Join Our Team 

The Department of Human Resources is currently recruiting for the following position(s). Click on the job title to read the description and to apply online.

GENERAL LABORER III (Water Distribution)

  • Type:Open Competitive
  • Salary/Pay Rate:Level 3 ($38,220 - $53,508)
  • Posted Date:08/03/2026
  • Deadline to Apply:08/17/2026
Announcement No.:   6014003
Department:   Public Works
Affiliation:   AFSCME Local 320
FLSA:   Non-Exempt
   

The City of Wilmington, a leading Delaware employer, provides the City's sanitation, recycling, street cleaning, water, and transportation services through the Department of Public Works. The Department provides a wide array of services, including once a week recycling and once a week residential solid waste collection, treatment and distribution of high quality drinking water, collection and treatment of sewage, stormwater management, sweeping of all City streets, street paving and repairs, maintenance of traffic signs and signals, line striping, rodent control, snow removal, and maintenance of the City fleet and City properties.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs semi skilled to skilled duties in constructing, maintaining, and repairing water mains and related devices and equipment of the city wide water distribution system within the Department of Public Works.

  • Manually excavate job sites and repair water mains, water service lines, and fire hydrants.
  • Operates a rotator, air compressor, generator, jackhammer, or power tools.
  • Uses tools and operates equipment that does not require a lengthy learning period or complex skills.
  • Performs pipefitting duties and tasks in a variety of trade areas.
  • Reads some complex drawings and or blueprints. May occasionally perform lead worker supervisory responsibilities of a small crew.
  • Performs all related work as assigned.
  • Required to work on standby at various times. May be required to work overtime as needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or GED equivalency and some experience in performing heavy manual work at the General Laborer II levels and using hand tools requiring some manual dexterity or any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

  • Knowledge: Basic knowledge of excavation and restoration of a water distribution system. General understanding of pipefitting skills and related equipment. Knowledge and ability to operate related construction equipment.
  • Skills: Skill in the use and care of hand tools. Excellent communication skills written and oral.
  • Abilities: Ability to perform semi skilled manual tasks without close supervision. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.
  • Licenses: Possess and maintain a valid driver’s license with a good driving record.

CANDIDATE EVALUATION

Evaluation for this position includes a review of the application materials, certification of qualified applicants, and a panel interview in person or virtual.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

All selected applicants must pass a criminal background investigation, drug test, and pre employment physical.

  • Physical Requirements: Ability to lift or move up to 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance.
  • Vision: Requires the ability to see close vision and adjust focus as necessary.
  • Working Conditions: Work is performed near moving mechanical parts and outdoors in all weather conditions, including precarious situations. The noise level is typically loud.
  • Location and Schedule: This position may require weekend work, nights, or being on call as part of the regular job responsibilities. Primary work locations may include city and county buildings, treatment plants, and public safety facilities. Work involves travel between sites as necessary. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., based on business needs.

TOTAL COMPENSATION

Compensation encompasses both salary administration and a comprehensive benefit package:

  • Salary Administration: New employees are hired at the starting salary up to the median salary step four based on qualifications and internal equity within the classification. Merit increases are given after a satisfactory performance review.
  • Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is available from day one. Visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov/Benefits for details.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

  • Open Competitive: This position is open to all applicants who meet the qualifications both internally and externally.
  • To apply online, visit www.WilmingtonDE.gov. Computers are available for interested candidates in the Department of Human Resources, City County Building, 800 N. French Street, 4th Floor, Wilmington, Delaware 19801. Contact Human Resources at 302 576 2460 to schedule computer use.
  • The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
  • City code provides a preference for eligible current city employees, veterans, and current city residents.
  • The City of Wilmington is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Delaware Persons with Disabilities Employment Protections Act, reasonable accommodation is provided when requested without causing undue hardship. If accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at 302 576 2466.

THE CITY OF WILMINGTON COMPENSATION PACKAGE

The City of Wilmington is committed to providing a robust healthcare portfolio to meet the needs of our employees and their families and is pleased to offer coverage on your first day of employment. Helping you understand the benefits we offer is important to us. Please refer to our Employee Benefits website to view all healthcare plans, vendor information, resources, and benefit rates.

Medical Insurance: Highmark BCBS of Delaware. City of Wilmington offers 2 medical plans, PPO II (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization).

Dental Insurance: MetLife. City of Wilmington offers three dental plans, Dental Plan 1, 2, and 3.

Vision Plan: Unum (Powered by EyeMed). City of Wilmington offers two vision plans, Basic Vision coverage which is available if you enroll in medical insurance. Basic Vision Coverage which is no cost, and the Buy-Up Vision coverage is available at an additional cost.

Additional Benefits: The City of Wilmington also offers other valuable benefits such as Life and AD&D Insurance, Long-Term Disability. Employer Provided HRA’s, Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional whole and term life insurances, short term disability and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Opt-Out Cash Back Incentive Program: Employees who choose to enroll in medical or dental coverage other than the City’s and can provide proof of this medical coverage may be eligible to receive additional income.

Wellness: We enjoy staying healthy together! Therefore, we have an engaging calendar of wellness events throughout the year for employees, retirees and their families. To learn more, check out our Employee Perks page.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: At least eight (8) hours* of vacation per month after the completion of the first six (6) months* of continuous employment until the next January 1. Each January 1 thereafter, employee will be credited with at least ninety-six (96) hours* of vacation for the calendar year, until the completion of five (5) years of continuous service.

Holiday: Eligible employees receive holiday pay from date of hire, View City Holidays

Life Insurance: The City agrees to provide term life insurance for each eligible employee for a maximum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000.00) at no cost.

Pension: Eligible employees are able to participate in the State Pension Plan you will contribute 6% of your bi-weekly base pay.

Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional employee contributory plan available.

Live Near Your Work Program: Homebuyer Assistance program to provide up to $4,000 in homebuyers assistance for newly hired employees, first time homebuyers, and those employees choosing to purchase a residence in one of the City’s unique and culture-blended neighborhoods.

Tuition Reimbursement: The City encourages employee self-development and continuing education and provides a reimbursement program for eligible employees annually for qualified college or certification courses taken that year.

Teleworking/Remote Work*: Eligible employees qualify for a hybrid schedule upon approval through the city’s teleworking policy. The City is committed to increasing employee productivity and improving talent recruitment by providing employees with work alternatives that enable eligible employees to meet their work and family needs.

PSLF Program Eligible Employer: The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click PSLF Loan Forgiveness.

*Benefits for employees under collective bargaining agreements or appointed positions may vary.

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Computer Access (for interested candidates)

Candidates interested in using a City computer to apply for a position may schedule an appointment with the Department of Human Resources by calling (302) 576-2460.

Paper Option

When applying for a City of Wilmington Job, the best choice is to fill out the online Employment Application.

If the employment portal experiences technical difficulties or you are experiencing technical difficulties with the online application, you have the option to download and fill out the City of Wilmington Employment Application.

Submit the completed and signed application to:

  • Mail your application to:

    Department of Human Resources
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 4th Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801; or

  • Drop off your application to:

    Department of Human Resources
    Louis L. Redding City/County Building
    800 N. French Street, 4th Floor
    Wilmington, Delaware 19801

The paper option is a fillable PDF form. It must be typed or clearly printed in ink. Remember to review your application before submitting it to be sure it is filled out completely and signed.