Utility Worker I, II, III

City of Bellingham (WA)•Bellingham, WA

41d•$27 - $37

About The Position

Apply to join the team that keeps the city running! As a Utility Worker, you'll help maintain the City's infrastructure -using tools, equipment, and teamwork to make a real impact every day. The Utility Worker I, II, III series performs progressively responsible manual and semi-skilled labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of all public works facilities. Employees in this classification may be assigned to the following units: Street and Stormwater Collection, Wastewater Collection, or Water Distribution. Operates hand and power tools and motorized mobile equipment and/or electronic and hydro test equipment, depending upon the assigned unit. Usually works as part of an assigned crew in an assigned section but may have an individual or specialized assignment. Works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and sometimes under hazardous conditions. May be called out for emergency work. Attention to safety and protection of personnel and equipment is integral to work. SALARY AND BENEFITS: An individual in this position will move through the series in non-competitive promotions upon completing the necessary requirements and certifications for each Level. NOTE: A person with the requisite experience and training may be hired at the Utility Worker II or III level. The 2025 starting hourly rate is at Step 1. The full salary ranges for each position are: Utility Worker I: $27.24 - $33.30 per hour Utility Worker II: $28.84 - $35.24 per hour Utility Worker III: $30.54 - $37.39 per hour For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures. At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page. 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families Life insurance and long-term disability coverage Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month. Closing Date/Time: Friday, December 5, 2025 4:30 PM PST

Requirements

High School Diploma, or equivalent
One year of experience or related training using hand and power tools and motorized equipment to perform manual labor required.
High School Diploma, or equivalent. AND
Two (2) years' experience as Utility Worker I, OR three years equivalent experience performing manual labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of public facilities, AND
Possess and maintain the following certifications, based on the requirements of the unit to which assigned: Streets and Stormwater Collection Units: Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) with in one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker.
Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA - 1) with in one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker II.
Washington State Certification as Water Distribution Manager I within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker II.
High School Diploma, or equivalent,
Two years of experience in Public Works Operations Utility Worker I and 2 years of experience in the Utility Worker II classification, OR five years equivalent experience performing manual and semi-skilled labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of all public facilities,
Possess and maintain the following certifications, based on the requirements of the unit to which assigned: Street and Stormwater Collection Units: Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker III.
Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA-1) within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker III.
Washington State Certification as a Water Distribution Manager I within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker III.
Training Certificate in Asbestos Pipe Work Practices within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker III.
Employment contingent upon passing a criminal convictions check and child and adult abuse records check (see Fair Hiring Practices below).
Verification of ability to work in the United States by date of hire.
Valid Washington State driver's license and good driving record. Candidate considered for hire must submit an abstract of his/her driving records for the past three-years; with biennial submission of driving abstract to department, to be forwarded to Human Resources (Policy ADM 10.03.02.4).
Ability to obtain and maintain Flagging/Traffic Control Card within one year of employment.
Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid/CPR Card within one year of employment.
Some positions require the ability to secure a Commercial Driver's License (Class a CDL) with air brakes endorsement within six months of initial hire and to maintain a valid CDL during length of employment.
Must pass CDL-related drug and alcohol testing throughout term of employment.
Some positions require Fork Lift Operator's Card within one year of employment.
Must be able to report to Operations Division for emergency call-out and serve on standby in accordance with bargaining unit agreement.

Responsibilities

Shovels, rakes, picks, cleans, hammers, sands, and other such manual labor.
Operates machinery and power equipment on an interchangeable basis (for example, five, ten and 12 yard dump trucks, trucks and trailers, backhoes, excavators, paving machines, loaders, rollers, brush cutters, tapping machine, jet truck, boom truck, service and pick-up trucks, boring machines, etc.) or may be regularly assigned to a single piece of mobile equipment requiring substantial manual dexterity, without direct supervision and responsible for reporting maintenance problems and determining whether immediate service by a skilled mechanic is required (for example, street sweepers). Utility Worker III operates Vactor truck, camera inspection vehicle, and Gradall.
Performs many heavy manual semi-skilled and skilled tasks such as operating chain saws, jack hammers, drills, pipe saws, pavement saws, mowers, street sweepers, and raking asphalt in an accomplished fashion; may perform right-of-way patching, pavement overlays, maintenance and repair of guardrails, concrete sidewalk repairs, repair storm drainage catch basins, Sewer manholes, and surrounding pavement repairs involving masonry, concrete and asphalt work. Utility Worker III includes trenchless pipe repairs, hydrant and valve replacements, water main repairs, and locates and marks water mains and water services using electronic pipe locating devices.
May install, replace and repair sewer pipes, inspect and clean sewer mains and make repairs involving appropriate machine or device; may raise manholes and make related street grade adjustments; may respond to citizen complaints. Utility Worker III make repairs involving operation of a rodding machine; may operate a video scanner to assess sewer system conditions and identify problems.
Assists workers in higher classes: cuts, fits, lays, connects, installs various sizes of water, sewer and storm lines; installs valves, tees, crosses, reducers, sleeves, manholes, catch basins, etc., per instructions.
Turns on or shuts off water services to customers per order and according to established procedures.
Sets up traffic control devices including barricades, flags, and performs other safety-related duties.
Logs information, completes work orders and paperwork as necessary. Utility Worker II, III field checks measurements and locations of facilities, marks-up maps and drawings used for updating computer maintenance and GIS records.
Responds to after hours call-outs and investigates customer service requests.

Benefits

10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

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