Public Works Service Worker Trainee

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

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 :

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 :

Operate skid-steer loaders, pup-rollers , trailers, trucks, snowplows, solid waste collection trucks and sweepers, jet trucks, vac trucks, etc.

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.

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 :

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 .

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

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.