Drainage and Wastewater Collection Lead Worker

City of Seattle; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Seattle seeks a Drainage and Wastewater Collection Lead Worker to lead crews in construction, maintenance and CCTV inspection of sewer and drainage systems. You will coordinate work with safety and operational standards, interpret maps, document conditions, and respond to emergencies.

Day shift, 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., four 10-hour days. CDL B with tanker endorsement required; WWCII certification desired. Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in the construction, repair, maintenance, and installation of wastewater collection systems.
• Current Washington State Commercial Class B driver's license with Tanker Endorsement and no Air Brake restriction.
• Flagging Certificate.
• Certification in WWCII is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead, direct, coach, and evaluate crews of Drainage & Wastewater Collection Workers.
• Coordinate tasks following OSHA and SPR policies to ensure safe, timely work.
• Interpret sewer maps and CCTV reports; document field conditions and completed work.
• Operate and maintain specialized equipment; ensure safety procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with crew chiefs; assist in training and performance evaluations.

Skills

Safety awareness

Mechanical aptitude

Independent worker

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Tools

CCTV inspection equipment

Maps & plans interpretation

Job description

About Seattle Parks and Recreation:

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is a national leader and innovator in the services and programs we provide to our residents who enjoy our public spaces such as parks, community centers, specialty gardens, and swimming pools. Our mission is to equip employees and the public for their well‑being as we support healthy people, a thriving environment, and a vibrant community. We provide safe and accessible spaces for residents and visitors to work, recreate, rejuvenate, and enhance quality of life and wellness for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors. Delivering excellent customer service to all is a core value.

Equity and Inclusion:

Seattle Parks and Recreation commits to advancing equity and social justice in our department and in every neighborhood by growing a dynamic and diverse workforce, developing strong investments, growth opportunities and beneficial partner strategies as we acknowledge and pledge to close disparities created by historical practices which often hindered workforce development, environmental justice, access to quality open spaces, programs, and facilities.

About the Division:

Seattle Parks and Facilities Maintenance Division performs maintenance at over 25 miles of boulevards, 465 parks, including 26 community centers, 8 indoor swimming pools, 2 outdoor (summer) swimming pools, 4 environmental education centers, 2 small‑craft centers, 4 golf courses, and an outdoor stadium. We place strong emphasis on providing excellent customer service to the public, clients, and staff to ensure public safety and enjoyment while they are at SPR facilities and parks.

About the Position:

Seattle Parks and Facilities Maintenance Division is seeking a Drainage and Wastewater Collection Lead Worker to join our team. The lead worker will lead and participate in the work of crew responsible for the construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair of sewer and drainage systems, urban creeks, natural drainage systems, and related infrastructure.

This position provides day‑to‑day leadership and support to Drainage & Wastewater Collection Workers while also performing skilled journey‑level work alongside the crew. Work includes excavation; sewer and drainage system construction and repair; closed‑circuit television (CCTV) inspection; and the operation and maintenance of specialized equipment. Under general supervision, the lead worker independently coordinates work in the field, interprets sewer maps and plans, documents conditions and completed work, identifies and resolves system problems, and applies appropriate safety and operational procedures.

We are currently recruiting for one (1) regular, benefited position on the Day Shift between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., on a 4-day, 10-hour shift. Recruitment may be used for up to one year including long‑term out‑of‑class assignments for qualified City of Seattle employees.

• Lead, direct, coach, mentor, train and evaluate crews of DWW Collection Workers (DWWCW)
• Prioritize and delegate tasks in accordance with OSHA, WISHA and SPR Policies and Practices to ensure work is timely and efficiently completed
• Use independent judgment in selecting appropriate guidelines for different safety situations
• Use independent judgment and effective communication to resolve conflicts before they elevate and know when to elevate problems to the crew chief
• Respect, support and assist with implementation of crew chief decisions
• Use a variety of sewer maps, plans, computers, and other electronic devices to document field conditions and actions taken to prevent or resolve system problems, document potential claims situations, or to elevate problems for resolution
• Assist crew chiefs in evaluating staff, input time sheets, develop training plans, and assess/resolve issues
• Receive work orders and record work details utilizing automated devices along with various software programs
• Ensure the safe operation of CDL Class B vehicles and other large vehicles on public rights‑of‑way
• Interpret closed circuit television (CCTV) reports and as‑built drawings; install and inspect shoring to ensure adherence to safety requirements; and document as‑built drawings of all completed repairs
• Lead, teach, provide guidance for teams that construct, repair, maintain and perform CCTV Inspection of Sewer drainage systems, shafts, tunnels and related Infrastructure.
• Lead and work with crews that excavate, ensure maintenance of tools and equipment associated with this work
• Leads crews in the operation of specialized equipment for the removal of roots and debris in large diameter sewer and storm pipes
• Locates and marks out utility locations;
• Lead and work with crews that respond to flooding and other emergencies
• Actively participate in team meetings.
• Receive work orders and document work details, utilizing automated devise along with various software programs.
• Locates buried structures; dye tests voids to determine infrastructure integrity; installs flow monitoring devices; maintains inlets and catch basins
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type.

