Laborer - Utility Worker II

King County; Maple Valley (WA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to environmental collaboration and innovation as a Utility Worker II. This role offers the chance to work outdoors, operating various power and hand tools while contributing to the maintenance of landfills and transfer stations. Enjoy a supportive work environment that values work-life balance and provides opportunities for overtime. With a commitment to equity and social justice, you will be part of a diverse team focused on making a positive impact in the community. If you are ready to take on new challenges and grow your skills while working for a reputable employer, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits

Training opportunities

Growth opportunities

Union membership

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience using hand and power tools for maintenance.
• Knowledge of safety procedures in manual labor environments.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and diverse environment.

Responsibilities

• Operate hand and power tools for vegetation control and maintenance.
• Perform minor repairs and maintenance on equipment and structures.
• Assist with drainage structure repairs and minor construction tasks.

Skills

Operating power tools

Heavy manual labor

Safety procedures knowledge

Communication skills

Basic mechanical skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Power drill

Chainsaw

Weed eater

Walk-behind mower

Slope grade control lasers

Job description

These positions are open continuously until filled. To ensure your application is given priority, please submit your materials by May 4, 2025, our first review date.

This posting may be used to establish a list of qualified candidates for the Utility Worker II in the Solid Waste Division during the following one year.

If you apply to these positions, don’t hesitate to apply to our Term-limited Temporary benefitted and Short-Term Temporary Utility Worker II positions.

Are you looking for a job that values your life outside work? This is your position. While you may get opportunities to work overtime and earn more wages, the working conditions for this union-represented job allow you to prioritize your life after work. Working for King County and the Solid Waste Division is more than a paycheck – you will be an integral part of a mission-oriented organization focusing on environmental collaboration and innovation to make the lives of our citizens better.

About the Role:

The Operations Section of King County’s Solid Waste Division is inviting applications for (3) three Utility Worker IIs. These positions provide general labor at the Landfills and Transfer Stations in King County. Employees in these positions perform skilled work by safely operating power and hand tools like slope grade control lasers, power drill, power driver, chain saw, weed eater, and walk-behind-mower to perform vegetation control and minor maintenance on equipment and facilities. This is not an entry level position.

About the Team:

Get ready to work with this fun team who are action-oriented and high energy! The team is challenged daily with different locations, responsibilities, and work. At any given time, you will work side by side with 2-3 members. You will have an opportunity to partner with Landfill Gas Operator and Wastewater Treatment Operator crews while picking up new skills/gaining new knowledge working closely with them. This could be a steppingstone to those positions.

Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Utility Worker II, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Solid Waste Division of the King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Ability to safely operate a variety of hand and power tools (i.e. power drill, power driver, walk-behind-mower, trimmer/weed-eater, chainsaw, etc.) for long periods of time.
• Perform minor maintenance and repair of equipment, buildings, and other structures.
• Properly maintain vegetation, cut and remove brush.
• Noxious weed control; identifying, pulling and spraying.
• Perform assigned drainage structure repairs and minor construction, including pipes, catch basins and manholes as well as cleaning of ditches, gutters, catch basins, culverts, and drainage tiles.
• Shovel gravel, asphalt, and dirt; rake asphalt and tar pavement joints.
• Install construct and mend chain link fencing.
• Dig post-holes and set posts.
• Assist in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) fusion on gas lines (i.e. butt fusion, electro fusion from 2" – 24 " diameter).
• Lift, carry, move, or handle up to 70-pound bags, tools equipment and other objects to complete any of the above functions.
• Reading various road maps and construction blueprints.
• Assist in Vactor truck operation.
• Assist with traffic control.
• Ability to communicate courteously with the public and fellow coworkers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications You Bring:

• Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated knowledge in using, caring, and safely operating power and hand tools (i.e. slope grade control lasers, power drill, power driver, chain saw, weed eater, and walk-behind-mower) to perform vegetation control and minor maintenance on equipment and facilities.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working in heavy manual labor areas; OR any equivalent combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work.
• Knowledge of safety procedures and policies for construction, or other heavy manual labor areas (i.e. fall protection, confined space, hazardous materials).
• Strong oral and written communication skills and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Basic mechanical and mathematics skills.
• Basic skills using a Personal Computer and modern technologies (i.e. software applications, laptops, smartphones, etc.) for timesheet entry, email communication, virtual training and meetings.
• Ability to adhere to federal, state, and county mandated safety regulations and policies.
• Ability to have predictable and reliable attendance.
• Ability to work effectively as a team in an environment that embraces and encourages diversity in its workforce and where differences are valued.

Competencies You Bring:

• Action Oriented - Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm.
• Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.
• Strategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Situational Adaptability - Adapting approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Resourcefulness - Securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Valid Driver's License and the ability to travel to other landfills and transfer stations during the workday as work may be assigned at various sites throughout the county.
• Skill in reading blueprints and schematic drawings to perform landfill gas pipe installation.
• Pre-employment physical examination.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location: The primary work location for this position is the Cedar Hills Regional Landfill, 16645 228th Ave., SE. Maple Valley, WA; travel may be required to other landfills/transfer stations within King County.
• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week Monday through Friday. This position may work a 4/10 schedule. This position is overtime eligible with prior supervisor approval.
• Union Membership: This position is represented by Teamsters, Local 117 - Joint Units Agreement.
• Physical Environment: These positions require physical labor including bending, kneeling, standing, reaching, climbing, stooping, squatting, pushing, and twisting. The ability to lift, carry, move, or handle up to 70 pounds, willingness to work inside but primarily outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, inclement weather while on uneven slopes, surfaces, grades and terrain and other adverse conditions such as odor, noise, dust and traffic.

Application and Selection Process:

We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

To apply, submit a complete application detailing your work experience and respond to the supplemental questions. However, please be aware that cover letters, resumes and other documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Roxanne Malatesta by phone [phone] or email at [e-mail].

Discover More About the Solid Waste Division: Visit our website at Solid Waste Division and check us out at Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube.

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply:

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.