Job Description
Nature of Work Public Works is currently accepting applications for seasonal Utility Workers.This is a great opportunity to explore public service, helping to maintain the City's infrastructure- using tools, equipment, and teamwork to make a real impact every day.Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and this posting may be closed at any time.The length of the season worked may vary depending on the date of hire and typically run from April through September.JOB Summary:This series performs progressively responsible manual and semi-skilled labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of all public works facilities.Employees in this classification may be assigned to the following units:Street and Stormwater Collection, Wastewater Collection, or Water Distribution.Operates hand and power tools and motorized mobile equipment and/or electronic and hydro test equipment, depending upon the assigned unit.Usually works as part of an assigned crew in an assigned section but may have an individual or specialized assignment.Works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and sometimes under hazardous conditions.May be called out for emergency work.Attention to safety and protection of personnel and equipment is integral to work.The Public Works Department currently has several vacancies for the 2026 season:Utility Worker - Stormwater 3-Month Season:1 position (June - Sept) Utility Worker - Streets 3-Month Season:1 position (June - Sept) Utility Worker - Water 3-Month Season:1 position (May - Aug) Utility Worker - Plants Operations 6-Month Season:3 positions (April - Oct) Utility Worker - Plants Maintenance 6-Month Season:1 position (April - Oct) Utility Worker - Stormwater 6-Month Season:4 positions (April - Oct) Salary Information:Employees receive step increases on completion of 2080 hours in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy.Utility Worker I will start at Step 1 ($31.69/hour) for full time positions.The full hourly range for this position is $31.69/hour- $41.35/hour.Utility Worker II will start at Step 1 ($33.59/hour) for full time positions.The full hourly range for this position is $33.59/hour - $43.83/hour.Utility Worker III will start at Step 1 ($35.61/hour) for full time positions.The full hourly range for this position is $35.61/hour - $46.46/hour.At the City of Bellingham, we offer the following benefits that help you thrive in both your career and personal life.Benefit Information:Three-Month Seasonal Positions:Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked.This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.Six-Month Seasonal Positions:1 hour of Washington State paid sick leave accrued for every 40 hours worked Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security Upon union eligibility, paid holidays during employment period This position is not eligible for benefits, except as required by law.This position becomes represented by the Local 1937 bargaining unit after the completion of 1040 hours working an average of at least 12 hours per week, on an annual basis.You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.Essential Functions:Depending on the unit to which assigned and level of Experience:Shovels, rakes, picks, cleans, hammers, sands, and other such manual labor.Operates machinery and power equipment on an interchangeable basis (for example, five, ten and 12 yard dump trucks, trucks and trailers, backhoes, excavators, paving machines, loaders, rollers, brush cutters, tapping machine, jet truck, boom truck, service and pick-up trucks, boring machines, etc.) or may be regularly assigned to a single piece of mobile equipment requiring substantial manual dexterity, without direct supervision and responsible for reporting maintenance problems and determining whether immediate service by a skilled mechanic is required (for example, street sweepers).Utility Worker III operates Vactor truck, camera inspection vehicle, and Gradall.Performs many heavy manual semi-skilled and skilled tasks such as operating chain saws, jack hammers, drills, pipe saws, pavement saws, mowers, street sweepers, and raking asphalt in an accomplished fashion; may perform right-of-way patching, pavement overlays, maintenance and repair of guardrails, concrete sidewalk repairs, repair storm drainage catch basins, Sewer manholes, and surrounding pavement repairs involving masonry, concrete and asphalt work.Utility Worker III includes trenchless pipe repairs, hydrant and valve replacements, water main repairs, and locates and marks water mains and water services using electronic pipe locating devices.May install, replace and repair sewer pipes, inspect and clean sewer mains and make repairs involving appropriate machine or device; may raise manholes and make related street grade adjustments