Collection Systems Worker

Position Description

****SPECIAL NOTE: This is a project position expected to end 12/31/2028 unless extended****

Collection System Workers perform a wide variety of labor intensive and semi-skilled tasks, primarily on private property with some work occurring on public property, to troubleshoot, construct and modify structures associated with the sanitary sewer collection system inflow and infiltration elimination and surface/storm water management programs. They also inspect and document condition, function and location of sanitary sewer and storm drainage system infrastructure, both public and private.

Collection Systems Workers collaborate with engineers, project managers, construction managers, inspectors, contractors, environmental specialist, laboratory technicians, and the public. This position requires the use of a variety of power tools and equipment (electronic and motor-driven) to provide field support services. These resources are used to troubleshoot, monitor, inspect, modify, analyze, and solve problems related to the inflow and infiltration elimination, illicit discharge detection and surface/storm water management programs.

If the personal traits bulleted below sounds like you, then you are just the type of person we want joining our team as a Collection Systems Worker.

• Excellent attendance
• Enjoys working both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions
• Stellar customer service skills
• Enjoys working as part of a team
• Enjoys physically demanding and variety of job tasks

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Perform Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections of private connections to the municipal sanitary and storm water mains
• Perform Closed Circuit Television (CCTV, Sewer/Storm push camera) inspections of municipal sanitary and storm water mains in locations inaccessible by traditional equipment
• Site preparation/restoration for the collection of soil and water quality samples
• Perform investigations to support the City's GIS mapping and database systems
• Operate a variety of hand tools, power tools, motorized equipment, technical equipment, and other large trucks and equipment typically used in sewer and storm water work; including but not limited to, backhoes, excavators, front-loaders, boom trucks, dump trucks, motor graders, mobile cranes, tractors, trailers, trenchers, power rollers, bulldozers, closed circuit TV (CCTV, Sewer/Storm push camera), small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS, drones), and field dry-soil sampling X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) equipment.
• Excavation, compaction and grading to install and maintain private and public sanitary and storm water infrastructures
• Operate auxiliary mechanical equipment and attachments such as coring machines, augers, dewatering pumps; service and maintain assigned equipment
• Inspect equipment to assure safe operating conditions; coordinate equipment maintenance with appropriate persons, departments, and vendors
• Clean, service and maintain assigned trucks and equipment in safe working condition
• Load and unload a variety of materials and equipment; lift and move materials to designated areas
• Inspect and document condition, function and location, as well as perform maintenance on sanitary sewer and storm drainage system infrastructure, both public and private, using Best Management Practices in accordance with City of Tacoma Storm water Management Manual
• Install drainage lines and/or sanitary side sewers at proper grade, slope and alignment; backfill trenches; replace sod and restore disturbed surface to private property owner's satisfaction
• Perform smoke and dye testing on public and private storm and sanitary sewer systems
• Correct drainage problems on public and private property by constructing and repairing components of the storm drain system
• Construct and repair private drain lines and structures damaged by City actions.
• Document collection system infrastructure (private/public), through photographing, videotaping and creating detailed drawings (as-builts)
• Work cooperatively with other City Divisions and sections to plan, coordinate and schedule work activities
• Follow the Division's established policies and procedures to request and procure materials and equipment
• May provide work direction to other Collection Systems Workers in the field
• Ensure that safety regulations are being met
• Perform plumbing inspections as required, and if needed design plumbing modifications for the protection of homes from sanitary sewer backups, per the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
• Investigate and design systems for removal of inflow and infiltration from the sanitary sewer collection system
• Investigate and design basic improvements for the correction of surface water drainage problems on public and private property
• Perform work necessary to support future components of the inflow and infiltration elimination, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and surface/storm water management programs
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the City's inflow and infiltration elimination, illicit discharge detection and elimination, and surface/storm water management programs
• Drive tractor and trailer equipment as assigned (requires Class A Commercial Drivers' License, including airbrake and tanker endorsements)

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• This position requires climbing, standing, bending, and lifting heavy objects using proper lifting and rigging techniques
• Lift up to 100 lbs. properly and safely without assistance
• Work includes indoor and outdoor environments; subject to heights, noise, adverse weather conditions, fumes, dust, confined spaces and driving from site to site. May require working in a confined space
• Employee in this position is exposed to raw sewage, traffic and underground construction hazards
• Employee in this position may be subject to call-outs during off-duty hours

