Work As a City Laborer In New York City

Job Description and Key Responsibilities

City Laborers in New York City are the foundation of municipal operations, performing hands-on tasks that ensure the proper functioning, cleanliness, and safety of public spaces and city infrastructure. These positions are generally categorized as “Laborer” or “Laborer (Non-Competitive)” roles under the city’s civil service system.

What Does a City Laborer Do?

City Laborers work under various NYC departments and agencies such as the Department of Sanitation, Department of Transportation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and the Housing Authority. The exact duties vary by agency, but typically include:

Core Responsibilities:

• Manual labor such as digging, lifting, carrying, and demolition work

• Loading and unloading trucks, equipment, and materials

• Sweeping streets and sidewalks, removing litter or debris from public areas

• Snow and ice removal during winter months

• Assisting with asphalt and concrete repairs, including pothole filling and sidewalk work

• Erecting or dismantling fences, scaffolds, and signs

• Cleaning and maintaining parks, public facilities, and city buildings

• Operating basic equipment such as jackhammers, compactors, and power tools (under supervision)

• Supporting skilled tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters on larger projects

Work Environments

City Laborers perform their duties across a variety of settings, including:

• Outdoor environments (streets, highways, parks, bridges)

• Public housing complexes and city buildings

• Construction or demolition sites

• Flooded or weather-affected zones

• Underground facilities or manholes (for specialized teams)

Laborers may work in teams or independently depending on the task, and are often exposed to varying weather conditions, noise, and physically demanding situations.

Shift Structure and Hours

• Standard shifts typically run 8 hours a day, 5 days a week

• Overtime is common, especially during emergencies, winter storms, or summer repairs

• Some departments operate on 24/7 schedules, requiring night shifts or weekend work

Agencies That Commonly Hire Laborers

• NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) – for roadwork, bridge maintenance, and traffic infrastructure

• NYC Department of Sanitation (DSNY) – for waste management, street sweeping, and snow removal

• NYC Parks Department – for groundskeeping, maintenance, and event setup

• NYC Housing Authority (NYCHA) – for public housing repair, custodial support, and building upkeep

• NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) – for sewer, water, and utility maintenance

Typical Job Titles for Laborer Roles

While “City Laborer” is a general term, you may see job listings under different titles, such as:

• Laborer (Civil Service Title)

• Highway Maintenance Worker

• Groundskeeper or Park Worker

• Custodial Laborer

• Construction Laborer (City Agency)

• Skilled Helper or Trades Assistant

Each title may have slight variations in duties, but all fall under the umbrella of city labor work.

Important Characteristics for the Role

• Physical stamina: Must be capable of lifting heavy items and performing strenuous tasks repeatedly

• Teamwork: Many tasks are carried out in groups and require coordination

• Reliability and punctuality: Tardiness and absenteeism can negatively affect city operations

• Willingness to work outdoors and in challenging environments

• Flexibility with schedules, especially during emergencies or winter operations

City Laborer roles provide an opportunity to contribute directly to the city’s functionality and wellbeing. In the next section, we’ll look at the qualifications, skills, and certifications you’ll need to land one of these positions.

Qualifications and Skills Needed

Working as a city laborer in New York City requires more than just physical strength—employers look for reliability, safety awareness, and a basic understanding of the responsibilities associated with maintaining public infrastructure. The hiring process is overseen by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and varies slightly based on agency and job title.

Basic Educational Requirements

• Minimum requirement: A High School Diploma or GED is generally expected, although some laborer roles do not formally require one.

• Applicants must be able to read, write, and understand English sufficiently to carry out written and verbal instructions related to the job.

Physical and Health Requirements

Due to the strenuous nature of laborer roles, applicants must meet certain physical and medical standards:

• Ability to lift heavy objects (50–100 lbs)

• Stamina for prolonged standing, kneeling, bending, or climbing

• Good vision and hearing, often required for safety compliance

• Must be able to work in all weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, or rain

• Pass a pre-employment physical examination, which may include drug screening and a general health assessment

Preferred Skills and Competencies

Although not always required, these skills can significantly improve your chances of being hired:

• Experience with hand tools and power tools (e.g., drills, jackhammers, saws)

• Basic mechanical aptitude

• Ability to follow safety protocols and procedures

• Good communication skills, especially in team settings

• Situational awareness in hazardous work environments (streets, construction zones, etc.)

• Time management and the ability to complete tasks on schedule

Required Licenses and Certifications (For Some Roles)

Some laborer roles may require or prefer applicants to have one or more of the following:

• OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification

  • This is often required before working on job sites involving heavy equipment or hazardous materials.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License

  • Especially for roles that require operation of city vehicles or traveling between job sites

• CDL (Commercial Driver’s License)

  • Needed for operating larger equipment or sanitation vehicles

• Flagging Certification (for traffic control roles)

• Scaffold or fall protection training (for working at heights)

If you don’t currently have these certifications, there are many programs in NYC that offer affordable or free training through workforce development agencies.

