Apprenticeship - Water Pipe Worker - Registered Apprenticeship

Are you interested in getting paid while you learn a trade that protects and enhances public health and safety? If so, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is recruiting for energetic and motivated Water Pipe Worker Apprentices. These are entry-level development opportunities where apprentices participate in a two-year (4000 hour) paid on-the-job-training (OJT). as well as unpaid supplemental classroom instruction. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices promote to journey level Water Pipe Workers, with high earning potential while progressing in their field. This is an excellent opportunity for a dependable and capable apprentice to begin a rewarding career with the City of Seattle. This program is a Registered Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Hiring for these positions is a lengthy, multi-stage process. Candidates should be prepared for a start date no sooner than late February 2027.

Apprenticeship Program Requirements:
Punctuality, excellent attendance, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are the keys to successfully completing the program.

The successful completion of frequent evaluations, skill assessments and related expectations require strong administrative and organization skills. Additionally, apprentices are required to attend a minimum of 144-hours of unpaid classes per year.
  
Special Working Conditions:
Before applying, candidates should review the following working conditions to ensure that this career will be a good fit for them.
 
Water Pipe Workers routinely:

• Perform demanding and physically challenging work, including lifting more than 50 pounds up to waist level 
• Bend, stoop and dig for extended periods of time 
• Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, heavy traffic
• Perform work in trenches and confined spaces (such as maintenance chambers, holes, and excavations)
• Work in dirt, mud, and noisy environments 
• Wear PPE including hard hat, safety toe boots, rain gear and respirator 
• Work any shift or schedule, including nights, evenings, weekends and holidays 
• Ability to report to, and dispatch from four (4) reporting sites, including; Operations Control Center (OCC, 2700 Airport Way S), North Operations Center (NOC, 1318 N 128th St), Lake Youngs (18015 SE Lake Youngs Rd, Renton), and Tolt (13510 Carnation-Duvall Rd NE, Duvall)
• Respond to emergency conditions resulting in overtime with little or no notice
• Follow strict safety procedures and policies 
• Stay up to date with required safety trainings 
• Meet the conditions set forth in the City of Seattle, Washington Standards of Apprenticeship, SPU Workplace Expectations, and SPU Safety
• Attend and complete unpaid supplemental classroom training
• Maintain Commercial Driver License (CDL) which among other things requires random testing for drugs and alcohol

 Apprentices enjoy the following benefits (and more):

• Obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (approximate value of $7000)
• Competitive health care plans
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Multi-cultural work environment
• 12 paid holidays and two (2) additional personal holidays
• 12 paid days of vacation per year
• 12 paid days of sick leave per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Employer/employee contributions to City pension plan
• Obtain certifications for Confined Space, Trenching and Shoring, Forklift, Flagger and First Aid/CPR 

 
About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.This is a registered apprenticeship position. Apprentices will be trained on-the-job and be required to attend related classroom instruction on their own time.  Apprentices are expected to perform the following:
 

• Apply basic pipefitting and hydraulic theories and principles
• Operate hand and power tools, including wrenches, abrasive saws, jackhammers, pneumatic and hydraulic pumps, etc.
• Follow extensive safety procedures and regulations
• Drive large CDL vehicles and inspect them for proper operation and needed maintenance
• Work around heavy equipment using best practices
• Install and test water mains
• Maintain existing water system to include repair of leaking water mains and services, maintenance of valves and hydrants, and inspection and maintenance of transmission lines
• Install and maintain water services
• Excavate, shore, and backfill trenches in street – excavation is often done by hand with a shovel, but may be with the assistance of heavy equipment
• Installation and routine maintenance of valves and hydrants
• Set up traffic control and work sites to create safe work zones in the street
• Construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair of roads, trails, and fences

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent educational credential, or a vocational school degree 
• At least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of hire

License: Current valid driver license from any state at time of application.

***You MUST attach your FULL Driver Abstract with your online application showing your driving history to be considered. An application without a FULL Driver Abstract will not be considered.***

How to obtain your FULL Driver Abstract: 

• Please click on the link to obtain your WA Full Driver Abstract: Buy a copy of your WA drivers record 
• Your FULL Driver Abstract must NOT be older than 30 days from the date of application submission

Example of your CORRECT FULL DRIVER ABSTRACT:
 
For additional information on the Water Pipe Worker Apprenticeship program, how to obtain and submit your "Full Abstract of Driving Record", please visit our website: http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/about-us/careers/apprenticeship-program.

Hiring Process:

• This hiring process will include the following:
  • Application review
  • Working and Written tests
  • Interview
• If you are recommended to the Working and Written tests, the tests are scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026.
• The most competitive candidates from the Working and Written tests will be invited to the interview stage. Interviews are scheduled for the week of December 7, 2026.

If chosen as a successful candidate you are required to have the following physical documents on or before the date of hire as required to obtain your Commercial Driver License (CDL):

1. Washington State Driver License; AND
2. One (1) of the following CDL approved documents:
   1. Valid US Passport
   2. Government Issued Birth Certificate 
   3. Valid Permanent Resident Card
   4. Certificate of Naturalization
   5. Certification of Citizenship
   6. Consular Report of Birth Abroad 

Pre-employment tests are required in compliance with Federal Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Requirements.

The full salary range for this position is: $39.76 - 43.97 Hourly
 
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: John Lee at [email protected]
 
Benefits Information:
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.