Sanitation Technician I/II

City of Bellingham; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Paid holidays

Health insurance

Life insurance

Retirement plan

457 plan

Job summary

City of Bellingham seeks a Sanitation Technician I/II to perform a range of manual and skilled cleaning tasks, enforce environmental codes, and support litter prevention efforts. The role involves public contact and independent assignment work.

Salary scales are based on the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937. Includes benefits such as paid leave, health insurance, retirement plans, and potential overtime. Eligibility requires valid WA driver license and certifications as listed.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with the public in problem resolution or enforcement activities.
• Willingness and ability to perform manual and semi-skilled labor in the field including litter and moderate to high risk waste cleanup.
• Intermediate computer skills including word processing, email and data entry is required.
• Must demonstrate proficiency in the use of specialized equipment such as a woodchipper and handheld devices used for citation issuing and reporting.
• Associate degree or two years of coursework in communications, environmental studies, social services or similar field may be substituted for two years of experience.
• Moderate to high-risk waste materials handling experience preferred.
• Experience in code enforcement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform litter and cleanup duties and enforce ordinances as part of sanitation operations.
• Maintain records in line with City policy and state/local law.
• Engage in public education programs related to code enforcement and litter prevention.
• Coordinate with other City departments and respond to public inquiries.

Skills

Public interaction

Problem resolution

Manual labor

Data entry

Tools

Woodchipper

Citation devices

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of manual and skilled physical labor in carrying out sanitation and community cleanup duties such as litter control, illegal dumpsite cleanup, and illegal camp site cleanup Enforces various State and City ordinances regarding environmental regulations, litter, nuisance abatement, illegal parking and other related code violations on private residences, business, and City property including rights-of-way. Maintains records as required by City policy, state, and local law. Participates in public education programs related to code enforcement and litter prevention. Maintains close relationships with code enforcement and compliance personnel from other City departments. The position involves a high degree of public contact. Works independently on specialized assignments.

For more information, please review the job classification.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM:

Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to consider this opportunity.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:

Placement into Sanitation Technician I/II is based on the experience and training requirements for each position. The 2026 starting hourly rate is at Step 1. The full salary ranges for each position are:

• Sanitation Technician I: Starting hourly rate is at Step 1 ($37.75/hour) for full time positions. The full salary range for this position is $37.75/hour - $49.24/hour.
• Sanitation Technician II: Starting hourly rate is at Step 1 ($40.02/hour) for full time positions. The full salary range for this position is $40.02/hour - $52.21/hour.

Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

Benefits:

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month.

Closing Date/Time: Mon., Oct 12, 2026 at 8:30 AM Pacific Time

Sanitation Technician I

• Two years of experience working with the public in problem resolution or enforcement activities required, AND
• Willingness and ability to perform manual and semi-skilled labor in the field including litter and moderate to high risk waste cleanup.
• Intermediate computer skills including word processing, email and data entry is required.
• Must demonstrate and maintain proficiency in the safe and efficient use of specialized equipment such as a woodchipper and handheld devices used for citation issuing and reporting.
• Associate degree or two years of coursework in communications, environmental studies, social services or similar field may be substituted for two years of experience working with the public in problem resolution or enforcement activities.
• Moderate to high-risk waste materials handling experience preferred.
• Experience with special needs populations or social services preferred.
• Experience in code enforcement preferred.

Sanitation Technician II

In addition to the experience and training requirements listed above:

• Demonstrated proficiency in operating heavy equipment such as an excavator, vactor truck, street cleaner, and hydro excavator.

Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.

Qualifications and Certifications

Sanitation Technician I

• Valid Washington State driver's license and clean driving record. Candidates must submit a three-year driving abstract prior to hire; with biennial submission of driving abstract to department, to be forwarded to Human Resources (Policy ADM 10.03.02.4).
• Must be able to report to Operations Division for emergency/call out and to serve on standby in accordance with bargaining unit agreement if required.
• Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR card within three months of employment.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Flagging/Traffic Control Card within six months of employment.
• Must successfully complete and possess the Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check, local background check and fingerprinting. Subject to re-check every five years.
• Must qualify for a limited commission.

Sanitation Technician II

• Sanitation Technician II must possess and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (Class A CDL) with air brake endorsement throughout term of employment (CSC 7-11-90).
• Must pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing throughout the term of employment.
• Failure to obtain and maintain appropriate certifications within established time limits will result in demotion to the lower class for which qualified, until such time as the required certification is achieved or termination if incumbent is not qualified for a lower class.

Equal Opportunity:

The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate or make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40+), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment.

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment.
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made.
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied.
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.