Utility Worker I, II, III (3/6 mo Seasonal)

This 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 Information:

Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. 

Utility Worker I will start at Step 1 ($27.24/hour) for full time positions. The full hourly range for this position is $27.24/hour- $33.30/hour.

Utility Worker II will start at Step 1 ($28.84/hour) for full time positions. The full hourly range for this position is $28.84/hour - $35.24/hour.

Utility Worker III will start at Step 1 ($30.54/hour) for full time positions.  The full hourly range for this position is $30.54/hour - $37.39/hour.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.

Benefit Information: 

• Three-Month Seasonal Positions: 
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.
  • This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law. 

• Six-Month Seasonal Positions: 
  • 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked
  • Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
  • Upon union eligibility, paid holidays during employment period
  • This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law. 

This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Depending on the unit to which assigned and level of experience:

1. Shovels, rakes, picks, cleans, hammers, sands, and other such manual labor.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Turns on or shuts off water services to customers per order and according to established procedures.
7. Sets up traffic control devices including barricades, flags, and performs other safety-related duties.
8. 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.
9. Responds to afterhours call-outs and investigates customer service requests.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED:

Utility Worker I, II

1. Performs other duties within the scope of the classification and of the classes below.
2. Participates in job-related training to improve knowledge and skills.

Utility Worker III

1. May lead a group of lower classified and/or extra labor employees in the completion of smaller, less complex assignments.
2. Provides guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced co-workers.
3. Other related duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions on City streets and rights-of-way, in close proximity to roadway traffic, or in an industrial plant environment. The work involves moderate risks which require special safety precautions, e.g. working around moving equipment, high speed or high voltage equipment, or with exposure to irritant chemicals or raw sewage. Hazards may include: fumes, dust, gases, and asbestos, moving mechanical equipment parts, extreme temperatures, maintenance and repair of pressurized (up to 200psi) water systems, inadequate lighting, confined spaces, trenches, loud noises and exposure to traffic.  Employees may be required to use protective clothing such as coveralls, rain gear, hard hats, safety vests, masks, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields.

Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate hand and power equipment safely and efficiently.
• Correctable vision to read instructions and work safely around equipment.
• Adequate hearing to effectively hear voice radio and crew communications, roadway traffic and alarms in a noisy environment.
• Physical ability to continuously stoop, bend, climb, occasionally work in confined spaces or from heights, and frequently lift and carry heavy objects in the 50 lb. range, and occasionally weights of approximately 100 lbs. utilizing proper body mechanics, mechanical and other assistance. Some positions require the ability to work from heights up to 180 feet on a ladder truck or communication tower.
• Positions in Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection, Street and Stormwater Collection require the physical ability to operate a 60 lb. jackhammer for extended periods of time intermittently throughout the year.

Utility Worker I:

• 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.

Utility Worker II:

• 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.
  • Wastewater Collection Unit:
    • Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA – 1) with in one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker II.
  • Water Distribution Unit:
    • Washington State Certification as Water Distribution Manager I within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker II.

 Utility Worker III: 

• High School Diploma, or equivalent, AND
• 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, AND
• 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.
  • Wastewater Collection Unit:
    • Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA–1)  within one (1) year of promotion, transfer, or placement to Utility Worker III.
  • Water Distribution Unit:
    • 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 vulnerable adult abuse records check (See Fair Hiring Practices).
• 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.

Failure to obtain appropriate certifications within established time limits will result in demotion to the lower class for which qualified, until such time as the required unit certification is achieved.

**You are encouraged to print a copy of this job announcement for your reference as the process moves along** 

Please ensure your application is complete and all required information has been provided. Standard completeness means all application fields (contact information, personal information, education, work experience, references, and supplemental questions). Application materials should comprehensively document your experience and skills related to the position responsibilities and experience/training requirements. As part of the City’s commitment to reducing bias in the hiring process, Human Resources redacts personally identifiable information for reviewers. Only the documents listed as required will be reviewed.

Complete applications will be sent to the department for further review. The Public Works department will contact the top candidates to schedule interviews.

Equal Opportunity:

Our environment is characterized by respect for cultural backgrounds, belief systems, and ethnic diversity. The City of Bellingham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its work force. We do not make decisions on the basis of an individual's race, religion, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age (40 ), disability, retaliation, sexual orientation or gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. All are encouraged to apply for employment. 

Fair Hiring Practices

• The City provides individuals who have been arrested or convicted of a criminal offense an equal and fair opportunity to obtain employment. 
• The City will not inquire about an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional job offer has been made. 
• The City will disregard the prior arrest and conviction record of an otherwise qualified individual unless the offense is directly related to the job position for which the individual has applied. 
• The City will notify an otherwise qualified applicant about a potentially disqualifying conviction and give the applicant an opportunity to submit information regarding the accuracy of the criminal records as well as evidence of mitigation or rehabilitation, as appropriate.

Salary : $27 - $37