"Alerted.org

Public Works Service Worker Trainee

Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/minneapolismn/jobs/newprint/5076991)

Apply



Public Works Service Worker Trainee

Salary

$25.71 - $27.82 Hourly

Location

Various locations in Minneapolis, MN

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2025-00459

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

11/01/2025

Closing Date

12/14/2025 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

CLB

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

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 (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/minneapolismn)

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) (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/jobs/public-works-jobs/job-fairs-events/info-sessions/#d.en.108672)

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 (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/labor-agreements/laborers/) .

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.

Benefits Summary

Our employees enjoy competitive salaries and generous benefits. We pride ourselves on a comprehensive benefits program that supports employees' health and financial well-being. Programs, resources, and benefit eligibility varies based on position, average hours worked, location and length of service. For detailed benefits information, please visit the benefits page (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/WCMS1Q-066289) .

Insurance

Health insurance

Eligibility for benefits begins the first of the month following employment date. The City of Minneapolis offers eligible employees one plan design (http://cityofminneapolis.welcometomedica.com/page/61) with a choice of six provider networks, allowing you to select the best option for you. Available plans include Medica Choice Passport, Medica Elect, VantagePlus with Medica, Park Nicollet and HealthPartners Medical Group First with Medica, Ridgeview Community Network powered by Medica, and Clear Value with Medica.

Dental insurance

The City of Minneapolis offers dental insurance through Delta Dental of Minnesota and pays 100% of the monthly premium for eligible employees.

Life insurance

The city provides basic life insurance of one times your annual salary up to $50,000. You can elect to purchase optional life insurance.

Paid time off

Our generous leave package includes vacation, holidays and paid sick leave, which gives employees the opportunity to enhance their quality of life outside work. Amounts and accrual rates are based on years of experience and collective bargaining agreements (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/laboragreements/index.htm) .

Paid parental leave

City employees are eligible for up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in the event of a birth or placement for adoption of a child.

Retirement

City employees earn a pension and may choose to participate in additional retirement savings programs.

+ Pension: The City of Minneapolis participates in the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). Employees and the City both contribute a percentage of your pay to fund future benefits.

+ Deferred compensation: Employees may choose to participate in pre-tax or after-tax savings plans through the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS).

Transportation

Eligible City employees may choose to participate in the following transportation programs:

+ Metropass: TheMetropass (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/trans/benefits\_pre-tax-transit) program allows eligible employees to enroll in a pass for unlimited bus or light rail rides at a discounted price.

+ Parking or Van Pool:The City of MinneapolisTransportation Benefits Plan (http://www.minneapolismn.gov/hr/benefits/trans/WCMS1P-113620) gives you options to pay certain commuting costs, such as qualified parking and van pool expenses, with pre-tax dollars.

Learning and development

To engage and develop employees, the City of Minneapolis offers classes in leadership, cultural agility, change management and more. Additionally, educational discounts at Augsburg University, Hamline University, St. Catherine’s, and St. Mary's University of Minnesota are available to City employees.

Other perks

Employees can also take advantage of flexible spending accounts, theEmotional Wellbeing Solutions (https://www.minneapolismn.gov/government/departments/hr/benefits-wellness/) , health club discounts and more.

01

How did you find out about this position? (Select all that apply)

+ Recruiter

+ City of Minneapolis website

+ City of Minneapolis employee

+ City of Minneapolis job interest card

+ Friend, family, or community

+ League of Minnesota Cities website

+ Diversityjobs.com website

+ Governmentjobs.com website

+ Indeed.com website

+ Minnesotajobs.com website

+ Minnesota Council of Nonprofits website

+ LinkedIn

+ Twitter / X

+ Facebook

+ Instagram

+ Job Fair

+ Skyway Digital Billboard

+ Asian Media Access newsletter

+ UROC newsletter

+ KMOJ Radio

+ La Raza Radio

+ WIXK Radio

+ Soora Radio

+ Oromia Radio

+ Hmong Radio

+ None of the above

+ Other

02

Please specify where you heard about the position (e.g., website name, City of Minneapolis employee name, job fair, professional association).

