Public Works Employee Job Description [Updated for 2025]
In the modern urban landscape, the demand for Public Works Employees has never been greater.
As our communities continue to grow and evolve, so too does the need for dedicated professionals who can maintain, develop, and protect our essential public infrastructure.
But what exactly is expected from a Public Works Employee?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the specifics of this role,
- A hiring manager mapping out the ideal candidate,
- Or simply curious about the day-to-day responsibilities of a Public Works Employee,
You’ve come to the right place.
Today, we present a customizable Public Works Employee job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Public Works Employee Duties and Responsibilities
Public Works Employees perform a wide variety of tasks related to the maintenance and improvement of public spaces.
They are responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of public services, with daily duties and responsibilities including:
- Performing maintenance and repair work on public facilities such as roads, buildings, and parks
- Operating heavy machinery and equipment as required
- Ensuring cleanliness and safety of public areas
- Assisting in the planning and execution of public works projects
- Inspecting public areas for damage or potential hazards
- Responding to public inquiries and complaints regarding public works issues
- Assisting in the preparation and control of public works budgets
- Adhering to all local and federal safety regulations
- Collaborating with other departments to coordinate public works activities
- Keeping records of maintenance and repair work
- Participating in disaster response and emergency preparedness activities
Public Works Employee Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a dedicated and hardworking Public Works Employee to join our team.
The responsibilities of a Public Works Employee include performing maintenance tasks for public buildings, roads, parks, and other structures, and ensuring that all public facilities are safe and functional.
Our ideal candidate is a physically capable, responsible, and detail-oriented individual who is comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions and capable of operating various types of maintenance and construction equipment.
Ultimately, the role of a Public Works Employee is to maintain and improve community infrastructures while ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our community members.
Responsibilities
- Perform routine maintenance and repair tasks on roads, buildings, and other public facilities
- Operate a variety of vehicles, tools, and equipment for maintenance purposes
- Assist with snow removal and road-sanding activities
- Conduct inspections of public facilities to identify and fix hazards
- Respond to public inquiries and complaints in a courteous and timely manner
- Adhere to all safety procedures and protocols
- Perform cleaning duties such as sweeping, washing, and trash removal
- Assist with the setup and takedown of community events as needed
- Complete any other tasks as assigned by the Public Works Director
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Previous experience in a public works or general labor role
- Ability to operate maintenance equipment safely and effectively
- Physically capable of heavy lifting and working in various weather conditions
- Valid driver’s license
- Basic knowledge of public safety and security procedures
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to follow instructions and work independently
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Overtime opportunities
Additional Information
- Job Title: Public Works Employee
- Work Environment: Outdoor and indoor settings. This role requires physical labor and exposure to various weather conditions.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Public Works Director or Supervisor.
- Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does a Public Works Employee Do?
Public Works Employees are crucial components of local government agencies and municipalities.
They work in a variety of capacities to maintain, repair, and improve public facilities, infrastructure, and services.
They are typically involved in the maintenance of public spaces like parks, streets, and other public property.
This can involve tasks such as repairing road damage, cleaning and maintaining public restrooms, and picking up litter.
Public Works Employees often handle waste management, including the collection and disposal of trash and recycling in public areas.
They may also be responsible for the maintenance and repair of public utilities such as water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure.
They also play a significant role in public safety.
During winter months, they are responsible for clearing snow and ice from public roads and sidewalks.
In case of natural disasters or emergencies, they help in cleanup and recovery efforts.
Furthermore, Public Works Employees often work with engineers and other professionals on construction and improvement projects, ensuring that public facilities and infrastructures are safe and up-to-date.
The role requires physical stamina as it often involves manual labor, and also requires the ability to operate and maintain various types of equipment and machinery.
They often work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
It is a role that requires dedication and commitment to community service.
Public Works Employee Qualifications and Skills
Public Works Employees must possess a diverse range of technical skills, soft skills, and industry-specific knowledge for a variety of tasks, such as:
- Physical strength and stamina required to perform tasks such as lifting heavy objects, climbing, bending, and operating heavy machinery.
- Practical skills and understanding of the tools and equipment used in public works projects, including their operation, maintenance, and safety procedures.
- Knowledge of public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, parks, water, and sewage systems.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, and other project plans to effectively perform tasks and ensure compliance with specifications.
