Sewer Equipment Operator

City of Tacoma•Tacoma, WA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Tacoma’s Environment and Public Works Department is hiring a Sewer Equipment Operator to perform sewer-system maintenance and related work. This specialized position requires knowledge and work experience with sewer maintenance vehicles and equipment used to clean, vacuum, and flush sewer lines and catch basins. The role includes preparing and operating equipment, transporting workers and materials, maintaining vehicles, assisting sewer crews, assessing sewer systems with electronic technologies, and responding to sewer-related complaints and emergencies. The work is performed outdoors and may involve adverse weather, heavy traffic, fumes, raw sewage, confined spaces, excavation hazards, prolonged noise, and potentially hazardous materials. Employees may be required to respond to emergency call-outs during off-duty hours. The position follows a 9/80 schedule and is eligible for overtime. The City describes its commitment to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and encourages candidates with a range of backgrounds and transferable skills to apply.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED, or an equivalent combination of qualifications.
Two years of experience as a sewer worker or equivalent experience, including training or experience operating specialized sewer equipment.
Valid Washington State Class A commercial driver's license with N (tanker) endorsement at appointment, maintained thereafter.
Ability to operate, care for, and maintain sewer maintenance trucks, equipment, and accessories safely.
Knowledge of applicable traffic laws, ordinances, rules, and health and safety regulations.
Ability to maintain routine records and prepare routine reports using proper record-keeping techniques, including wireless devices and electronic record keeping.
Knowledge of City sewer-system locations using GIS mapping and City of Tacoma GovMe/ESRI websites, or ability to quickly learn locations.
Ability to safely operate a variety of sewer maintenance trucks and equipment, service equipment, and make minor repairs.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions.
Ability to develop and maintain interpersonal skills and cooperative working relationships.
Ability to observe legal and defensive driving practices, perform heavy manual labor, and work independently with little direction.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Ability to lift heavy objects, climb, and push up to 90 pounds.
Availability to respond to emergency call-outs during off-duty hours and to work a 24-hour emergency call-out response schedule.
Subject to random CDL drug testing.

Nice To Haves

Experience repairing, maintaining, and cleaning storm and sewer lines.
Work experience operating dump trucks, Vactor trucks, and back cutters.
Willingness to work a swing-shift schedule.

Responsibilities

Load and prepare trucks and equipment according to crew assignments.
Transport workers, equipment, tools, and materials to and from assigned job sites.
Clean, service, and maintain assigned trucks and equipment in safe working condition.
Communicate with the public about sewer-related complaints and respond to and resolve assigned emergencies.
Assist sewer crew workers with sewer maintenance and repair duties.
Set up work areas and equipment, including traffic warning devices in accordance with recognized safety procedures.
Assess sewer systems using electronic technologies and equipment.
Direct assigned personnel or crews to complete tasks safely.
Work safely and cooperatively with coworkers and the public.
Maintain records, logs, and lists, including daily work orders and notifications, truck sheets, and mobile dispatch records.
Maintain working knowledge of City sewer-line locations.
Perform related duties as assigned.