03

Please indicate which information session, community conversation, or job fair you attended, if any?

+ DEED/ Dislocated Workers

+ Urban League Twin Cities

+ Summit Academy OIC

+ Takoda/ American Indian OIC

+ MAD DADS

+ EMERGE

+ Northpoint Wellness food bank

+ The FATHER Project

+ Twin Cities Rise!

+ Open Doors

+ Ukrainian Community Center

+ HR Bridges event

+ 363 Union Rep

+ 49ers Union Rep

+ Goodwill Easter Seals

+ Ujamaa Place

+ Saint Paul College

+ Hennepin County Virtual Career Fair

+ Metro Blooms

+ People of Color Career Fair

+ CLUES

+ NAZ

+ Job Corps

+ Sabathani Community Center

+ None of the above

+ Other

04

If you answered 'Other' to question 3, please indicate what you attended.

05

Candidates must be at least 18 years of age by the application deadline. Will you be 18 years of age or older by Sunday, December 14, 2025?

+ Yes

+ No

06

What is the highest level of education that you have successfully completed?

+ High School Diploma/GED

+ Associate's Degree

+ Bachelor's Degree

+ Master's Degree or higher

07

Do you currently possess and maintain a valid driver's license?

+ Yes, I have a valid driver's license

+ No, I do not have a valid driver's license, but I will have one by January 12, 2026.

+ No, I do not have a valid driver's license and will not be able to obtain one by January 12, 2026.

08

How many years of experience do you have performing manual labor and operating construction equipment in a similar work environment and/or material handling (i.e. freight handling, box truck/cube vans)?

+ No Experience

+ Less than 1 year

+ 1 year but less than 2

+ 2 years but less than 3

+ 3 years but less than 4

+ 4 or more years

09

Which of the following valid Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDL), with no air brake restrictions, do you currently possess?

+ Class "A"

+ Class "B"

+ I do not have a valid CDL

+ I have a valid Class B or better CDL with air brake restrictions

10

Do you hold any of the following endorsements with your driver's license? (Select all that apply)

+ Hazardous

+ Passenger

+ School Bus (S)

+ Tank Vehicle (N)

+ Tanker and Hazardous Materials (X)

+ Double/Triples (T)

+ I do not have any of the endorsements listed above

11

Do you have any of the following certification(s)? (Check all that apply)

+ Waste Water

+ HazMat

+ Confined Space

+ None of the above

12

Do you have experience performing any of the following duties? Please check all of the items below that you have experience performing.

+ Ability to construct work using plans and specifications

+ Asphalt Raker (Placing and leveling hot mix asphalt)

+ Concrete/Cement Finishing (Installation of concrete forms and placing ready mix concrete)

+ Excavating (Excavation of soils, pavement removals and grading)

+ Installed underground structures

+ Operating a jack hammer (Standard 90lb air driven jack hammer)

+ Pipelaying (Installation of small and large diameter concrete and PVC sewer pipe in trenches. Installation of precast concrete structures which involves the use of a trench shield.)

+ Prepare and apply mixes such as sand, cement, sealant, & seal coating

+ Solid Waste Collection & Recycling

+ Material Handling (i.e. freight handling, box truck, cube van)

+ None of the above

13

Public Works Service Workers may be required to work nights, weekend shifts and/or holidays. Are you available to work during weekends, evenings/nights and holidays?

+ Yes

+ No

14

Please describe any delivery experience that you may have that requires a commercial driver's license. If you don't have any please type N/A.

15

I understand that if I am not selected for this position, I won't be automatically considered for other Service Worker positions and that I must apply to the other Service Worker positions in order to be considered.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Minneapolis

Address

350 South 5th Street

Room 1

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55415

Phone

(612) 673-2282

Website

http://www.minneapolismn.gov/jobs

Apply

Please verify your email addressVerify Email