Public Works Service Worker I

City of Minneapolis•Various locations in Minneapolis, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Public Works Service Worker I performs skilled and non-skilled manual labor and drives trucks and equipment to support Public Works construction and maintenance activities. Work assignments may span infrastructure, streets and alleys, traffic controls, solid waste and recycling, and other Public Works functions. The role involves operating and maintaining vehicles, machinery, and tools; working as part of a crew; and following safety procedures. Assignments may include driving and collecting waste, recycling, yard waste, or special items, with solid-waste assignments divided approximately equally between driving and loading/unloading. The work takes place outdoors in varied weather and may involve exposure to dirt, dust, odors, chemicals, vermin, insects, garbage, high noise levels, heavy traffic, and raw sewage. Employees may work in confined spaces, at elevated heights, and around traffic. The role may require nights, weekends, or holidays. Some assignments require respirator use and additional certifications or qualifications after employment. Applicants must be at least 18 by December 1, 2026, and meet the listed education, work experience, and commercial driver’s license requirements. Hiring includes a workplace simulation test, and some divisions may require a practical exam. After a conditional offer, candidates must pass a medical examination and drug and alcohol test. Public Works Service Workers with a CDL are also subject to random drug testing during employment.

Requirements

Be at least 18 years old by December 1, 2026.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least one year of manual-labor experience in a similar environment.
Prior experience operating construction equipment.
Class B or better Commercial Driver’s License with no air-brake restrictions; a current, valid CDL must be presented at the Workplace Simulation Test and at hire. A CDL permit is not acceptable.
Ability to drive trucks with standard-shift transmission.
Ability to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment and work under varied conditions.
Knowledge of practices, procedures, equipment, and materials used in maintenance and construction work.
Knowledge of OSHA regulations, work-zone safety, safe-driving practices, and traffic and DOT regulations as they relate to worksite safety and equipment operation.
Ability to follow established safety practices and safely operate, maintain, adjust, and perform minor service on vehicles and equipment.
Ability to work as part of a diverse Public Works crew and support workplace respect and City policies.
Basic ability to read and understand maps, engineering drawings, plans, and survey data; follow oral or written instructions in English; and perform simple mathematical calculations.
Ability and willingness to respond to varied assignments and flexible hours, including evenings, nights, or weekends.
Basic knowledge of computer software programs.
Pass the workplace simulation test and, if selected for an applicable division, the division practical exam.
After a conditional offer, pass the pre-employment medical examination, including respiratory, back, and hearing screening, and the pre-employment drug and alcohol test; be deemed medically fit for hire.
Sign required consent forms for any applicable background or qualifications check and pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

Perform manual labor for construction and maintenance activities, including removing, placing, and replacing infrastructure such as pipe, conduit, maintenance holes, curb and gutter, concrete, and asphalt.
Load, unload, and secure materials and equipment from trucks by hand or with loading equipment.
Drive sheathing and break and remove concrete.
Inspect, clean, and repair sanitary and storm infrastructure, including pipes, tunnels, maintenance holes, and grit chambers.
Assist with maintaining streets and alleys, including shoveling and removing dirt and snow, mowing grass, and trimming brush.
Install and maintain traffic signs and posts, paint street markings, and install, remove, and maintain parking meter supports and collars.
Set up barricades for parades, detours, and maintenance operations.
Repair and maintain guardrails, bridges, and related equipment.
Excavate, place, and replace infrastructure and materials at or below grade, including in utility trenches.
Collect solid waste and recycling using automatic lift equipment and manually handled carts and bins; retrieve spilled material by hand and place it in the truck.
Drive collection routes, collect garbage, recycling, yard waste, and special items, sort materials, and transport them to appropriate drop-off sites.
Measure, calculate, and record quantities of materials used and work performed.
Prepare and apply mixes such as sand, cement, sealant, and deicing chemicals.
Help tag and flag heavy equipment, including cranes, and assist with traffic control at fixed or mobile work zones.
Operate winches, pumps, hoists, heavy power tools, and other mechanical equipment as needed.
Safely drive and operate assigned trucks and construction equipment, which may include skid-steer loaders, pup-rollers, trucks, snow plows, solid-waste collection trucks, sweepers, jet trucks, and vacuum trucks.
Inspect vehicles and machinery daily; perform routine adjustments and minor service work, clean and lubricate equipment, and record and file vehicle-condition or mechanical-problem reports.
Assist foremen with estimating and calculating materials used and assessing equipment capabilities and rental needs.
Participate in safety meetings, right-to-know and OSHA-required training, tool-box meetings, and workplace accident and injury reduction programs.