Public Works Laborer

Definition

Under immediate supervision performs work of routine difficulty as a manual laborer in the performance of tasks of a physically demanding nature; and performs related work as required.

Starting Pay | $20.33 per hour 6 months | $20.65 per hour

The city will provide and pay for Commercial Driver’s License training upon hire.

The City of Davenport offers a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on first day of employment.
The City also offers:

Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 6.5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1% (applicable to Teamsters)
13 paid holidays
Life Insurance
Long Term Disability Insurance
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program

Examples Of Duties

Shovels dirt, sand, gravel and asphalt in a variety of jobs and under a variety of environmental conditions: assists in setting forms and pouring concrete; digs, shores and fills excavation sites as assigned.

Lifts and carries materials: lifts supplies and other items of considerable weight, awkward shape and various sizes; clears trash; picks up garbage and cleans work sites; assists in clearing sewer lines and catch basins; clears walks, streets and other public property of snow, ice and debris accumulation.

Reports to work on all emergency conditions, able to work with crews during 12 hours shifts doing snow plowing or flood work i.e. sandbagging, building flood barriers, etc.

Operates a variety of equipment on a regular basis.

Assists in general maintenance work on public facilities and equipment: operates a variety of hand tools and equipment in construction, excavation, repair and maintenance projects.

Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and obtain a Class B CDL with Air Brake endorsement within three (3) months of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment. The city will provide and pay for Commercial Driver’s License training upon hire.

Must pass a physical examination and background check as prescribed by the city. All CDL personnel are subject to Federal Motor Carriers Random Drug & Alcohol Program.

Must reside in Iowa or Illinois within two (2) years of hire and maintain residency throughout the duration of employment.

Knowledge and Skills

Some Knowledge of:
Use and care of a variety of hand tools.
Geography and street locations in the City.
Safe work practices

Working Skill in:
Performance of heavy manual labor which may require heavy lifting, continuous standing, extensive digging, and other manual tasks under a variety of environmental conditions.
Following a series of sequential oral and written instructions.