Water Utility Worker

Position Description

Tacoma Water is currently creating an eligible list to fill Water Utility Worker vacancies as they occur for the next year.

As a Water Utility Worker, you will perform semi-skilled manual labor assisting in the installation, maintenance, and repair of water supply and distribution facilities and systems. Duties include installing, maintaining, and repairing distribution mains, water services, meters, valves, fire hydrants, buildings, pump stations, reservoirs, pipelines, below ground infrastructure and water treatment systems.

You will get opportunities operating a variety of equipment and machinery, performing strenuous manual labor (which requires frequent heavy lifting), working in all types of weather, and can require working safely at heights, in traffic, and in confined spaces.

If this sounds intriguing, please apply today!

Applicants who apply and meet minimum qualifications will be invited to take an online test. Details and the test link will be sent via email the week of January 26, 2026. Be sure to check your junk folder for this email so you don't miss the deadline.

No previous experience is required. This is an entry level position with great pay, excellent benefits (including medical, dental paid vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, pension) and the opportunity to learn a skilled trade. Permanent Water Utility Workers are eligible to apply to Tacoma Water’s Apprenticeship Program after successfully completing a 9-month probation.

If you'd like to get a glimpse of what it's like to be a Water Utility Worker and how this role impacts our customers, check out the videos below!

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED equivalent.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license with maintenance thereafter.

Employees hired after April 29, 1998, are required to have a Commercial Driver's License Class "A" with Air Brake Restriction removed, a valid First Aid Card and a Flagging Certificate with maintenance thereafter prior to the completion of the probationary period.

Employees hired after September 1, 2000 will be required to successfully complete a Tacoma Water sponsored math class prior to completion of probation and Tacoma Water's Apprenticeship Program within three years from the date of entering the Apprenticeship Program.

Knowledge & Skills

• Working safely in physically demanding environments in all kinds of weather
• Learn methods, equipment and materials used in water main, service and meter installations, testing and repair
• Proper methods of storing equipment, materials and supplies
• Health and safety regulations
• Learn and understand general principles of Tacoma's Municipal water distribution and supply system including mains, hydrants, water meters, pump stations, reservoirs, pipelines, and water treatment.
• Learn operation and control procedures of electrical pumping equipment
• Learn to operate a variety of equipment and machines such as jackhammers, compressors and various hand and power tools
• Earn your commercial driver’s license and learn to drive large vehicles like dump trucks and tow rigs
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices
• Communicate with others regarding areas of responsibility and work tasks
• Provide excellent customer service to our customers

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
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Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to test. Applicants must earn a passing score on the test in order to be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Appointment is subject to passing a background check, a physical abilities test, and a pre-employment medical exam and drug screen (which includes testing for marijuana).

The physical abilities test requires the candidate to complete an aerobic test, upright rows (45lbs), squats (100lbs) and shoulder press (45lbs). A candidate must pass this test in order to start working in the Water Utility Worker classification.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification and being eligible to be accepted into the Apprenticeship program.

Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $31.76 - $33.34

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should 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 email folders.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma 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 age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 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: 1/21/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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