Sewer Worker

Position Description

The City of Tacoma 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

This recruitment is being conducted to create a civil service eligibility list that will be used to fill Sewer Worker vacancies as they occur for one year. There are both permanent and Project positions available in this classification.

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
This classification is overtime eligible, and employees are subject to a 24-hour call-out response to emergencies. These positions are staffed as a 9/80 schedule, which is defined as follows: in a two-week pay period, four days at nine (9) hours, Monday - Thursday, and one eight (8) hour day, Friday, the first week, followed by four days at nine (9) hours, Monday - Thursday, each work day with a one-half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch, with the fifth day, Friday, off work, the second week.
Week 1

Lunch

Hours

Week 2

Lunch

Hours

Monday - Thursday

30 minutes
unpaid

9

Monday - Thursday

30 minutes
unpaid

9

Friday*

30 minutes
unpaid

8

Friday*

30 minutes
unpaid

0
* Or the reverse of Week 1 & Week 2

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success.

In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
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, CERTIFICATES 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 & Skills

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.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:
Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.

Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points.

Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions # 10-14 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities.

Candidates who pass the test will be placed on an Eligible List for potential interview and hiring consideration.

Any vacancy that comes up within a one-year period of time will draw from candidates on the Eligible List for potential interview selection.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a pre-employment background check and references check, a pre-employment medical exam, drug and alcohol screen and physical ability test.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Teamsters Local 313. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:

• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.
• Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
• Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
• Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
• Personal time off.
• Paid holidays.
• A great pension plan.

Our City:
With a population of over 210,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk e-mail folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend an hour or more entering the required information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400, before 4:00 pm on the closing date.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 5/6/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

Tacoma, Washington United States View Map