Legal Eligibility and Documentation

To apply for civil service roles with the city, you must:

• Be legally authorized to work in the United States (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals with valid work visas)

• Provide proof of identity and eligibility, such as:

  • Social Security Number

  • Employment Authorization Document (EAD)

  • Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)

  • Work visa and supporting documentation

Optional: Relevant Work Experience

Although not mandatory for entry-level positions, having prior experience in any of the following can make you a stronger candidate:

• Construction labor or roadwork

• Landscaping or park maintenance

• Warehouse or dock work

• Sanitation or custodial services

• Public works or utility support

Soft Skills That Matter

• Punctuality and reliability

• Willingness to learn

• Attention to detail

• Team player attitude

• Respect for authority and adherence to rules

How to Apply for City Laborer Jobs in NYC

Applying for a job as a City Laborer in New York City involves several steps—most of which are regulated by the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). Whether you’re a first-time applicant or looking to transition into city service, understanding the process is essential for success.

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Step 1: Understand the Civil Service System

Most NYC government jobs—including laborer roles—are part of the civil service system. These jobs fall into different categories:

• Competitive Class: Requires passing a civil service exam

• Non-Competitive Class: No exam required, but often based on experience or agency needs

• Labor Class: Manual labor positions that may or may not require an exam

Laborer positions typically fall under the Labor Class, making the hiring process slightly more accessible for those without formal education or extensive experience.

Step 2: Search for Open Positions

All available jobs are posted on the NYC Jobs Portal:

🔗 https://www.nyc.gov/jobs

Use keywords like:

• “Laborer”

• “City Laborer”

• “Maintenance Worker”

• “Parks Worker”

• “Highway Repair Worker”

• “Custodial Laborer”

You can also filter by agency, borough, salary, and job category to find positions that suit your background and goals.

Step 3: Create a NYC Government Jobs Account

To apply for any job, you’ll need to create an account on the NYC Jobs Portal:

• Visit: https://www.nyc.gov/jobs

• Click on “Employee Login / Sign In”

• Create an account or log in with existing credentials

• Complete your candidate profile with your personal information, work history, and certifications

Step 4: Submit an Online Application

Once your profile is complete:

• Click on the job listing you’re interested in

• Read the Job Description, Requirements, and Preferred Skills

• Click “Apply Now”

• Upload your resume, certifications, and any required documents

• Submit your application before the deadline

Important Notes:

• Some positions may require you to fill out supplemental questions

• Always tailor your resume to match the specific duties listed in the job post

Step 5: Take the Civil Service Exam (if required)

If the position is classified as Competitive, you may be required to:

• Register for an exam through the DCAS Exam Portal

• Pay a small fee (fee waivers may be available)

• Take the exam at a designated testing center or online

Exam announcements and registration:
🔗 https://www.nyc.gov/examsforjobs

Many laborer roles do not require an exam, but some specialized ones (like highway repair or sanitation) might.

Step 6: Interview and Pre-Employment Requirements

After your application is reviewed and accepted:

• You may be invited for an interview

• If selected, you’ll need to:

  • Pass a medical exam

  • Complete a background check

  • Provide proof of identity and legal work status

  • Undergo drug testing (especially for safety-sensitive positions)

Some departments may also require:

• On-site physical tests (lifting, climbing, etc.)

• Verification of certifications (like OSHA 10 or flagging credentials)

Step 7: Get Placed on an Eligibility List (For Competitive Roles)

For jobs requiring an exam, candidates are placed on an eligible list based on test scores. Agencies then hire from this list when vacancies arise.

If you pass the exam, you remain on the list for up to 4 years.

Step 8: Probationary Period and Onboarding

Once hired, new laborers typically go through:

• A probationary period (usually 6 months to 1 year)

• On-the-job training and safety briefings

• Assignment to a specific borough or district

Performance during probation determines whether you’ll be made permanent.

Tips for the Application Process

• Apply early—some positions close within days

• Keep checking job boards weekly; new postings appear often

• Consider applying to seasonal or temporary laborer positions as a foot in the door

• Prepare documents ahead of time: resume, ID, certificates

• Reach out to city employment centers for free help with applications or resume reviews

Conclusion

Working as a City Laborer in New York City offers more than just a paycheck—it provides stability, union benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and the satisfaction of directly improving the communities of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. Whether you’re maintaining city parks, repairing roads, assisting with sanitation, or supporting public housing infrastructure, these roles are essential to keeping NYC running smoothly.

For individuals without a college degree or those seeking hands-on, practical employment, laborer positions present a viable path into long-term civil service. With fair wages, comprehensive benefits, and access to city-sponsored training and career ladders, this field can be both financially and personally rewarding.

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and contribute to the day-to-day functionality of New York City, now is the time to explore opportunities through the NYC Jobs Portal or prepare for upcoming civil service exams. Many positions are open to newcomers, and agencies across boroughs are actively hiring individuals committed to hard work and public service.