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
One of the primary goals of the Equity and Empowerment Initiative is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent AND one (1) year of experience in a construction field.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must obtain a valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement and Air Brake restrictions removed within nine (9) months of appointment into the classification, with maintenance thereafter
• Valid Washington Driver’s License at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter
• First Aid and CPR Certification within six-months of hire with maintenance thereafter
• HAZWOPER, Confined Space Entry, Trenching and Shoring, Flagging certifications by completion of 9-month probationary period and maintenance thereafter
• Some positions may require possession of additional licenses and / or certifications necessary to perform assigned duties including, but not limited to, FAA certification for operating sUAS (drones) and/or a Boater’s Safety Card for operating a small, motorized boat
• May need to wear personal protective equipment, including heavy gloves and being fit for a respirator

*The City will provide the necessary classroom and drive time experience.

Please follow the link to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Driver's License as listed in RCW 46.25.090 .

Knowledge & Skills

• Operation, care and maintenance of assigned hand/power/motorized/technical equipment and accessories
• Ability to learn how to operate, care for, and maintain a small motorboat
• Ability to learn applicable maritime laws, codes, regulations, and policies
• Ability to learn operation, care, and maintenance of sUAS (drones)
• Ability to learn applicable FAA laws, codes, regulations, and policies
• Ability to learn operation, care, and maintenance of XRF equipment
• Applicable sampling and chain of custody laws, codes, regulations, and policies
• Methods, equipment and materials used in landscaping, plumbing and construction
• Sanitary sewer and storm drain system testing procedures
• Regulations affecting Health and safety
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures
• Basic First Aid procedures
• Basic electricity
• Use of personal computers, word processing and database management software
• Record keeping techniques
• Basic principles and practices of customer service
• Meet schedules and time-lines
• Properly excavate trenches
• Form, mix, install, and finish concrete
• Application of power tools, electronic locators and TV inspection equipment
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Work from maps, sketches and as-built drawings
• Work independently with little direction
• Learn and understand how to interpret and apply codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others
• Work safely and cooperatively with coworkers and the public

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this career opportunity:
Please apply online through the City of Tacoma's website. Individuals must meet the minimum qualifications t o progress in the examination process. Candidates who are eligible for Veteran's Preference scoring criteria must attach a copy of their DD-214 member copy 4, (proof of military discharge form) at time of application , to be eligible for review for Veteran's Preference points, with redacted birth date and social security numbers.

Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to Supplemental Questions # 10-15 reviewed and scored by a committee of subject matter experts, as the Experience and Training Test . It is the responsibility of the applicants to adequately describe all pertinent experience and training. Please make sure you read the questions and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities. DO NOT respond with see resume in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a failing score.
Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an Eligible List for potential interview and hiring consideration. Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to successfully passing a background check and will include a pre-employment medical exam, physical ability test and drug and alcohol screen.

This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Professional & Technical Employees Local 17, (PROTEC17).

New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

****SPECIAL NOTE: This is a project position expected to end 12/31/2028 unless extended****

WHY WORK FOR THE CITY?
The City of Tacoma offers a generous program of employee benefits:

• Outstanding working conditions and an exceptional quality-of-life environment.
• Medical coverage for eligible employees, spouses and dependents, including children up to age 26.
• Vision care with VSP for employees and eligible dependents enrolled in the Regence PPO medical plan with vision benefits.
• Dental coverage for eligible employees and their elected dependents, including dependent children up to the age of 26.
• Deferred compensation allowing tax-deferred savings as authorized under Section 457 of the IRS Code.
• Personal time off.
• Paid holidays.
• A great pension plan.

The City of Tacoma
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.

Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location - just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast - only adds to Tacoma's desirability.

The City of Tacoma supports a healthy work/life balance, continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny:
http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, please call Human Resources at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.

Agency
City of Tacoma

Address
Human Resources Department
747 Market Street
Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone
253-591-5400

Website
http://www.cityoftacoma.org

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 12/9/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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