Public Works Service Worker II

City of Minneapolis; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 56,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Minneapolis seeks Public Works Service Worker II to operate a broad range of construction equipment and assist in maintaining city infrastructure. Responsibilities include daily equipment checks, heavy-lift tasks, and assisting with storm and sanitary systems.

Applicants need a high school diploma or GED and a valid Class B CDL, with potential tanker endorsement within a year. Work involves safety compliance, possible night/weekend shifts, and adherence to OSHA and DOT regulations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Class B CDL with no air brake restrictions; Tanker Endorsement may be required within 12 months.
• At least 1 year of experience operating two of the listed equipment (rubber tire tractor with backhoe, hydraulic crawler backhoe, front end loader or skid-steer loader).
• Ability to pass required safety/OSHA training and maintain qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Drive and operate a wide variety of construction equipment and trucks.
• Perform daily inspection and routine service on equipment and machinery.
• Assist with maintenance of streets, alleys, and public spaces; load/unload materials from trucks.
• Set up traffic control and ensure safety in work zones.
• Participate in safety and training programs and follow DOT, OSHA, and city rules.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Manual labor

Safety consciousness

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Class B CDL (no air brake restrictions)

Job description

As a Public Works Service Worker II, you will drive and operate a wide variety of construction equipment and attached mechanical devices used in construction and maintenance work and perform skilled and manual labor in the repair and maintenance of the City's infrastructure as directed.

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
• Water Distribution Operator Trainee
• Water Distribution Operator

Job Opportunities | Sorted by Job Title ascending | City of Minneapolis

2026 Salary Range:

• Public Works Service Worker II: $40.714 - $44.490 hourly

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 the link for the information sessions: Information Sessions - City of Minneapolis (minneapolismn.gov)

The City of Minneapolis does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

• Responsible for the safe driving and operation of heavy and light construction equipment, and trucks that may include, but are not limited to the following general and specialized equipment:
  • Hydraulic crawler backhoes, front end loaders, skid-steer loaders, motor graders, rollers, asphalt pavers, bulldozers, slip form concrete equipment, chip spreaders, boom trucks, cable and hydraulic cranes, rollers, trailers, trucks, snow and ice control equipment, i.e. maintenance tractors, sweepers, flushers, hydraulic rubber tire excavator, large asphalt roller, and maintenance trucks and other equipment, as assigned.
• Perform daily inspection and maintenance checks on vehicle(s) and machinery/equipment used, including recording and filing 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 winches, pumps, hoists and other mechanical equipment. Mount and remove snow and ice equipment.
• 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.
• Consult with foremen about machinery and equipment capabilities to accomplish specific job site needs, including recommending equipment rental needs.
• May function as lead worker coordinating and monitoring work progress of crew or work group.
• Abide by all safety, OSHA, policy, work rules and other pertinent employer expectations.
• Perform numerous manual and skilled construction and maintenance tasks for a number of Public Works functions, including removal, replacement or placement of infrastructure (i.e., various types of pipes or conduit, manholes, 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.
  • Assist with the placement and repair of storm and sanitary sewer infrastructure such as pipes, culverts, maintenance holes, tunnels and related infrastructure.
  • Assist with the maintenance of streets, alleys, and public spaces; may shovel and remove dirt and snow, mow grass and trim brush.
  • Assist with the installation and maintenance of traffic signs and posts; paint pavement/street markings; and install, remove, and maintain parking meter supports and collars.
  • Set up traffic control/barricades for parades/events, detours, and maintenance operations.
  • Repair and maintain guardrails, bridges, and related infrastructure.
• Participate in safety meetings, right-to-know training, and toolbox 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 and types of weather conditions; dirt, dust, odors, chemicals, vermin, insects, garbage, high noise levels, heavy traffic, possible exposure to raw sewage, etc. Frequent standing and walking for long periods of time on rough, uneven surfaces; frequent pushing/pulling, 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 Workers II may be required to work nights, weekend shifts and/or holidays.

Age:

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age by Tuesday, December 1, 2026.

Education:

High School Diploma, GED or equivalent.

Work Experience:

At least one year of experience (within the last five years) operating two (2) of the following pieces of equipment: rubber tire tractor (with backhoe), hydraulic crawler backhoe, front end loader or skid-steer loader.

Desirable Equipment Experience:

Motor grader, asphalt spreader, cable crane & bulldozer.

License/Certifications:

• Possess and continue to maintain a class B (or better) Commercial Driver's License with no air brake restrictions. Tanker Endorsement may be required for some positions within twelve (12) months of employment.
  • Applicants must be able to present proof of a current/valid Commercial Driver's License at the time of Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire.
  • "PERMIT" Commercial Driver's License ARE NOT acceptable.

Background Check:

The City has determined that a criminal background check and/or qualifications 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 will consist of training & experience, Workplace Simulation Test and practical exam 100%. Only those candidates who attain a passing score 80% on each step in the selection process will be placed on the eligible list. 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 11, 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 or fail testing will not be considered for hire.

The Practical Equipment exam will be held on Friday, January 15, 2027. Candidates are tested on pre-trip and on three pieces of equipment. Two required pieces are the Hydraulic Crawler Backhoe and Rubber Tired Tractor Backhoe. Candidates can choose between Skid Steer Loader and Front-End Loader for their third piece.

Interviews will be conducted the week of February 1, 2027, 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 conducted the week of February 9 - 11, 2027, 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 the Construction Equipment Operators and Mechanics Unit, IUOE Local #49.

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. Eligible list will expire 11 months after it has been established.

• Minnesota Wastewater Operators License is desirable for assignments in the Surface Water and Sewer area.
• Knowledge of practices, procedures, equipment, and materials used in the maintenance and construction of public works infrastructure and public service delivery.
• Ability to perform practices and procedures used in the maintenance and construction of public works infrastructure.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, work zone safety, safe driving practices, traffic and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations as they apply to worksite safety and operation of equipment.
• 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 read and understand construction plan sheets and drawings, related to the project being worked on, i.e., grading, field stakes, pipe, traffic control, etc.; basic engineering drawings, maps, survey data; and follow oral and written instructions given in English.
• 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 knowledge of desktop and portable computer hardware and software programs.
• Ability to follow established safety practices so that personal time loss and/or property loss accidents are avoided.
• Ability to understand and comply with all Department of Transportation (DOT) rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate a willingness to respond to varied work assignments, flexible working hours, including evenings, nights, weekendsand/orholidays.May be required to work a reasonable amount of overtime, an alternate work week or shift, and participate in emergency response as needed.
• Demonstrate a willingness to learn new job skills and work tasks as assigned.
• A variety of certifications and qualifications may be needed after employment. These vary by assignment and include Wastewater Operator S-D certificate, Confined Space Entry Certification.