Senior Sewer Worker

Senior Sewer Worker

Salary

$44.13 - $51.09 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5011-26

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

10/29/2026

Closing Date

11/12/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacomas Environmental and Public Works Department is seeking a Senior Sewer Worker to join their Sewer Maintenance team. We are looking for motivated, skilled trades workers who enjoy working in a team environment, are willing to work in all types of conditions, and are committed to providing excellent customer service to internal and external customers. We invite you to bring your skills, abilities, and knowledge to The City of Tacoma and be a valued addition to a workforce that we know is our greatest asset.

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor the Senior Sewer Worker performs technical lead duties and participates in the activities of a crew engaged in the maintenance, repair and operation of the Citys wastewater and surface water system.

Senior Sewer Workers display leadership, judgment, responsibility and serve as an example for others. They take the technical lead on projects, providing work direction and guidance to Sewer Equipment Operator and Sewer Worker and Laborers. Senior Sewer Workers are responsible for ensuring that policies, procedures and safety rules are observed and enforced on the job site.

Essential Duties (include but are not limited to the following):

• Perform technical lead duties and participate in the activities of a crew engaged in the maintenance, repair and operation of the Citys wastewater and surface water systems.
• Oversee and participate in a wide variety of sewer maintenance related tasks as assigned to ensure the efficient operation and condition of wastewater and surface water systems.
• Lead and participate in jobsite assessment, safety, work planning, logistics, lay out, establishing grades and elevations.
• Oversee and participate in excavations, applying appropriate trenching and shoring methods, systems, regulations and laws.
• Oversee and participate in the installation, repair, adjustment and maintenance of wastewater and surface water systems, including their structures, installations and components.
• Oversee and participate in inspecting wastewater and surface water systems, including their structures, installations and components.
• Oversee and participate in properly operating fire hydrants, connecting valves and hoses to hydrants and equipment. Cleaning, rodding, flushing, root and grease removal from wastewater and surface water systems, their structures, installations and components. Use a variety of mechanical and manual means, including shoveling sand, gravel and debris from manholes and catch basins, structures, installations and components thereof.
• Receive and respond to wastewater and surface water related emergency calls and property owner complaints. Taking appropriate actions to satisfactorily resolve issues, while adhering to City and departmental policies, procedures and ordinances.
• Provide information and assistance related to wastewater and surface water systems: condition, location, maintenance and repair activities to customers and others as required.
• Train and provide work direction and technical assistance to assigned crew(s); assure the conduct, whereabouts, productiveness and safety of crew in the field.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of timely and complete records and reports (both electronic and paper) related to daily work activities; order tools, equipment and materials as needed.
• Prepare and submit written requests for tools, equipment and materials as needed.
• Effectively communicate verbally and in writing with crews, customers, supervisors and office staff.
• Operate a variety of hand tools and equipment used in sewer work including but not limited to: rodding equipment, air blowers, gas and metal detectors, fork lift, CCTV equipment and computers. Drive and operate a variety of vehicles such as pickups, flat beds and crew trucks. Towing enclosed cargo, flat beds with equipment or cargo and compressor trailers.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Position requires ascending/descending, moving heavy objects, positioning oneself under or around equipment and structures, operation of equipment, and detection of short and long distances.
• An employee in this position is subject to noise, vibration, fumes and potentially hazardous materials.
• Exposure to raw sewage, traffic, excavation, underground construction and confined space hazards.
• Emergency call responses during non-regular business hours.

Safety Requirements:

Requires learning and following all safety rules and regulations pertaining to job functions, which includes attending all required safety classes and meetings in order to ensure a safe work environment and to ensure team members are practicing the required safety rules and regulations.

Due to the work environment and as a condition of employment, employees may be required to wear various personal protective equipment in the performance of their duties.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications and Requirements:

Graduation from high school or equivalent

AND

Three (3) years of experience in the repair, maintenance and cleaning of wastewater and surface water facilities and systems

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

Valid Washington Driver License at time of appointment, with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge:

• Materials, methods, practices and equipment used in sewer maintenance and construction.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Health and safety regulations.
• Oral and written communications skills.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Applicable collective bargaining agreements.
• Citys sewer system locations using GIS mapping and City of Tacoma GovMe website.
• Knowledge of Construction standards and health and safety practices.

Skills:

• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Operate various mechanical equipment, including light trucks.
• Perform a variety of manual tasks.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Operate a variety of hand tools and related equipment.
• Lift objects weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Maintain records and prepare reports.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Learn to interpret and apply codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
• Meet schedules and time lines.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Plan and organize work.
• Train and provide work direction to others.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were 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.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Veterans and or qualifying spouses/domestic partners wishing to be considered for veterans preference must attach a copy of DD214 member copy 4 (proof of military discharge form) at the time of application to be considered for veterans preference.

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.

Supplemental Questions

This is a competitive selection process. Applicants will be required to respond to written questions outlining their experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions #8 to #15 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test. These questions will be scored based on the information provided. 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. DO NOT respond with 'see resume' in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score. Providing false information will result in disqualification.

Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation during this process, please contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $44.13 - $51.09

Annual Salary: $91,790.40 - $106,267.20

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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 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.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a High school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have three (3) years of experience in the repair, maintenance and cleaning of wastewater and surface water facilities and systems?

• Yes
• No

04

A valid Washington State Drivers License is required at time of appointment. Do you have, or will you be able to secure a Washington State Drivers License if offered the position?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you have one or more years of experience in a professional leadership role?

• Yes
• No

06

Please indicate if you are proficient in use of any of the following software applications: Check all that apply

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• Internet
• PowerPoint
• None of the above

07

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 8-15 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to these questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a score of 0 points. Raters will not have access to your resume or application at this step in the process. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to questions 8-15. For questions 8-15, make sure you read the question and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 8-15.

• Yes
• No

08

Please describe your experience in the installation, repair, cleaning, and maintenance of storm and sanitary sewer lines. Please elaborate on any experience installing or repairing municipal water or sewer utilities. If you have no experience please type N/A.

09

In detail, please describe your experience in a previous or current leadership role. Explain your leadership style and how you motivate your team. If you do not have leadership experience, please type N/A.

10

What traits do you consider most important in a successful leader? In 500 words or less, please define the traits and provide a detailed reasoning as to why you believe each specific trait is important.

11

In what ways do you or have you promoted equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace? Please give specific examples.

12

Please describe a time where you took the initiative to act, rather than waiting to be told what to do. What was the outcome of your actions?

13

One of the Citys Principles that Guide Us is Integrity. What does integrity mean to you? In detail, please describe a situation where you worked to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty and integrity.

14

Please describe a time you had to resolve a conflict between yourself and one of your peers. What was the situation and what were the results of your conflict resolution?

15

Please describe a time when you had to adjust to another persons working style in order to complete a project, task or goal. What was the outcome of the adjustments?

16

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Government Jobs
• NWPPA
• Other

17

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov