City of Minneapolis
Public Works Service Worker Trainee
City of Minneapolis, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55400
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 also be supported in obtaining their CDL Class B license.
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 (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 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 and 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; 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 (utility trenches).
Perform collection of solid waste and recycling materials through the use of automatic lift equipment and manual manipulation of carts and bins. Retrieve spillage by hand and load into truck.
Drive routes and collect garbage, recycling, yard waste, and special items; sort materials and transport them to appropriate drop‑off sites.
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 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 vehicles and machinery; record and file daily records of vehicle condition.
Operate snowplows in difficult conditions.
Assist foremen on estimating and calculating materials used on the job to ensure accurate assessment.
Assist foremen about machinery and equipment capabilities to accomplish specific job‑site needs.
Participate in safety meetings, right‑to‑know training, and tool‑box meetings; participate in workplace accident and injury reduction programs.
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, etc. Frequent standing and walking for long periods 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; and overhead ability to climb, maneuver and/or work on ladders, stairs and platforms. 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.
Work Experience:
No previous experience is required.
License/Certifications:
Valid driver’s license; proof of current valid driver’s license required at the time of the Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire.
Background Check:
A criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be required. Applicants will be required to sign an informed consent form. Applicants who do not sign will not be considered further.
Pre‑Employment Drug and Alcohol Test and Medical Examination:
Candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment medical exam, respiratory screening, back screening, hearing test and a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test. Candidates who do not consent or fail within the allotted timeframe will not be considered further.
Drug and Alcohol Testing:
Public Works Service Workers with Commercial Driver’s License are subject to random drug testing.
Selection Process:
The examination/selection process includes a training & experience and Workplace Simulation Test (100% minimum passing score 70%). The City reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Veteran’s Preference:
Eligible veterans must submit the veteran preference form and supporting documentation (DD‑Form 214 or equivalent) by the deadline. Preference points will not be awarded if documentation is not submitted.
Union Representation:
This position is represented by Laborers #363.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Tanker endorsement required for some assignments.
Respirators required for some assignments.
Various certifications and qualifications after employment (confined space entry, hazmat training, etc.).
Ability to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment; work under varied conditions.
Knowledge of practices, procedures, equipment and materials used in 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 to avoid personal time loss and property loss accidents.
Knowledge of safe operation, maintenance, adjustments and minor services of various vehicles and equipment; assist in maintenance.
Ability to drive trucks with standard shift transmission.
Ability to work as part of a diverse Public Works crew or team in an environment that supports diversity and respects workplace policies.
Basic ability to read and understand maps, engineering drawings, plans and survey data; follow oral or written instructions in English; perform simple mathematical calculations.
Willingness to work varied assignments, evenings, nights, weekends and/or holidays.
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 Affluent Action employer.
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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 (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 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 and 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; 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 (utility trenches).
Perform collection of solid waste and recycling materials through the use of automatic lift equipment and manual manipulation of carts and bins. Retrieve spillage by hand and load into truck.
Drive routes and collect garbage, recycling, yard waste, and special items; sort materials and transport them to appropriate drop‑off sites.
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 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 vehicles and machinery; record and file daily records of vehicle condition.
Operate snowplows in difficult conditions.
Assist foremen on estimating and calculating materials used on the job to ensure accurate assessment.
Assist foremen about machinery and equipment capabilities to accomplish specific job‑site needs.
Participate in safety meetings, right‑to‑know training, and tool‑box meetings; participate in workplace accident and injury reduction programs.
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, etc. Frequent standing and walking for long periods 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; and overhead ability to climb, maneuver and/or work on ladders, stairs and platforms. 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.
Work Experience:
No previous experience is required.
License/Certifications:
Valid driver’s license; proof of current valid driver’s license required at the time of the Workplace Simulation Test and at the time of hire.
Background Check:
A criminal background check and/or qualifications check may be required. Applicants will be required to sign an informed consent form. Applicants who do not sign will not be considered further.
Pre‑Employment Drug and Alcohol Test and Medical Examination:
Candidates will be required to pass a pre‑employment medical exam, respiratory screening, back screening, hearing test and a pre‑employment drug and alcohol test. Candidates who do not consent or fail within the allotted timeframe will not be considered further.
Drug and Alcohol Testing:
Public Works Service Workers with Commercial Driver’s License are subject to random drug testing.
Selection Process:
The examination/selection process includes a training & experience and Workplace Simulation Test (100% minimum passing score 70%). The City reserves the right to limit the number in any phase of the selection process.
Veteran’s Preference:
Eligible veterans must submit the veteran preference form and supporting documentation (DD‑Form 214 or equivalent) by the deadline. Preference points will not be awarded if documentation is not submitted.
Union Representation:
This position is represented by Laborers #363.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Tanker endorsement required for some assignments.
Respirators required for some assignments.
Various certifications and qualifications after employment (confined space entry, hazmat training, etc.).
Ability to lift and carry heavy materials and equipment; work under varied conditions.
Knowledge of practices, procedures, equipment and materials used in 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 to avoid personal time loss and property loss accidents.
Knowledge of safe operation, maintenance, adjustments and minor services of various vehicles and equipment; assist in maintenance.
Ability to drive trucks with standard shift transmission.
Ability to work as part of a diverse Public Works crew or team in an environment that supports diversity and respects workplace policies.
Basic ability to read and understand maps, engineering drawings, plans and survey data; follow oral or written instructions in English; perform simple mathematical calculations.
Willingness to work varied assignments, evenings, nights, weekends and/or holidays.
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 Affluent Action employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr