Utility Worker 2

Job Summary

Central Washington University is recruiting a Utility Worker 2 to join our Custodial Services team in Ellensburg, Washington. This role is an important member of our team as they enhance the vision for the University. The role is a campus-based position, which means you get to see the lives you are impacting. Were offering a competitive salary plus the awesome CWU benefits.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. Youll find robust academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing, health services, police and public safety for the campus population of ~8,300 students.

Central Washington University has been named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program Top Producing Institution for the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition, for seven out of eight years, CWU was a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. RentCafe has also named CWU #13 of the Top 20 Best College Towns in the U.S. in 2025.

Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

The Role:

This position performs a variety of maintenance activities to provide a safe and attractive physical campus environment for the University community that is conducive to learning, living, and working. Performs activities such as fire extinguisher, equipment, lighting maintenance; furniture repair, moving/delivery of supplies, equipment, and furniture; window washing, set up for special events, snow, and ice removal. This position provides continuous backup and support for Custodial Services, Grounds, and all Facilities Management Department trades shops. Work is performed professionally and efficiently, incorporating both personal integrity and mutual respect.

All employees are expected to uphold and contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values, fostering a culture of student success and institutional excellence. Facilities and Skilled Trades employees directly affect the vision, mission, and values of Central Washington University by contributing to a sustainable campus environment and by supporting and creating spaces where students, faculty, and staff feel welcome, safe, and comfortable.

Job Duties

Maintenance and Repairs:

• Effectively communicate and maintain positive working relations with faculty, staff, students, and the campus community as well as Facilities Management Department (FMD) management team. Perform work in a manner that provides excellent service with nominal to no inconvenience or disruption for the client. Perform quality work that meets or exceeds the expectation and satisfaction of the client.
• Perform work using Best Practices while maintaining compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures to provide a safe workplace.
• Building entryway and grounds maintenance: sweep/blow building entryways, remove debris, litter, cobwebs, clean cigarette urns, shovel snow and apply sand/ice melt where necessary to ensure safety; including entryways, curb cuts, walkways, and stairs. May operate trucks and tractors to plow and remove snow and ice from campus sidewalks, malls, and parking lots. Clean catch basins, storm drains, roofs, and gutters. Install sandbags during flooding situations. Install, replace, and maintain flags and banners.
• Fire extinguisher maintenance: Inspect, clean and recharge fire extinguishers. Perform monthly inspections and semi-annual maintenance on extinguishers, hydro-test cylinders. Accurately record all information to ensure compliance.
• Equipment maintenance: Repair and maintain custodial equipment, i.e., vacuum cleaners, floor machines, pressure washers, auto scrubbers, water vacuums, carpet extractors (Hydro-Master truck mount) and other related equipment. Repairs may include testing circuits using Fluke multi-meter; diagnostic testing, changing motors, switches, electrical cords, belts, brushes, squeegee lips, water pumps, impellers, and housing parts.
• Lighting maintenance: Knowledge of energy efficient lamps, color rendering, wattage, bulb life, and type of fixtures and emergency lighting. Replace light tubes and bulbs. Cross reference lamps in different brand names. Properly disposal of lamps (universal waste state law) per Environmental Health and Safety and Department of Ecology. Detect fixture problems and inform electrical shop. Clean light diffusers and light fixtures. Replace broken light diffusers. Perform emergency light preventive maintenance. Erect scaffolding, use aerial man lift or ladders to perform maintenance.
• Miscellaneous repairs: Repair or replace broken furniture such as tablet armchairs, table legs and tops, including Steelcase furniture, panels, and chairs. Install and repair paper product dispensers, feminine product dispensers, soap dispensers and toilet seats. Install sink faucets, washers, faucet seats and valve stems. Install valve diaphragms, vacuum breakers, flush handle kits and slip joint washers. Clean, repair hardware and hang drapery/blinds.
• Preventative maintenance (PM): In support of trades personnel, assist in maintenance, operation, and repairs of electrical, mechanical, and structural systems on building, grounds, and facilities. Perform quarterly PMs on building uni-vent heating and cooling system; cleaning, lubrication of fan shaft bearings and motor bearings; check, replace motor belts and install new filters.
• Erect, maintain, use, and dismantle equipment such as scaffolding, lifts, ladders, barricades, and temporary fencing.

Moving/Delivery/Set-up:

• Load and unload trucks to move furniture, heavy equipment, surplus, supplies and materials as needed. Prepare equipment to be moved by dismantling and securing equipment to prevent damage. Operate forklift, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and other moving equipment.
• Moves: Relocate occupants in buildings and across campus. Communicate with occupants to minimize disruption and to assure efficient, safe, and smooth moves. Communicate/work with space analyst, electricians, telephone /computer personnel to complete moves as needed. Apply specialized knowledge of Steelcase component furniture from a variety of models, styles, as well as other manufacturers of furniture and soft wall partitions to assemble, dis-assemble, re-assemble, adjust, and furnish workstations. Independently, find or substitute necessary components needed to meet workstation requirements. (File Peds, drawers, legs, end panels, cantilever parts, file cabinets, shelves, etc.)
• Event Set Up: Work closely with event organizers. Deliver, set up and tear down for special events on and off campus such as commencement, athletic, Presidential, robotic, and music events. Setup may include, but not limited to, stage decking, ramps, bleachers, chairs, tables, podium, and floor covering. After completion, return event site to original condition, under time constraints.
• Window Washing: Clean interior and exterior window glass on the University campus buildings at all levels. Wash exterior windows using window system extension pole and hand squeegee. Use scaffolding, ladders, and aerial lift devices to reach and clean interior and exterior windows.
• Custodial duties: Perform a variety of custodial activities including, restroom cleaning, garbage & recycle, dusting, vacuuming, sweeping & damp mopping floors, wet-vac extraction, and electrostatic spraying. Lock and unlock buildings per schedule.
• Safely operate vehicles and equipment in restricted or congested areas.
• Read, interpret, and process work orders as required. Maintain complete and accurate records such as inventories of furnishings, equipment and supplies as required.
• Enter Time and Attendance daily with accurate work order numbers.
• Respond in emergency situations.
• Ensure all tools, equipment and vehicle are maintained in good working order.
• Keep all storage and work areas clean, well-organized, and safe.
• Attend departmental meetings, safety/training meetings and actively participate in training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Washington State Drivers License.
• Experience performing custodial or general maintenance using ladders, scaffolding, extension poles and/or aerial lifts devices.
• Experience repairing and maintaining small equipment while producing work that meets both quantity and quality expectations while still meeting demanding deadlines.
• Ability to perform the job duties of the position and meet the physical demands of the working conditions.
• Basic computer skills, to receive and respond to e-mail, report time, performance evaluations, etc.
• Excellent communications skills. Must be able to follow written and/or verbal instructions.
• Demonstrated ability and/or experience working collaboratively with students and/or colleagues to foster a supportive and effective learning and work environment.
• OR applicable combination of education and/or experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Special conditions of employment:

• Forklift Operator Certification obtained within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
• Mobile Elevating Work Platform Operator Certification obtained within six months of employment and maintain throughout employment.
• NFPA 10 Portable Fire Extinguisher Certification obtained within one year of employment and maintain throughout employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering, moving, and setting up office furniture, partitions, and cubicles.
• Experience with event set-up such as staging, chairs, and barriers.
• Experience operating motorized equipment such as trucks, forklifts, small tractors, and snow removal equipment.
• Working knowledge of portable fire extinguisher maintenance, a variety of light fixtures, energy efficient lamps, color rendering, wattage, and emergency lighting.
• Ability to incorporate a variety of perspectives and relevant societal issues into everyday conversations.
• Life experiences that demonstrate an ability to contribute to CWUs vision, mission, and values.

