Sewer Worker

City of Tacoma; Tacoma (CO); On-site; USD 67,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma's Environment and Public Works Department is recruiting for the position of Sewer Worker. This entry-level role performs technical and physical work related to the construction, maintenance and repair of stormwater and sanitary sewer mains to sustain a continuing program of sewer system maintenance.

Responsibilities include installing, cleaning, and repairing sewer lines, televising sewers, performing traffic control, and operating a range of tools and equipment while adhering

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• 1-year paid work experience performing general construction or repair work, which has included excavation, trenching, shoring activities or heavy physical labor.
• Knowledge of storm and sanitary sewer installation, repair, maintenance, and cleaning.

Responsibilities

• Install, clean, and repair sewer lines and storm drains of grease, roots, dirt and other debris with rodding and water pressure equipment.
• Televising sewers and laterals; locating breaks in utility lines; inspects sewer lines for defects.
• Perform traffic control functions such as placing barricades, directing/flagging, re-routing traffic.
• Operate a variety of pneumatic, hydraulic, gas and hand powered tools, equipment and machinery related to duties.
• Respond to utility emergencies while on-duty and during off-duty hours.

Skills

Sewer maintenance

Heavy manual labor

Operate tools

Drive trucks

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Posting number: 5010-26

Department: Environmental Services

Job classification: Sewer Worker

Posting type: Open

Categories: Building Maintenance, Community Services, Environmental Services, Facility Management, Public Works, Trades, Waste Management, Water Treatment, Water Agency, Miscellaneous, Natural Resources, Wastewater, Maintenance, Utilities, Construction Maintenance, Training, Custodial, Grounds & Landscaping

Summary

The City of Tacoma's Environment and Public Works Department is recruiting for the position of Sewer Worker. The Sewer Worker classification is the entry-level class of the Sewer Worker series. Sewer Workers perform technical and physical work related to the construction, maintenance and repair of stormwater and sanitary sewer mains to sustain a continuing program of sewer system maintenance.
Sewer Workers maintain Tacoma's municipal sanitary and surface water systems by:

• Installing, cleaning, and repairing sewer lines and storm drains of grease, roots, dirt and other debris with rodding and water pressure equipment.
• Assisting in the installation, construction, and repair of pipes and pipe connections, reinforce and shore trenches, and work in confined spaces and within traffic zones.
• Televising sewers and laterals; locating breaks in utility lines; inspects sewer lines for defects.
• Performing traffic control functions such as placing barricades, directing/flagging, re-routing traffic.
• Operates a variety of pneumatic, hydraulic, gas and hand powered tools, equipment and machinery related to duties.
• Cleaning & maintaining sewer lines, traps, lift stations, and operating related equipment including sewer/vacuum truck.
• Assisting with concrete street repair including: setting grades and forms, smoothing out, leveling and finishing.
• Using cold patch to fill potholes and make other road repairs.
• Utilizing proper safety measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) while performing job duties.
• Responding to utility emergencies while on-duty and during off-duty hours, including
• Frequent interactions with other City employees and the public.

Our Ideal Candidate/s are people with the following skills:

• Enthusiastic, cheerful and helpful team members
• Great customer service skills
• Excellent attendance
• Strong work ethic

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Outdoor environment; subject to noise, fumes, adverse weather conditions and driving from site to site; subject to emergency calls during off-duty hours.
• Position requires lifting heavy objects and climbing.
• An employee in this position is exposed to raw sewage, traffic and underground construction hazards.

Work Schedule

This classification is overtime eligible, and employees are subject to a 24-hour call-out response to emergencies. These positions are staffed as a 9/80 schedule, which is defined as follows: in a two-week pay period, four days at nine (9) hours, Monday – Thursday, and one eight (8) hour day, Friday, the first week, followed by four days at nine (9) hours, Monday – Thursday, each work day with a one-half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch, with the fifth day, Friday, off work, the second week.

• Week 1
• Lunch
• Hours
• Week 2
• Lunch
• Hours
• Monday - Thursday
• 30 minutes
  unpaid
• 9
• Monday - Thursday
• 30 minutes
  unpaid
• 9
• Friday*
• 30 minutes
  unpaid
• 8
• Friday*
• 30 minutes
  unpaid
• 0
• * Or the reverse of Week 1 & Week 2

Examples of duties

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

Desired Qualification:

• 1-year paid work experience performing general construction or repair work, which has included excavation, trenching, shoring activities or heavy physical labor
• Sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed above (also in the knowledge and skills section).

Licenses, Certifications and other Requirements:

• Valid Washington State Driver’s License at time of appointment, with maintenance thereafter.
• Depending on position, a Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with N (tanker) endorsement within nine (9) months of appointment into the classification with maintenance, thereafter, may be required (This is not a requirement for incumbents appointed into the classification prior to April 26, 2022)
• Traffic Control Flagging, CPR and first-aid certificates will be required prior to the completion of the probationary period with maintenance thereafter.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE:

• Methods, practices, procedures, and techniques of storm and sanitary sewer installation, repair, maintenance, and cleaning.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Health and safety regulations.
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials, and supplies.

SKILLS:

• Learn storm and sanitary sewer main and lateral distribution and runoff lines.
• Perform heavy manual labor for extended periods.
• Operate various tools and related equipment.
• Operate trucks to perform sewer-related activities.
• Lift objects weighing up to 90 pounds.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others and the general public.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.

Supplemental information

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $32.45 - $37.56

Annual Salary: $67,496.00 - $78,182.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma