Public Works Service Worker Trainee

City of Minneapolis
$25.71 - $27.82 Hourly
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, parental leave, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, retirement plan, pension
United States, Minnesota, Minneapolis
Nov 01, 2025
Position Description This is an entry-level, full-time position requiring no prior experience. Trainees perform manual labor, support the department's construction and maintenance activities, and learn to drive and operate equipment. Candidates will be supported in obtaining their CDL Class B license. Additionally, the positions below are also open on the City of Minneapolis Career page, please review qualifications of each role before applying: Public Works Service Worker I Public Works Service Worker II Water Distribution Operator Trainee Water Distribution Operator Job Opportunities \| Sorted by Job Title ascending \| City of Minneapolis 2026 Salary Range: * Public Works Service Worker Trainee: $25.715 hourly first 6 months; $27.816 hourly after 6 months on the job experience and successfully obtaining a CDL o After successful completion of your 12-month trainee program, Trainee's will be promoted to Public Works Service Worker I pay. Information Sessions: * Public Works will provide Information Sessions; dates and locations provided in the link below. * Our Information Sessions offer you the opportunity to go beyond the website and talk to representatives about what skills Public Works is seeking and the application process. * Please visit this link for the information sessions: Information Sessions - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov) The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas. Job Duties and Responsibilities Perform numerous construction and maintenance manual labor tasks for a number of Public Works functions, may include, but is not limited to: All tasks related to the removal, replacement or placement of infrastructure (i.e. various types of pipe or conduit, maintenance holes, curb and gutter, concrete, asphalt, etc.) Load, unload, and secure materials and equipment from trucks using several methods, i.e., by hand, or by using various loading equipment. Drive sheathing, break and remove concrete, etc. Make routine inspections, minor and major repairs and perform cleaning activities in sanitary and storm infrastructure including but not limited to pipes, tunnels, maintenance holes, grit chambers. Assist with the maintenance of streets, alleys; may shovel and remove dirt and snow, mow grass and trim brush. Assist with the installation and maintenance of 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. Perform excavation, placement and replacement of infrastructure and materials at or below grade (i.e. utility trenches). Perform collection of solid waste and recycling materials through the use of automatic lift equipment and manual manipulation of carts and bins. Also, required to retrieve spillage by hand and put into truck. Drive routes and collect garbage, recycling, yard waste, special items. Will also sort materials and transport them to appropriate drop off site. Measure, calculate, and record quantities of materials used and/or work performed. Prepare and apply mixes such as sand, cement, sealant and de-icing chemicals. Work with crew members in the tagging and flagging of heavy equipment, including cranes, and assist with traffic control on the job to ensure productivity and safety. May be required to flag traffic at, around and/or through a fixed or mobile work zone. Operate winches, pumps, hoists and other mechanical equipment. Operate heavy power tools, such as jack hammer, concrete saw, and other tools as needed. Responsible for the safe driving and operation of trucks and construction equipment including: Operate skid-steer loaders, pup-rollers , trailers, trucks, snowplows, solid waste collection trucks and sweepers, jet trucks, vac trucks, etc. Perform daily inspection and maintenance checks on vehicle(s) and machinery/equipment used; and record and file daily records of vehicle condition and/or mechanical problems. Perform and make daily routine inspection and adjustments/minor service work on equipment/machinery utilized, including the attachment connection to the equipment, such as cleaning, washing, greasing, and lubricating. Operate snowplows in difficult conditions Assist foremen on estimating and calculating of materials used on the job to ensure accurate assessment. Assist foremen about machinery and equipment capabilities to accomplish specific job site needs, including recommending equipment rental needs. Participate in safety meetings, right-to-know training, and tool-box meetings; participate in workplace accident and injury reduction programs, and other OSHA mandated training. Perform other related duties and responsibilities as required. Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: Exposure to all kinds & types of weather conditions; dirt, dust, odors, chemicals, vermin, insects, garbage, high noise levels, heavy traffic, etc. Frequent standing and walking for long periods of time on rough, uneven surfaces; frequent push/pull, bending, twisting, lifting and maneuvering of objects weighing up to 100 pounds; working in confined spaces; climbing in and out of maintenance holes and/or vehicles; as well as overhead ability to climb, maneuver and/or work on ladders, stairs and platforms. Position may require compliance with OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard, including maintaining a clean-shaven face for proper respirator fit. * Public Works Service Worker Trainees may be required to work nights, weekend shifts and/or holidays. * There may be opportunities to learn asphalt raking, grade setting, pipe laying and concrete work/cement finishing. Required Qualifications Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Sunday, December 14, 2025. Education: High school diploma, GED or equivalent Public Works Service Worker Trainee Specific Qualifications: Work Experience: No previous experience is required. License/Certifications: Valid driver's license. Applicants must be able to present proof of a current valid driver's license at the time of the Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire. Background Check: The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualif ications check may be necessary for certain positions with this job title. Applicants may be required to sign an informed consent form allowing the City to obtain their criminal history and/or verify their qualifications in connection with the position sought. Applicants who do not sign the informed consent form will not be considered further for the position. Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Test and Medical Examination: After a conditional job offer, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam including a respiratory screening, back screening and hearing test and a pre-employment drug and alcohol test. Applicants will be required to sign a notification and consent form prior to undergoing pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Applicants who do not consent to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and/or who do not complete the pre-employment drug and alcohol testing within the allotted timeframe will not be considered further and the City will withdraw the conditional job offer. Applicants must be deemed medically fit and successfully pass a drug and alcohol screening prior to hire. Drug and Alcohol Testing: As a condition of continued employment, Public Works Service Workers with Commercial Driver's License are subject to random drug testing. Selection Process: The examination/selection process for this position may co nsist of a training & experience and Workplace Simulatio n Test 100%. Minimum passing score 70%. The City of Minneapolis Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process. When completing your application form/materials, it is to your advantage to be as complete and thorough as is possible. A submitted application is also used to verify the answers to any supplemental questions. Information found to be false will result in an applicant's disqualification from the exam. The Workplace Simulation formerly known as "Physical Agility" Test will be held the week of January 12, 2026. Candidates will be contacted via email to self-schedule their testing time. A Workplace Simulation Test, testing endurance and the ability to lift, push, pull, carry, etc., will be included as part of the examination process. Candidates that fail to appear for testing will not be considered for hire. Interviews will be conducted the week of February 2, 2026, if you have successfully completed the Workplace Simulation Test and are selected to move forward in the process. The hiring authority reserves the right to determine the maximum number of candidates to interview from the established eligible list. If the hiring authority decides to interview other than by exam score order, they may select additional people to interview based on a candidate's education or experience related to the field, work history, or skills uniquely related to the operational needs of the position. Division Practical Exams will be held the week of February 11 - 13, 2026, if you are selected by Solid Waste and Recycling, Surface Water and Sewers or Transportation Maintenance and Repair-Bridge Division. This is to ensure that you can work in confined spaces, navigate through narrow alley ways and to ensure you can work in elevated heights. Please note if you do not pass the Division Practical Exam you are not guaranteed placement in another division. Veteran's Preference: For an eligible veteran to receive Veteran's Preference points for this exam, a veteran must complete and submit the veteran preference form and supply a copy of his/her DD Form 214 (Certificate of Release from Active Duty) or other documentation verifying service to substantiate the services information as well as the character of the discharge. The veteran must submit all supporting documentation (disabled or non-disabled veteran) with the online application as an attachment and submit the completed application with documentation no later than the application deadline. If the applicant is a veteran who qualifies for disability veteran's preference, please note the veteran must also attach supporting documentation which designates the percentage of disability with the online application as an attachment. Veteran's Preference Points will not be awarded if supporting documentations is not submitted along with the application. Union Representation: This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Minneapolis and Laborers #363. Eligible List Statement: The names of applicants who meet minimum qualification and who pass the screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. This list will be certified to the hiring manager who may use the list to fill a vacancy of the same job title. The eligible list will expire 6 months after it has been established. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities * Tanker Endorsement will be required for some assignments. * Respirators will be required for some assignments. * A variety of certifications and qualification will be needed after employment. These vary by assignment and Confined Space Entry Certification, hazmat training, and others. The work requires lifting and carrying heavy materials and equipment and work under varied conditions Knowledge of practices, procedures, equipment and materials used in the maintenance and construction work. * Knowledge of OSHA regulations, work zone safety, safe driving practices, traffic and DOT regulations as they apply to worksite safety and operation of equipment. * Ability to follow established safety practices so that personal time loss and/or property loss accidents are avoided. * Knowledge of safe operation, maintenance, adjustments and minor services of various vehicles and equipment in an acceptable manner (i.e., oil, grease) and assist in the maintenance of equipment. * Ability to drive trucks with standard shift transmission. * Ability to participate and work as part of a diverse Public Works/City of Minneapolis crew or team in an environment that supports diversity and adheres to the City's policies supporting respect in the workplace. * Basic ability to read and understand maps, engineering drawings, plans and survey data and follow oral or written instructions given in English, and to perform simple mathematical calculations. * Ability and willingness to work varied work assignments, and able to work evenings, nights, weekends and/or holidays, etc. * Basic knowledge of computer software programs. As the largest and most vibrant city in the state, Minneapolis depends on purposeful, dedicated and innovative employees. Minneapolis has a large variety of careers for people of all experiences and backgrounds who come together for a singular purpose-serving the residents, businesses and visitors of Minneapolis. The City of Minneapolis is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer.