Public Works Worker

Southfield, City of (MI); Southfield (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Southfield's Public Works Department is seeking a dedicated Public Works Worker to join the on-site team. This full-time role supports construction, maintenance, and repair of roads, water mains, sewers, and related infrastructure while following safety protocols.

Ideal candidates have a high school diploma, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work independently or with supervision. CDL Class A with tanker and airbrakes endorsements must be obtained within 12 months of hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Valid driver's license required.
• CDL Class A with Tanker and Airbrakes endorsements within 12 months of hire.
• Experience is not required, but relevant skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Perform construction, maintenance, and repair tasks for roads, water mains, and sewers.
• Operate tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Follow safety protocols and work under supervision or independently as needed.
• Maintain records in the City’s asset management system OpenGov EAM.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Tools & equipment proficiency

Communication skills

Ability to interpret instructions

Teamwork / independent work

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver's license

CDL Class A with tanker and airbrakes endorsements within 12 months

Tools

OpenGov EAM

Job description

The Department of Public Works seeks a dedicated Public Works Worker to join our Public Works team. This full-time union role involves the safe and efficient operation of various tools and equipment to perform construction and maintenance tasks on public infrastructure. The position requires effective communication, the ability to work independently or with supervision, and a commitment to public service excellence.

Location

• On-site at designated public works facilities

Experience

• No specific experience required; relevant skills and qualifications are essential

Skills

• Proficiency with tools and light equipment used in public works
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to interpret written and verbal instructions
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team

Key Responsibilities

• Perform construction, maintenance, and repair tasks related to public infrastructure, including roads, water mains, sanitary sewers, and storm sewers.
• Operate tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
• Follow safety protocols and work under supervision or independently as needed.
• Works on a maintenance crew that performs installation, maintenance, repair, and removal of the following: water main, water meters, water service lines, fire hydrants, gate valves, sanitary sewer main, sanitary sewer lines, gate wells, sewer manholes, storm sewer lines, and catch basins.
• Restores damaged landscape areas due to excavations and other damage.
• Performs maintenance and repair to all the city’s sanitary and storm sewer lift stations.
• Conducts various aspects of street maintenance and construction including, but not limited to, salting, snow plowing & removal; asphalt paving and pothole patching; concrete curb, sidewalk, structure, and pavement repair and paving; road right of way mowing and maintenance; removal of dead animals from streets and right of ways, utility locating; sign installation; proper use of barricades and road closure equipment, etc.
• Responsible for various maintenance tasks in carpentry and general maintenance and construction work.
• Learns equipment operation and terminology of materials used in various aspects of the job.
• Performs a combination of the following duties: erecting & repairing guard rails, highway markers and snow fences, using hand tools, nails, and power tools.
• Participates in training when required.
• Maintains daily activity and inventory records in the City’s computerized asset management system OpenGov EAM.
• Adheres to all safety standards for the operation and maintenance of all City owned equipment.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Class A CDL with tanker and airbrakes endorsements within 12 months of employment. Newly hired employees must pass a 6-month probationary period. If the employee does not acquire his or her CDL Class A with Tanker and Airbrakes Endorsements within the 6-months probationary period, their probationary period will be extended by an additional 6 months. If the individual has not acquired his or her CDL Class A with Tanker and Airbrake Endorsements after the first 12 months of employment, the individual may be terminated.

The Public Works Worker will be classified based on the following criteria:

Public Works Worker I

• Pay grade 312 (Range: $52,417.02 - $78,547.40)
• 0 years of relevant experience required at hire.

Public Works Worker II

• Pay grade 313 (Range: $55,038.47 - $82,474.66)
• At least 4 years of relevant experience and S-4 license at hire. Must demonstrate proficiency with select Public Works tasks and equipment.

Public Works Worker III

• Pay grade 314 (Range: $57,789.96 - $86,598.61)
• At least 7 years of relevant experience and S-3 license at hire. Must demonstrate proficiency with vast majority of Public Works tasks and equipment.