Sewer Worker

City of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma’s Environment and Public Works Department is seeking a Sewer Worker to support construction, maintenance and repair of stormwater and sanitary sewer mains in Tacoma. The role includes installing, cleaning, and repairing sewer lines and associated work, with tasks ranging from trench work to traffic control.

Applicants should have a high school diploma or equivalent, at least one year of heavy labor experience, and be prepared for outdoor work with lifting up to 90 pounds and

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent.
• 1 year paid experience performing general construction or repair work, including excavation, trenching, shoring, or heavy physical labor.

Responsibilities

• Install, clean, and repair sewer lines and storm drains.
• Assist in installation, construction, and repair of pipes and trench work.
• Televising sewers and locating breaks in lines.
• Perform traffic control and direct/flag traffic.

Skills

Heavy manual labor

Tool operation

Truck operation

Safety awareness

Reading directions

Public interaction

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Sewer/vacuum truck operation

Traffic control equipment

Job description

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

• Week 1 – Monday – Thursday: 9 hours; Lunch: 30 minutes unpaid
• Week 1 – Friday*: 8 hours; Lunch: 30 minutes unpaid
• Week 2 – Monday – Thursday: 9 hours; Lunch: 30 minutes unpaid
• Week 2 – Friday*: 0 hours; Lunch: 30 minutes unpaid

* Or the reverse of Week 1 & Week 2

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.

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.

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.

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details

Hourly Rate: $32.45 - $37.56

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

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma