What are the responsibilities and job description for the Wastewater Maintenance Specialist I position at City of Yakima?
JOB
Start your career in public works with a team that keeps your community flowing! The City is seeking a dedicated individual for an entry-level role in Wastewater and Stormwater Maintenance—perfect for someone with basic experience in utilities or related work like irrigation or in-ground pipe systems. If you're eager to learn, grow, and earn certifications, we’d love to hear from you.High School diploma or equivalent (GED) and three (3) month’s experience in wastewater maintenance or related field such as water; irrigation; trenches; in-ground pipe operations and maintenance; pumps; lift stations, etc. Certification by the Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA) at a Specialist I level is preferred. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATESMust possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License. Must obtain and maintain a Basic First Aid Certificate and Traffic Flagging Certificate within (six) 6 months of hire. Must obtain/possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with either an A or B endorsement with Airbrake and Tank Vehicle endorsements as required by the State regulations within nine (9) months of appointment. Must obtain Washington Wastewater Collection (WWC) I Certification from the Washington Wastewater Collections Personnel Association (WWCPA) within twenty-four (24) months of hire. NOTE: Prior to participating in an examination process for this position, you will be required to provide a Department of Licensing driving record. Report should be a "Full" or "Employment" record obtained within the past 30 days.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Under close supervision, performs work in the maintenance and repair of the City wastewater and stormwater collection systems. This is an entry level position in the Wastewater Maintenance work group. Employees are expected to proactively seek the knowledge, experience, and certifications required to advance to the Wastewater Maintenance II classification.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of wastewater and stormwater collection systems operations, maintenance and rehabilitation including types of equipment and materials used; and safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment necessary Ability to read wastewater and stormwater maps and charts.Knowledge of city, state and federal traffic laws, rules and regulations with ability to direct traffic utilizing proper flagging processes and procedures. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns.Knowledge of time management and work flow practices, record keeping and retention processes, and practices. Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.Working knowledge of office equipment and applicable computer programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Outlook, and basic internet access capabilities.Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, and members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, utilizing effective communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English. Must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.Must be dependable; able to work independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Strong mechanical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.Ability to use hand and power tools including, but not limited to: a jackhammer, powered compactors and an air compressor; and operate medium to heavy equipment. Perform strenuous physical work and occasionally lift heavy equipment. Ability to identify and analyze abnormal conditions and render a timely and appropriate course of action to correct; operate a personal computer, necessary mobile devices and other standard office equipment; read, research, understand and utilize equipment repair resources. Must maintain accurate logs and/or records; perform basic mathematical calculations efficiently and accurately; and troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively.Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other departments, and members of the public, continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements. Ability to work extended hours, and standby, on-call, night and weekend hours, as needed to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed outside in all weather extremes and may be exposed to water, mud, dust, smoke, asbestos cement pipe, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, raw sewage, animals, rodents, insects, needles, drug paraphernalia, and/or traffic. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/ grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skills while performing duties operating computers and other machinery. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally with the assistance of others or mechanical devices. Operates heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders, uneven terrains, and inclines while maintaining balance. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other duties as assigned. Frequent kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Must be able to wear safety harness and be lowered and raised with cable wench in confined spaces. May work at heights, alone, with others, or in noisy work area. May require continuous moving, sitting or standing for excessive periods of time. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS May come in contact with irate, upset, emotionally disturbed and/or uncooperative individuals. Shall be subject to random controlled substances and alcohol testing, pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40 and Section 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. May require standby, on-call, night and weekend work.
Start your career in public works with a team that keeps your community flowing! The City is seeking a dedicated individual for an entry-level role in Wastewater and Stormwater Maintenance—perfect for someone with basic experience in utilities or related work like irrigation or in-ground pipe systems. If you're eager to learn, grow, and earn certifications, we’d love to hear from you.High School diploma or equivalent (GED) and three (3) month’s experience in wastewater maintenance or related field such as water; irrigation; trenches; in-ground pipe operations and maintenance; pumps; lift stations, etc. Certification by the Washington Wastewater Collection Personnel Association (WWCPA) at a Specialist I level is preferred. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATESMust possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License. Must obtain and maintain a Basic First Aid Certificate and Traffic Flagging Certificate within (six) 6 months of hire. Must obtain/possess and maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with either an A or B endorsement with Airbrake and Tank Vehicle endorsements as required by the State regulations within nine (9) months of appointment. Must obtain Washington Wastewater Collection (WWC) I Certification from the Washington Wastewater Collections Personnel Association (WWCPA) within twenty-four (24) months of hire. NOTE: Prior to participating in an examination process for this position, you will be required to provide a Department of Licensing driving record. Report should be a "Full" or "Employment" record obtained within the past 30 days.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Under close supervision, performs work in the maintenance and repair of the City wastewater and stormwater collection systems. This is an entry level position in the Wastewater Maintenance work group. Employees are expected to proactively seek the knowledge, experience, and certifications required to advance to the Wastewater Maintenance II classification.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Knowledge of wastewater and stormwater collection systems operations, maintenance and rehabilitation including types of equipment and materials used; and safe techniques and procedures for the appropriate use of materials, hand tools, power tools, and equipment necessary Ability to read wastewater and stormwater maps and charts.Knowledge of city, state and federal traffic laws, rules and regulations with ability to direct traffic utilizing proper flagging processes and procedures. Ability to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns.Knowledge of time management and work flow practices, record keeping and retention processes, and practices. Knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.Working knowledge of office equipment and applicable computer programs, including but not limited to: Microsoft Outlook, and basic internet access capabilities.Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, and members of the public representing diverse levels of education and background, utilizing effective communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English. Must maintain appropriate levels of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.Must be dependable; able to work independently with self-direction; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Strong mechanical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.Ability to use hand and power tools including, but not limited to: a jackhammer, powered compactors and an air compressor; and operate medium to heavy equipment. Perform strenuous physical work and occasionally lift heavy equipment. Ability to identify and analyze abnormal conditions and render a timely and appropriate course of action to correct; operate a personal computer, necessary mobile devices and other standard office equipment; read, research, understand and utilize equipment repair resources. Must maintain accurate logs and/or records; perform basic mathematical calculations efficiently and accurately; and troubleshoot and resolve issues effectively.Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other departments, and members of the public, continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to: customer focused, teamwork, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements. Ability to work extended hours, and standby, on-call, night and weekend hours, as needed to carry out the responsibilities and functions of the position. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Work is performed outside in all weather extremes and may be exposed to water, mud, dust, smoke, asbestos cement pipe, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, raw sewage, animals, rodents, insects, needles, drug paraphernalia, and/or traffic. Continuous use of both hands in reaching/handling/ grasping/keyboarding and other fine motor skills while performing duties operating computers and other machinery. May be required to lift up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds occasionally with the assistance of others or mechanical devices. Operates heavy vehicles, equipment and machinery. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders, uneven terrains, and inclines while maintaining balance. Physical strength and ability sufficient to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods. Frequent bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck while performing mechanical repairs, maintenance items and other duties as assigned. Frequent kneeling/crouching/crawling while making repairs in confined spaces and awkward positions. Must be able to wear safety harness and be lowered and raised with cable wench in confined spaces. May work at heights, alone, with others, or in noisy work area. May require continuous moving, sitting or standing for excessive periods of time. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS May come in contact with irate, upset, emotionally disturbed and/or uncooperative individuals. Shall be subject to random controlled substances and alcohol testing, pursuant to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including 49 CFR Part 40 and Section 382 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. May require standby, on-call, night and weekend work.
