Public Works Maintenance Trainee

About the Role

This is training-level trades work. Employees in this class perform work in the Water Department, the Department of Public Property, the Streets Department, or the Department of Aviation, developing the knowledge and skills necessary for advancement in an area of trade specialization. Employees perform rudimentary maintenance and repair work under the guidance of a higher-level trades worker. Assignments expand in complexity as employees progress. Satisfactory completion of training and achievement of required minimum proficiencies are required for advancement. Work includes some disagreeable aspects and requires physical exertion. Work is performed under the direction of a technical superior.

Requirements

• Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade (High School/GED).

Qualifications

The following options represent the minimum training and experience standards:

• Option 1: Successful completion of a minimum of six months in the Philadelphia Water Department Community Apprenticeship Program in the area of assignment.
• Option 2: Successful completion of a minimum of six months in the Philadelphia Department of Public Property Maintenance Apprenticeship Program.
• Option 3: Successful completion of a minimum of six months in the Streets Department’s formal high school or workforce development internship program in Roadway Maintenance.
• Option 4: Successful completion of a Department of Aviation workforce development program.

Note: Candidates who meet all eligibility requirements within 3 months of the application deadline (November 17, 2026) will be admitted to this examination. Successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list but may not be hired or promoted until all requirements have been satisfied.

Physical and Medical Requirements

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Licenses, Registrations, and/or Certificates

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care and benefits.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
• Opportunities for growth and career development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Preferences

Candidates may be eligible for additional preference points added to their final score based on the following:

• U.S. Veteran’s Preference: Ten points added for honorably discharged veterans (DD214, member 4, or NGB-22 required). Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also qualify.
• Legacy Preference: Ten points added for children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers killed or died in the line of duty.
• National Volunteer Service Preference: Up to 5 points for completing a term of service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA, or at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
• Philadelphia School District Career and Technical Education (CTE) Preference: Up to 5 points for candidates who graduated from a CTE program within the last three years before the examination announcement date.
• Residency Preference: Priority for candidates who have maintained bona fide Philadelphia residency for at least one year prior to the examination date.

Additional Information

• Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established. Permanent City employees receive no promotional preference.
• Philadelphia residency is not required to apply, but candidates must establish residency for one year prior to appointment.
• Candidates must certify they are current on all debts, taxes, fees, or judgments owed to the City of Philadelphia or Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) or have entered a payment agreement.
• An Eligible List will be established the week of August 31, 2026. Candidates may review their test papers within 30 days of results being mailed.
• Selective Factor Certification may be used to fill specific positions based on completed high school internships.