Department:

Public Works

Division: 

Water Maintenance

***Now Hiring for the 2026 Seasonal Position in Water Maintenance***

The wage for this position is set by the IUOE Collective Bargaining Agreement, starting at Step A: $31.49 Hourly

Position Salary Range: $31.49 - 36.31 Hourly

GENERAL SUMMARY

Performs semi-skilled work in a variety of crafts toward the construction, maintenance and repair of the City’s water, sewer, and storm systems, including mains, service connections, valves, hydrants manholes, catch basins, treatment plants and other system facilities.  Subject to after hours, weekend, and holiday work as needed.  Safely performs all job functions. 

Water Maintenance Specialty:

• Assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing water mains and service connections.

• Assists in installing, flushing and repairing fire hydrants.

• Assists in installing tapping sleeves and tapping water mains.

• Assists in installing, testing and repairing water meters.

• Assists in installing and repairing valves, corp. stops, and curb stops.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED.

• One (1) year of experience in water, wastewater, or stormwater maintenance, repair or construction preferred.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid driver’s license with a Class “A” CDL and tanker endorsement preferred.

• Valid Flaggers certification within six (6) months of hire date.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

Selection will be made based on overall qualifications, skills testing (if applicable) and an interview process. Final candidate(s) selected will be required to successfully complete a comprehensive background/reference check and pre-employment physical commensurate to the position - to include DOT drug/alcohol screening for CDL holders.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Duties listed are representative of the types of tasks and functions performed by positions of this class of work.  Percentage of time and rank of importance of duties are not listed since both will vary by position and work location.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

All Job Specialties: 

• Operates hand and power tools, and other equipment, including related computer equipment and various software programs, to gain access to water, sewer and storm mains, plant equipment, reservoirs, wells, lift stations and pump stations, and other facilities for repair and maintenance purposes.

• Operates pneumatic, hydraulic and electric or engine driven equipment, such as compressors, jack hammers, tapping machines, trash pumps, dump trucks, backhoe, crew vehicles, and other equipment with oversight from a General Craftsworker or Utility Craftsworker (non-seasonal) as needed.

• Lays concrete and repairs fences and landscaping as a result of utility work.

• Manually excavates earth surrounding job site prior to repairs and servicing as needed; restores work area to original condition.

• Performs general maintenance, alterations and changes including plumbing, painting and carpentry.

• Keeps record of time and material used on the job; takes measurements and makes sketches of work performed, including taking photos of the before and after job site.

• Fills out service orders / job tickets.

• Maintains assigned equipment per daily requirements, i.e. grease, oil, water, tire pressure, etc.

• Investigates customer complaints.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Water Maintenance Specialty:

• Assists in installing, maintaining, and repairing water mains and service connections.

• Assists in installing, flushing and repairing fire hydrants.

• Assists in installing tapping sleeves and tapping water mains.

• Assists in installing, testing and repairing water meters.

• Assists in installing and repairing valves, corp. stops, and curb stops.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Specific and realistic knowledge, skills and abilities typically necessary to competently perform this job. 

Knowledge of:

• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, codes and regulations related to assigned activities.

• Modern office practices, methods, procedures and equipment.

• Record-keeping principles, procedures, and techniques.

• Applicable health and safety policy, procedures and practices.

• Methods, tools and procedures used in the construction, maintenance of a potable water system.

• Health and safety requirements related to potable water supply systems.

• Proper application of various metering devices to specific flow conditions, and the ability to remove, repair and reinstall meters as needed.

• Construction safety practices, including confined space and trench safety.

• Laws, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to pipeline construction safety and water/wastewater/stormwater system operation and maintenance.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Learn, read, interpret, and apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.

• Read and interpret sketches, blueprints, written and oral instructions

• Follow oral and written instructions.

• Follow health and safety regulations.

• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.

• Safely operate hand and power tools.

• Rig equipment and materials for hoisting or moving.

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise and understandable manner to intended audiences.

• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently with little or no direction, set priorities and meet deadlines.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.

• Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Operate modern office equipment including personal computer equipment using standard or customized software application programs appropriate to assigned tasks.

• Provide continuous effort to improve operations and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.

COMPETENCIES

Foundational

• Use Technical/Functional Expertise: Displays an appropriate depth of knowledge and skills as required for the position and commensurate with the time in class. Uses technology as appropriate for the position. Seeks additional knowledge and information to continually enhance knowledge in areas of specialty.

• Be Accountable for Performance: Actively shows responsibility, reliability, and trustworthiness. Ensures work and information are complete and accurate. Admits mistakes and looks for ways to improve. Models self as dependable and reliable. Follows up with others to ensure agreements and commitments have been fulfilled. Values the importance of team and organizational success. Independently takes action to influence events, to improve own or organizational performance and to promote the goals of the organization.

• Provide Excellent Customer Service: Anticipates, assesses, and responds effectively to the needs of diverse customers, both internal and external, providing consistently excellent service that is timely, accurate, courteous, and respectful.

• Communicate Effectively: Uses verbal and written skills effectively to ensure that information is successfully shared throughout the organization. Relates well to a range of people. Shows sensitivity to the needs of others. Demonstrates ability to build rapport and facilitates mutual understanding.

• Work Safely: Knowledge and application of relevant safety requirements that apply to the specific work being done. Recognizes and mitigates safety hazards on the job. Observes rules and regulations to comply with personal and workplace safety standards. Works to create a hazard-free, accident-free environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Environment:

• Typically performed in the field, which requires travel daily from site to site and checking on construction.

• The position involves work outdoors on a year round basis and is subject to extreme weather conditions.

• This position requires work in construction sites, which may be dirty and strewn with construction debris.

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

• May be exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles within a construction site.

• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies/procedures.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to regularly and punctually attend work at the office or other assigned locations. 

• Operate a motorized vehicle, which may include inclement weather conditions.

• Operate standard equipment and tools to perform assigned tasks.

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach with arms and hands, kneel and stretch, occasionally crawling in tight spaces, crawl spaces as well as the ability to climb ladders and stairs, ride on platform hoists.

• Ability to lift, push, carry and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 lbs. on a routine basis and up to 90 lbs. as needed using proper lifting techniques.

• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to include repetitive grasping and reaching.

• Good vision to read print and computer screens.

• Ability to hear and speak to communicate in person and over the telephone.

BENEFITS

Summary of City of Richland benefits for IUOE affiliated staff (union-represented employees):

Temporary (Seasonal) Employee Benefits  (*Must meet eligibility requirements)

• Participation in the State of Washington's Retirement Plan (PERS)*

• Paid Time Off (PTO) : 4 hours per month of service

• Paid Holidays

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a highly qualified and diversified work force.  Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age (over 40), martial or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.
 
In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities will be provided for participation in the application and selection process, if requested.  Persons with a disability who need assistance must notify the Human Resources Department about the accommodation needed at the time of application and prior to the closing date by calling (509) 942-7392. 
 
The provisions of job announcements listed on this website do not constitute an expressed, or implied, contract of employment with the City.  Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.