Competencies

• Perform our Best: Interact daily with faculty, students, staff, and others in the campus community in a professional manner. Treat others and be treated with respect; perform with integrity, honesty and professionalism; participate constructively in open communication; help to resolve issues and difficult situations in ways that reduce conflict and maintain good working relationships; improve work performance and take an active part in generating a mutually supportive environment.
• Accountability/Dependbility: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines, and work schedules.
• Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
• Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
• Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
• Commitment to Belonging: Values the uniqueness of every individual and fosters an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to thrive.

Dont meet every single requirement? At CWU, were committed to creating a welcoming and genuine workplace. If youre excited about this role but your experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification, we still encourage you to apply. This could be the opportunity youre looking for!

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary: This position is based on the range 37 of the Washington State Classification Listing, which has a minimum annual salary of $40,836 and maximum annual salary of $54,204. In accordance with RCW 49.58.110, the above salary reflects the full salary range for this position. Individual placement within the range is based on the candidates current experience, education, skills, and abilities related to the position.

Schedule/Appointment: Generally, Thursday - Monday 5:00am-1:30pm (1/2-hour lunch). Schedule may vary depending on department/CWU need. / WFSE Bargaining Unit 1

Working Conditions: This position will work indoors and outdoors, including work in inclement weather during daylight and dark hours and at times in hot/cold/noisy/dirty/wet/confined areas such as mechanical rooms. This position often requires standing/crawling/bending/walking/climbing ladders and scaffolding/working from heights/carrying (up to 50 pounds) /pulling/pushing/ lifting associated with moving of equipment, furniture and/or tools. Some stooping, kneeling, repetitive motion of arms and hands, and other physical movements as required by assigned tasks and essential functions of the position. Employee will be exposed to hazards typical of waste and recyclables collection, including but not limited to debris, broken glass, or other sharp, broken materials. Frequent use of personal protection equipment such as ear plugs, safety glasses, gloves and filtration masks will be required. Driving service and delivery trucks safely in congested areas is required.

Scheduled hours will vary depending on the needs of the department. Occasional overtime and shift work are required. May be required to work weekends, days, evenings, and holidays. This position is considered an essential position, and availability will be required to respond to university emergencies.

Benefits: CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical and dental insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance, along with vacation and sick leave plans depending on employment classification. For additional information please visit Benefits, Perks, and Leave and Total Rewards Calculator.

An employee of CWU may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program if the employee has student loans. To learn more, visit: https://ofm.wa.gov/state-human-resources/public-service-loan-forgiveness-program.

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

• Resume including work history, education, training; and

• Contact information for three professional references.

Screening Begins: August 11, 2026

Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications may not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Sunny Bloxham

Title: Director, Custodial, Grounds & Transportation Services

Email: Sunny.Bloxham@cwu.edu

Phone: 509-963-1155

Website: https://www.cwu.edu/about/offices/facilities/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Background Check/Reference Check Process:

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080 and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

This position is part of a Washington Federation of State Employees Bargaining Unit I.

Notice to Prospective Employees:

Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Statement

Central Washington University is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. Central Washington Universitys policies and practices affirm and actively promote the rights of all individuals to equal opportunity in education and employment. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, age, marital status, disability, or status as a protected veteran is prohibited. The university provides an internal procedure for reporting discrimination and affords protection against retaliation for participating in the complaint process. Central Washington University complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and executive orders including when soliciting bids and in the fulfillment of all contracts with governmental agencies. Direct related inquiries to Civil Rights Compliance, 202 Barge Hall, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7501; Telephone 509-963-2050; or email crc@cwu.edu.

Reasonable Accommodations

Central Washington University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who are employees or applicants for employment. Employment opportunities will not be denied because of the need to make reasonable accommodations for a qualified individual with a disability. If you need assistance or accommodation in applying because of a disability, please contact Human Resources at HR@cwu.edu or call 509-963-1202. This job announcement and other material on this site will be made available in alternate formats upon request to an individual with a disability.

Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act)

For the Central Washington University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (i.e. Clery Report) which includes statistics about reported crimes and information about campus security policies, available online here or call CWU Police and Parking Services at 509-963-2959 for a paper copy.