Minimum Qualifications:

Two years’ experience in the construction, repair, maintenance, and installation of wastewater collection systems (Combinations of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability)

License, Certification, and Other Requirements:

• Current Washington State Commercial Class B driver's license, Tanker Endorsement with Air Brake restriction removed.
• Flagging Certificate.

Desired Qualifications:

• Current Washington Wastewater Collection II (WWCII) Certification.
• Knowledge of drainage and wastewater systems to include the construction, rehabilitation, operation, and maintenance of systems
• Ability to read and interpret standard plans and maps
• Excellent safety record.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and knowledge of the operation of machines (such as closed‑circuit television equipment and Educator trucks and pumps)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively prioritize and schedule maintenance tasks, aligning them with departmental needs.
• Be highly motivated and able to work as a team member in a demanding work environment, meeting tight deadlines.
• Ability to think quickly, plan ahead, troubleshoot, and come up with alternatives
• Basic computer skills, including the ability to use standard office software, mapping systems, and work order/asset management systems for tasks such as record‑keeping, reporting, and communication.
• Competence in maintaining clear and comprehensive written records.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate maintenance activities, convey operational needs, concerns, and procedures.
• Exhibit a high level of proficiency in verbal communication to convey information effectively and professionally.
• Experience in interacting with the public coupled with a high level of proficiency in customer service.
• Experience maintaining multiple municipal or large commercial facilities.

Compensation:

This position is part of the 3-Step Compensation program; The full salary range for this position is $45.62 (Step 1) – $49.22 (Step 3) for non-certified staff and $47.56 (Step 1) – $51.16 (Step 3) for certified staff.

Union Information:

This position is represented by LiUNA Local 242 - Laborers and is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Employees in an out‑of‑class assignment will maintain their current benefit options and will be eligible to maintain their current union representation. Out of Class salary placement for current City employees is based Personnel Rule 3.5 or an employee’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Work Environment/Physical Demands/Other:

• May be required to work nights, weekends, and/or holidays.
• Exposure to hazards such as noxious gas, hazardous waste materials, excavations, and vehicle traffic ls inherent with position
• Required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time.
• Required to work outdoors in all types of weather.
• Work at heights on ladders or scaffolding.
• Frequently required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires handling or working with toxic/hazardous substances.
• May work near heavy equipment.
• Required to work near energized equipment.
• May work in confined spaces.
• Dependent on business needs, candidates may be required to obtain a respirator clearance fit test.

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the qualifications. Seattle Parks and Recreation values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.

Job offers are contingent on the verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process, including the completion of a background check. The background check will involve a criminal history check, which includes conviction and arrest records in compliance with the Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17 and the City of Seattle Personnel Rule 10.3.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation time, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long‑term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

We recognize that artificial intelligence (AI) tools, such as chatbots, automated response generators, or language models, can be helpful during the job search process. If you choose to use them, please carefully review all materials before submission to ensure accuracy, as you will be required to affirm that your responses are true and correct during the application process. Submitting inaccurate or misleading information may result in disqualification. Please also note that relying on AI to complete text‑based supplemental questions or during interviews may not accurately represent your skills and experiences, which are critical to applicant success. In some cases, you may be instructed not to use AI tools during the selection process. Learn more about the City of Seattle AI Policy here.

Want to know more about Parks and Recreation? Check out our web page: Seattle Parks and Recreation - Parks | seattle.gov

SPR’s Core Competencies are:

• Accountability & Action:Holding yourself accountable for achieving goals, completing tasks, and delivering quality work. Demonstrating thoughtful initiative in actions and decision‑making and promoting high quality standards.
• Equity and Inclusion:Supporting the goals of the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the City’s commitment to workforce equity.
• Communication:Sharing and exchanging information and ideas with people in a variety of ways to help them understand and remember the information.
• Service:An ongoing commitment to base decisions and actions on the needs and priorities of the City.
• Teamwork:Participating as an engaged member of a team to achieve group goals. Effectively working with internal and external people to complete tasks and achieve work group goals.