City of Urbandale Public Works/Parks Laborer

The City of Urbandale is currently accepting applications for Laborer. In this role, you’ll perform a variety of hands-on maintenance, operational, and construction tasks that support the City’s Public Works and Parks systems. Responsibilities include maintaining and repairing roadways, sidewalks, trails, rights-of-way, and park facilities, operating maintenance and snow removal equipment, and assisting with activities such as pavement repair, tree removal, grounds maintenance, and waste collection.

Urbandale is a thriving, growing community with bold plans to shape a vibrant future. The Public Works and Parks teams play an important role in keeping the City’s infrastructure and public spaces safe, functional, and well maintained for residents and visitors.

• Health Insurance: Individual coverage for $77.46/month or family coverage for $237.74/month
• Additional Coverage Options: Dental, vision, and flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off: 15 vacation days, 12 sick days, 10 holidays plus 3 personal days per year
• Parental Leave: 4 weeks of paid time to care for and bond with a new child
• Retirement Plans: IPERS plan and 457(b) plan with 2% match
• Life Insurance: City-provided life insurance with optional voluntary coverage
• Employee Support: Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Well-Being Program

Routine Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Maintains and repairs roadways, rights-of-way, sidewalks, trails, playground equipment and other structures to maintain the Public Works or Parks system infrastructure.  
• Operates various vehicles, construction equipment, maintenance equipment, turf care equipment assorted hand tools and power tools.
• Performs heavy manual labor or operates equipment to repair concrete and asphalt pavement, remove trees, dig trenches and post holes; load dirt and construction material; back fill ditches and other activities as required.
• Operates various types of snow removal equipment, including but not limited to, shovels, snow blowers, and plows for City streets, City owned parking lots/sidewalks, park trails, etc. as directed.
• Assists in the collection of solid waste, yard waste and grounds waste; annual clean up as directed.
• Maintains trucks and equipment, including washing, cleaning, and performing minor mechanical repairs. Performs and documents daily equipment inspections in accordance with department policy. 
• Inspects traffic control signs, repairs and replaces signs and related structures
• Maintains traffic control pavement markings by striping and painting streets, cross walks, school crossings, etc.
• Inspects, cleans and repairs storm and sanitary sewer structures, levees, and maintains drainage ways.
• Mows and trims grass on City owned property and rights of way. Cuts trees and brush and performs site clean up.
• Performs daily cleaning and repairs of park grounds, recreation facilities, and municipal building grounds, including plumbing, electrical, masonry, mechanical, structural, carpentry, and irrigation systems.
• Assures that the City’s mission, goals and objectives are fully supported and initiated.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Periodic Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Attends safety meetings and seminars as required and promotes safety.  
• Follows all City and department safety policies and procedures.  

Typical Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of six (6) months of experience performing heavy manual labor.
• Valid driver's license.
• Valid Iowa Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B) for straight trucks over 26,000GVW, with endorsements for air brakes and tanker within six (6) months of employment.

• Ability to take initiative.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Problem-solving ability.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Ability to concentrate in a diverse work setting.
• Sound judgment and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to perform essential duties at designated work site location at designated hours.
• General knowledge in the safe operation of tools and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of vehicle and equipment operation and maintenance.

Supplemental Information

Interested candidates must complete the City of Urbandale's online application (through www.governmentjobs.com/careers/urbandale) by 11:59 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Qualified candidates will be notified of steps and dates in the process via governmentjobs.com email notifications. Be sure to apply using an active email address that you check frequently to stay informed throughout the recruitment process, and consider signing up for text message alerts.

This recruitment is to create our certified list of candidates eligible for hire for Laborer vacancies within both the Public Works and Parks departments. The civil service testing process for this position consists of a written exam and oral board interview.

Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the written exam step. The exam consists of questions related to job safety, problem solving, general job knowledge, and basic vehicle and equipment maintenance. Candidates passing the written exam, and who rank in the top twenty-five (25)—including ties for twenty-fifth place—will be invited to participate in oral board interviews.

Candidates who successfully pass the interview process will be placed on a certified eligibility list. This list will remain active for up to one (1) year from the date of certification. 

The City of Urbandale currently has one (1) vacancy within the Public Works department to be hired immediately upon the certified list being established. Future vacancies for the position of Laborer within Public Works or Parks will be filled from the certified list while the list is active.

Tentative Timeline:
-Posting Close: Sunday, April 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM
-Written Exam: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Urbandale Public Works (9401 Hickman Road, Urbandale, IA 50322). The exam will be offered at 8:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3:00 PM. Candidates will have 45 minutes to complete the 50 question multiple choice exam. The exam is in-person only on April 14. Virtual or alternate dates/times will not be available.
-Oral Interviews: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 & Thursday, April 23, 2026
-Anticipated Start Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026


The City of Urbandale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at hr@urbandale.org or (515) 331-6738 prior to the application deadline.