Laborer

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is seeking highly motivated people devoted to public service to join our team in providing exceptional service to the citizens and rate payers of Tacoma. Laborers are generally hired on a temporary basis (normally employed for a period of one hundred twenty (120) calendar days or less) to perform heavy manual labor, and can work with different Departments at the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Public Utilities. This is a great opportunity to join the City of Tacoma and acquire valuable work skills and gain relevant municipal experience. This is also a very good job for those seeking short-term employment.

There are currently two openings for 6 month temporary appointments.

Examples Of Job Responsibilities

• Sweeps streets, gutters and alleys, loads dirt from streets into a truck; removes snow from sidewalks and stairs, and spreads sand or salt on icy streets
• Cut grass and remove weeds on parking strips; rain gardens, ponds and ditches; rakes and loads grass and brush; mows lawns and cleans grounds; cuts trees and brush along rights-of-way; plants, waters and assists in care of shrubs, flowers and grass
• Digs ditches, trenches, and post holes and loads dirt and construction materials
• Pours concrete and fills pavement cracks with asphalt and shovels asphalt paving mix in repairs of streets
• Uses a jackhammer to break asphalt or concrete; shovels broken material into a dump truck
• Builds, repairs, cleans and maintains solid waste containers
• Delivers and removes solid waste containers for customers
• Picks up debris on and around the grounds and the buildings at the Recovery and Transfer Center
• Uses a pressure washer
• Uses manual and power tools
• Performs traffic control for job sites
• Performs light to medium manual labor and related duties as assigned.
  
  

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Outdoor and indoor environment; subject to noise and fumes from equipment operation and adverse weather conditions.
• Position requires heavy lifting, climbing, hoisting and pulling
• Some positions may require working weekend, holidays and flexible hours
  
  

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Some experience in performing heavy manual work; completion of the eighth grade; or any equivalent combination of experience and training.

Licenses, Certificates And Other Requirements

Valid Washington State Driver License required at time of appointment and maintenance thereafter

Appointment is subject to passing a background check, pre-employment medical exam and drug screen

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge Of

• Applicable occupational hazards and safety precautions
  
  

SKILLS:

• Ability to understand and follow specific oral instructions
• Ability to perform heavy manual labor for extended periods, often under adverse climate conditions
• Maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Operate motor vehicles in a safe manner
• Perform heavy manual labor
• Excellent customer service skills
  
  

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

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.
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
  
  

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen and physical ability test. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Teamsters Local Union #117.

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.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this 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.

If you have any additional questions regarding this position, please contact the Human Resources Department at 253.591.5400 prior to 4pm on the date of this posting closing.