Public Works Maintenance Worker I/II/III

Kern-County,-CA; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Kern County is seeking qualified applicants for Public Works Maintenance Worker I–III positions. The job supports the department of Public Works and involves performing maintenance and construction tasks, operating basic tools and equipment, and meeting position requirements across three levels.

Applicants must meet education and experience standards for each level, including a valid California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Level I requires a high school diploma/GED and 1 year of related experience or equivalent education/experience.
• Level II requires 30 semester or 45 quarter units or HS diploma with 1 year related experience or equivalent.
• Level III requires 60 semester or 90 quarter units or HS diploma with 2 years related experience or equivalent.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

30 sem/45 qtr units

60 sem/90 qtr units

Job description

Salary

• Level I: $1,733.74 - $2,071.98, paid bi-weekly
• Level II: $1,915.60 - $2,289.32, paid bi-weekly
• Level III: $2,116.53 - $2,529.45, paid bi-weekly

Examination Schedule

• Written Examination: will be conducted on Friday, September 18, 2026.

Examinations

Written Exam (Weighted 100%): Will be conducted for the purpose of evaluating the applicant's knowledge of basic arithmetic; common scales, weights and measurements; tools and materials commonly used in road construction and maintenance; and the operation of tools and gasoline or diesel-powered construction and maintenance equipment.

Applicants must attain at least a 70% score on each phase of the exam process.

Minimum Qualifications/Employment Standards

Level I: High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent and one (1) year work related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Level II: Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units of college course work from an accredited college or university; OR High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent and one (1) year of work related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Level III: Sixty (60) semester or (90) ninety quarter units of college course work from an accredited college or university; OR High School Diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent, and two (2) years or work related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to obtain the knowledge and skill to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Additional Requirements (all levels):

Possess a valid Class C California Driver's License.

Some Positions May Require:

Successfully complete a 40-hour Hazwoper training program within 6 months of hire or be terminated.

Possession of a valid Class A or Class B California Driver's License.

This position works within the department of Public Works. For more information about the department, please view their website here.

Full Job Description for:

• Public Works Maintenance Worker I
• Public Works Maintenance Worker II
• Public Works Maintenance Worker III

Kern County employees provide opportunities that are purposeful to our community. Every employee and every action contributes to the improvement and strengthening of our county.

Growth Mindset

We always encourage our employees to grow and develop. Kern County has a culture of innovation that allows employees to explore creative and more efficient ways to accomplish their work. We provide access to training and continued professional development in an effort to ensure that our employees have opportunities for career growth.

Admittance to the examination will require a valid government issued photograph identification. Applicants who are unable to present proper identification must make arrangements with the Human Resources Division prior to the test date.

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

Following an offer of employment, you may be required to submit to post offer medical and drug screening tests at County expense.

This examination will establish an eligible list from which an immediate appointment will be made at the Public Works Department. Other permanent and temporary appointments will be made as needed. Successful candidates will remain on the eligible list for a period of twelve-months, unless specified otherwise by the Civil Service Commission.

For more information regarding Kern County's recruitment process, please see our FAQ page.

Kern County is an ADA compliant and an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply.