Sewer Worker

City of Tacoma•Tacoma, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Tacoma's Environment and Public Works Department is recruiting for an entry-level Sewer Worker. Sewer Workers perform technical and physical work related to the construction, maintenance, and repair of stormwater and sanitary sewer mains, helping sustain an ongoing sewer system maintenance program. The role maintains Tacoma's municipal sanitary and surface water systems through sewer-line and storm-drain cleaning and repair, construction assistance, inspections, traffic control, equipment operation, and related street repairs. The position involves outdoor work and travel between job sites, exposure to noise, fumes, adverse weather, raw sewage, traffic, and underground construction hazards, and may require emergency call-outs during off-duty hours. Employees perform heavy manual labor, including lifting objects weighing up to 90 pounds and climbing. The position is overtime eligible and subject to a 24-hour emergency call-out response. The normal schedule is a 9/80 arrangement, with one Friday off every two-week pay period; the schedule may also run in reverse.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent.
Sufficient training and experience to demonstrate the knowledge and abilities listed in the posting.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License at appointment and maintained thereafter.
Traffic Control Flagging, CPR, and first-aid certificates before completion of the probationary period, maintained thereafter.
Depending on the position, a valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with N (tanker) endorsement may be required within nine months of appointment and maintained thereafter; this is not required for incumbents appointed before April 26, 2022.
Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, operate various tools and related equipment, operate trucks for sewer-related activities, and lift objects weighing up to 90 pounds.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions and establish and maintain cooperative, effective working relationships with others and the general public.
Knowledge of storm and sanitary sewer installation, repair, maintenance, and cleaning methods and practices; interpersonal skills involving tact, patience, and courtesy; health and safety regulations; and proper equipment, material, and supply storage methods.
Ability to learn storm and sanitary sewer main and lateral distribution and runoff lines and observe legal and defensive driving practices.

Nice To Haves

One year of paid work experience performing general construction or repair work that includes excavation, trenching, shoring activities, or heavy physical labor.
Enthusiastic, cheerful, and helpful approach as a team member.
Excellent customer service skills.
Excellent attendance.
Strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

Install, clean, and repair sewer lines and storm drains, removing grease, roots, dirt, and other debris using rodding and water-pressure equipment.
Assist with installing, constructing, and repairing pipes and pipe connections; reinforce and shore trenches; and work in confined spaces and traffic zones.
Use sewer televising equipment to inspect sewers and laterals, locate utility-line breaks, and identify defects in sewer lines.
Perform traffic control, including placing barricades, directing or flagging traffic, and rerouting traffic.
Operate pneumatic, hydraulic, gas-powered, and hand-powered tools, equipment, and machinery related to sewer work.
Clean and maintain sewer lines, traps, and lift stations, and operate related equipment, including a sewer/vacuum truck.
Assist with concrete street repairs, including setting grades and forms and smoothing, leveling, and finishing concrete.
Use cold patch to fill potholes and perform other road repairs.
Use appropriate safety measures and personal protective equipment while performing job duties.
Respond to utility emergencies while on duty and during off-duty hours.
Interact frequently with other City employees and members of the public.
Perform heavy manual labor, operate trucks for sewer-related activities, and follow safe and defensive driving practices.