications * 5 years of experience as a Public Works Inspector. * Knowledge of Caltrans' Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) and prior experience with state-and ...

City of Elmhurst

Public Works Inspector

Elmhurst, IL

$33.91 - $50.87/hr

Performs public works, capital improvement, engineering and developer-built project inspections, for conformance with City, Federal, state and industry plans, specifications, codes and contract ...

4LEAF

Public Works Inspector

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$75 - $85/hr

Minimum Qualifications * 5 years of experience as a Public Works Inspector. * Knowledge of Caltrans' Local Assistance Procedures Manual (LAPM) and prior experience with state-and federally-funded ...

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How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works 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 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 are public works jobs?

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.

More about Public Works jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Works jobs? Cities with the most Public Works job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs? The most popular types of Public Works jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Works jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works jobs are:
Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.
Laborer Public Works

Laborer Public Works

Borough of West Chester

West Chester, PA • On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Description:

Introduction

This position is located in the Department of Public Works and is directly supervised by the incumbent 's Foreman, with final supervision by the Director of Public Works.

The function of the Laborer is to perform the described duties.

All duties are performed in accordance with Borough policies and guidelines. Any problems or questions that may arise are directed to the incumbent’s Foreman.

Duties

1. Perform all Public Works tasks assigned by the Foreman, primarily sanitation and recycling collection.

2. Assist in related tasks including but not limited to street maintenance, park grounds and facilities maintenance, building maintenance, snow removal, and any other non-technical task including the operation of any non-CDL vehicle.

For these routine duties, the incumbent will be made aware of all deadlines and normal order they should be completed.

The laborer will work closely with all areas of the Public Works Department to ensure that specific work assigned is completed correctly and on time.

Requirements:

Requirements

This position requires the individual to be physically strong, healthy, and capable of working at an efficient and safe pace. The incumbent must have the ability to follow directions precisely. The laborer should have a general knowledge of various hand tools, minor machinery, and be aware of the proper care for such items. The incumbent must be a high school graduate and possess a valid Pennsylvania Driver's License.

Essential Functions

1. The incumbent must be physically able to lift and handle 60 lb. containers repetitively over the course of the work shift.

2. The incumbent must be physically able to complete all of the five-mile daily route over the course of the work shift with a combination of walking and driving.

3. The incumbent must be physically able to drive and operate a Borough truck for an extended period of time.

4. The incumbent must be physically fit and mobile to operate all tools and equipment of the Department of Public Works.

5. The incumbent must be physically able to understand and follow specific written and verbal instructions.

6. The incumbent must be physically able to understand and interpret shop drawings and prints.