Wastewater Maintenance Worker

Why It's a great opportunity: Start a great career with Pierce County as a Wastewater Maintenance Worker performing various maintenance functions across Pierce County. Some of those tasks include flagging, building maintenance, painting, cleaning, landscaping, inventory management, construction work around manholes, concrete work, bagging fertilizer, and driving a forklift. You and your teams work will ensure that Pierce County has reliable wastewater services for all.
 
Why It's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!
 
Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw
 
How to be successful in the role: We are looking for people who show up on time, care about the quality of the work you do, have an eye for detail, like to learn, and grow their skills. This is a physical job in all kinds of weather, so it takes strength and commitment to be successful. This position requires daily driving of a Pierce County vehicle therefore a safe driving record is a must.  

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Assist employees of higher classification in the repair and maintenance of sewer lines and pump stations. 
• Under supervision, operate heavy and specialized equipment. 
• Operate T.V. inspection van to visually locate problem areas in sewer lines. 
• Work with chemical grouting equipment. 
• Perform septic tank cleaning, flushing and related duties to maintain drains, sewers, and culverts; remove debris and other refuse from clogged sewer lines and drains, using specialized equipment. 
• Control traffic at work sites by setting up warning signs and flagging to guide traffic through work areas. 
• Install, replace or repair sewer lines. 
• Perform routine pump station inspections, making repairs. 
• Assist in treatment plant cleaning by hosing roto-strainers, weirs, clarifiers, digesters, dumpster areas and walkways. 
• Perform routine facility maintenance duties to include but not limited to emergency cleanup requirements, hanging bulletin boards, and replacing light bulbs, lamps and lenses. 
• Perform duties related to working in the Fertilizer Manufacturing Facility (SoundGRO) including bagging, loading pallets, maintaining inventory, maintain appropriate documentation, operating forklifts, and assisting SoundGRO customers with loading of fertilizer products. 
• Maintain regular, predictable and punctual attendance during regularly scheduled work hours at assigned worksite. Must be able to travel to assigned work locations.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Two years’ experience in wastewater, construction or equipment operation.
• Additional education or training may substitute for the recruitment requirement.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Special requirement:

• Must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Washington State Driver's license with Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class "A"(Tank Vehicle) endorsement within the first twelve months of employment. 
• All employees in the classification after twelve months must maintain a valid WA CDL Class “A” (Tank Vehicle) endorsement. 
• Must obtain a Traffic Control (Flagging) Card, CPR, and First Aid Card within the first six months of employment.

 Satisfactory physical condition, as evidenced by a county approved physical examination, may be required prior to appointment to the position.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
• If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at [email protected] and include the job number and title.
• Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Our Recruitment Practices:This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.