- Excellent problem-solving skills to quickly and effectively address issues that arise during the course of a project, ensuring minimal disruption to the public.
- Communication skills to collaborate with team members, interact with the public when necessary, and understand and execute instructions from superiors.
- Working knowledge of safety regulations and procedures to maintain a safe working environment for themselves and others.
- Ability to work in various weather conditions and during different shifts, including nights and weekends, when necessary.
Public Works Employee Experience Requirements
Entry-level Public Works Employees may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or part-time roles in related fields like construction, public service, or landscaping.
These professionals may also accumulate on-the-job experience in roles such as Road Maintenance Worker, Water Treatment Plant Operator, or other roles directly related to public infrastructure and services.
Those with more than 3 years of experience often have a deeper understanding of public works operations and have developed technical skills in areas such as street maintenance, water and sewer system maintenance, and public facility upkeep.
Public Works Employees with over 5 years of experience are likely to have managerial skills and experience supervising crews.
They may be ready for roles with more responsibility, such as Public Works Supervisor or Public Works Director.
In some municipalities, a certain amount of experience may also be required to qualify for certifications or licenses related to the public works field.
Public Works Employee Education and Training Requirements
Public Works Employees generally require a high school diploma or equivalent.
They often receive on-the-job training, but some positions may require a post-secondary degree or vocational training in fields such as civil engineering, construction management, or public administration.
Experience or knowledge in areas such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical systems, and landscaping can be beneficial for a Public Works Employee.
Understanding of government regulations and safety protocols is also crucial for this role.
Certain positions within the public works department may require specific licenses or certifications such as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or a certification in water and wastewater treatment.
Continuing education and training courses are often encouraged to stay up-to-date on advancements in public works technology and safety standards.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills are also essential, as public works employees often interact with the public, contractors, and government officials.
The ability to operate heavy machinery and equipment, as well as a valid driver’s license, are also commonly required in this field.
Public Works Employee Salary Expectations
A Public Works Employee can expect to earn an average salary of $51,000 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can vary depending on the specific role within the public works department, level of experience, geographical location, and the size of the municipality they work for.
Public Works Employee Job Description FAQs
What skills does a public works employee need?
A public works employee needs a wide range of practical skills such as knowledge of building and grounds maintenance, equipment operation, and repair skills.
They should possess problem-solving abilities to quickly identify and rectify issues.
Being physically fit is also important as the job involves manual labor.
Lastly, they should have good interpersonal skills for interacting with the public and colleagues.
Do public works employees need a degree?
Public works employees do not necessarily need a degree but having a high school diploma or GED is typically required.
Some roles may require vocational training or certificates in areas such as heavy equipment operation, carpentry, plumbing, or electrical work.
On-the-job training is common in this field.
What should you look for in a public works employee resume?
Look for experience in manual labor or maintenance roles, certifications in relevant fields, and a history of safe work practices.
Also, look for soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and communication.
If the role involves dealing with the public, customer service experience can be beneficial.
What qualities make a good public works employee?
A good public works employee is reliable, diligent, and has a strong work ethic.
They should be comfortable working in all weather conditions and willing to carry out a variety of tasks, from simple cleaning to more complex repairs.
Good physical stamina and agility are important for handling the physical demands of the job.
They should also be good communicators to interact positively with the public and their colleagues.
What are the daily duties of a public works employee?
A public works employee’s daily duties vary greatly depending on the specific role and municipality they work for.
They could be responsible for maintaining public buildings, roads, and parks, operating heavy machinery, cleaning public areas, or responding to public complaints and inquiries.
Other tasks could include inspecting infrastructure for damage, making necessary repairs, and ensuring safety standards are met.
Is it challenging to hire public works employees?
Hiring public works employees can be challenging due to the variety of skills required and the physical demands of the job.
It’s important to clearly communicate job expectations and requirements, and ensure candidates are capable and willing to perform the tasks required.
Offering competitive salaries, good benefits, and opportunities for advancement can help attract qualified candidates.
Conclusion
There you have it.
Today, we’ve taken a closer look at the integral role of a public works employee.
And guess what?
It’s not just about maintaining city infrastructure.
It’s about building the backbone of our communities, one project at a time.
With our handy public works employee job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your move.
But why stop there?
Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating pinpoint-accurate listings or polishing your resume to brilliance.
Remember:
Every project completed is a step towards a better community.
Let’s build that future. Together.
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