UTILITIES MAINTENANCE WORKER / TECHNICIAN / SPECIALIST - SEWER FACILITIES

Kitsap County, WA; Poulsbo (WA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Kitsap County is seeking a skilled utilities maintenance professional to support wastewater infrastructure operations across four treatment plants and multiple pump stations. The role blends hands-on maintenance, equipment operation, and environmental stewardship to ensure reliable system performance.

You will lead maintenance activities, perform complex repairs, monitor operations, and document system performance while working standard day hours and maintaining safety protocols across

Qualifications

• Six months of maintenance, mechanical work, utilities, construction, equipment operation, or related field for Worker level; one year for Technician.
• Three years of hands-on maintenance/operations experience for Specialist.

Responsibilities

• Lead facility maintenance across four wastewater plants and pump stations.
• Repair and improve HVAC, doors/locks, drywall, siding, roofing, and drainage systems; install/maintain irrigation and biofilters.
• Perform coating and preservation work; sandblast, apply protective coatings, and paint buildings.
• Monitor and respond to SCADA alarms; perform checks on pumps, valves, motors, generators, and treatment equipment.
• Record data from meters and alarms to track flow, pressures, and equipment status.
• Maintain preventive maintenance schedules for pumps, generators, and powered equipment; perform vehicle inspections.
• Operate heavy equipment and commercial vehicles such as cranes, dump trucks, bucket trucks, and chippers.
• Transport hazardous materials safely in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Mechanical aptitude

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Job description

Kitsap County is seeking a skilled and dedicated maintenance professional to fill this essential role that serves as the backbone of our wastewater infrastructure operations. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in utility operations and maintenance while making a lasting impact on environmental protection and public health throughout our community. You'll be stepping into a comprehensive wastewater treatment system that serves thousands of residents across four treatment plants and numerous pump stations, ready for hands‑on expertise and mechanical proficiency to ensure its continued reliable operation. This role offers the perfect blend of technical challenge, equipment operation, facility maintenance, and environmental stewardship for an experienced professional ready to take the next step in their career.

As a vital member of our wastewater operations team, you'll work across multiple facilities, managing everything from sophisticated treatment equipment to building infrastructure, while operating commercial vehicles and specialized machinery. This dynamic position provides exposure to diverse systems and technologies, offering continuous learning opportunities and the satisfaction of maintaining critical infrastructure that protects our waterways and community health.

As a Utilities Maintenance Technician or Specialist, you will:

• Lead facility maintenance and preservation efforts across all four wastewater treatment plants and associated pump and lift stations, ensuring optimal appearance and functionality through comprehensive landscaping, pressure washing, grounds maintenance, weed control, and tree and shrub management
• Execute complex facility repairs and improvements on critical infrastructure including HVAC systems, doors and locks, drywall, building siding, concrete structures, roofing systems, fences, gates, and drainage systems while installing and maintaining irrigation systems and biofilters
• Perform specialized coating and preservation work by preparing surfaces through sandblasting and needle gunning, then applying protective coating systems to mechanical equipment and painting buildings to extend asset life
• Respond to operational needs by monitoring SCADA alarms remotely, conducting operational checks, and providing routine maintenance on pumps, valves, gear mechanisms, motors, generators, blowers, boilers, and specialized wastewater treatment equipment including odor control, grit removal, aeration, solids processing, disinfection systems, and anaerobic digestion
• Monitor and document system performance by recording data from meters, gauges, level indicators, and alarms to track flow volumes, system pressures, fuel levels, lubrication, hazardous gases, and operational interruptions
• Maintain preventative maintenance schedules for Bioxide systems, generators, pumps, motors, lawn equipment, pressure washing equipment, and all gasoline, propane, and diesel-powered equipment while managing septic tank maintenance and vehicle pre‑trip inspections
• Operate diverse heavy equipment and commercial vehicles including hydraulic/electric crane trucks, dump trucks, tandem axle and semi trucks, front‑end loaders, forklifts, bucket trucks, chippers, trenchers, and specialized pumping equipment
• Transport and handle hazardous materials safely and in compliance with regulations, including diesel fuel, sodium hypochlorite, polymer, wastewater sludge, and biosolids for land application throughout the state
• Utilize maintenance management systems to document routine checks, generate work orders, prioritize repairs, improve operational efficiencies, and troubleshoot mechanical issues using both manual and computer‑based programs

What you bring:

• Professional Experience:
  1. Worker / Technician: Six (6) months of experience performing maintenance, mechanical work, utilities, construction, equipment operation, or a closely related field for the Worker level, or one (1) year of such experience for the Technician level. Experience should demonstrate the ability to safely perform physical labor, use tools and equipment, follow procedures, perform routine maintenance and repairs, and support field operations with increasing independence.
  2. Career Progression: This position is part of an automatic progression series. Incumbents hired at the Technician level will progress to Specialist upon meeting the requirements for Specialist and demonstrating satisfactory work performance, without the need for reapplication or competitive selection.
  3. Failure to Progress: Employees who fail to obtain required certifications, licenses, or credentials, or who do not consistently demonstrate required performance and competencies, will not progress to the next classification. The department will take appropriate personnel action in accordance with county policies.
• Specialist: Three years of hands‑on experience in maintenance, operations, or mechanical work in a related field, demonstrating proficiency with equipment repair, facility maintenance, and operational systems.
• Equipment Operation Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to safely operate a wide range of small and large equipment including commercial trucks, heavy machinery, hydraulic systems, and specialized wastewater treatment equipment
• Mechanical and Technical Skills: Strong working knowledge of hydraulic and power tools, material handling equipment, HVAC systems, building maintenance, and preventative maintenance procedures
• Hazardous Materials Handling: Capability to safely transport and manage hazardous materials including chemicals and biosolids in compliance with state and federal regulations
• Driver's License: Valid driver's license and must have or have the ability to obtain within 12 months of appointment, Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• Problem‑Solving Abilities: Aptitude for troubleshooting mechanical irregularities, responding to alarms, and making operational decisions to maintain continuous system functionality
• Documentation and Communication Skills: Proficiency in recording data, maintaining accurate maintenance logs, generating work orders, and communicating effectively with team members and supervisors
• Safety Commitment: Dedication to following safety protocols, conducting pre‑trip vehicle inspections, and maintaining a safe work environment across all facilities and during hazardous material transport

For the complete job description: https://www.kitsap.gov/hr/JobClassifications/Utilities%20Specialist%20-%20WWTP.pdf

For more information about the department: https://www.kitsap.gov/pw/Pages/cktp.aspx

• Who May Apply: This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process, which may include testing for office and computer skills.
• This position is classified as eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Covered under a collective bargaining agreement with Public Works Utilities - Local 589. For more information about the collective bargaining agreement: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Collective-Bargaining-Agreements.aspx. Membership in the union is optional. Internal applicants should be aware that a change in union status or bargaining unit may impact your benefits and accruals. Please contact Human Resources if you have questions.
• Application Requirements: All applicants, internal and external, must submit a complete and fully detailed application. Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all minimum qualifications for the position by the posted closing date. The County uses the information provided in the application (not the résumé) to verify relevant work experience and to determine placement on the pay scale if you are selected for the position.
• To be considered, your application must: Be fully completed, including all supplemental questions. Provide specific and detailed information showing that you have performed the duties and gained the experience required for the role. Include the total years of relevant experience, quantified based on full‑time equivalency. Applications that are incomplete, lack sufficient detail, or do not clearly demonstrate that the applicant meets all minimum qualifications will be screened out and will not move forward in the hiring process. Meeting the minimum qualifications is required.
• Work hours for this position are 7AM-3:30PM.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.

• Driving Requirements

  The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:

  1. Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.
  2. CDL Driver: Operating County owned vehicles and CDL vehicles. Successful candidate must have or obtain within 12 months of employment a Washington Class A endorse N or X with air brake restriction removed.
     1. Prior to CDL Assignment:
        • CDL drivers must submit a driving abstract and a current medical card.
        • CDL Drivers in accordance with federal regulations and Kitsap County Drug and Alcohol Policy and Procedures for CDL Drivers, no employee will be allowed to operate CDL vehicles or equipment in this position for Kitsap County until he/she has successfully passed a urine drug screening, full pre‑employment query in the FMCSA Clearinghouse; and enter into a random DOT regulated drug and alcohol testing process.
• This posting will be used to fill current and future openings.
• Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the application materials submitted. Per RCW 42.56.250, all applications for public employment, including the names of applicants, resumes, and other related materials submitted with respect to an applicant are exempt from public inspection.