Job Information
City of Tacoma WA Sewer Equipment Operator in Tacoma, Washington
Sewer Equipment Operator
Salary
$37.36 - $41.18 Hourly
Location
Tacoma, WA
Job Type
Classified
Job Number
5012-26
Department
Environmental Services
Opening Date
03/04/2026
Closing Date
3/20/2026 4:00 PM Pacific
Description
Benefits
Questions
Position Description
The City of Tacoma's Environmental Services Department invites you to apply to join our team as a Sewer Equipment Operator. We believe everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.
The Sewer Equipment Operator is a specialized position that requires knowledge and work experience in a variety of sewer maintenance equipment and vehicles that are used to clean, vacuum, and flush sewer lines and catch basins.
If the below list of personal traits sounds like you, then you are just the type of person we are looking for to join our team as a Sewer Equipment Operator.
Excellent attendance
Enjoy Swing Shift work schedule
Enjoy working both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions
Willingness to learn
Self motivated
Great customer service
Enjoy working as part of a team
Enjoy physically demanding and diverse job tasks
The City of Tacoma posts separate Equipment Operator job announcements for each Department. Recruitment for all of these Equipment Operator jobs is conducted separately; we welcome and encourage you to apply for any and all positions you meet the minimum qualifications of, for hiring consideration in each Department.
Essential Functions:
Load and prepare trucks and equipment according to crew assignment. Transport workers and a variety of equipment, tools and materials to and from assigned job sites.
Clean, service and maintain assigned trucks and equipment in safe working condition.
Communicate with the public regarding sewer-related complaints; respond to and resolve emergencies as assigned.
Assist sewer crew workers as needed in the performance of various sewer maintenance and repair duties.
Set up work area and equipment as needed; set up traffic warning devices according to recognized safety procedures.
Assess sewer systems using a variety of electronic technologies and equipment.
Direct assigned personnel or crew to safely complete tasks.
Work safely and cooperatively with co-workers and the public.
Other Functions:
Maintain a variety of records, logs and lists, including completion of daily work orders/notifications, truck sheets and mobile dispatch technology.
Maintain an effective working knowledge of the City's sewer lines and locations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Position requires lifting heavy objects, climbing and pushing up to 90 pounds.
Outdoor environment; subject to adverse weather conditions.
Required to respond to emergency call-outs during off duty hours.
Employees in this position may be subject to driving from site to site, heavy traffic and extreme weather conditions; fumes, raw sewage, confined space and excavation hazards, prolonged periods of noise and potentially hazardous materials.
Work Schedule
This classification is overtime eligible, and employees are subject to a 24-hour call-out response to emergencies. The positions follow a 9/80 schedule, defined as follows: during a two-week pay period, employees work four days at nine (9) hours each, Monday to Thursday, and one eight (8) hour day on Friday in the first week. The second week consists of four days at nine (9) hours each, Monday to Thursday, with a one-half (1/2) hour unpaid lunch break each workday, and Friday is a non-working day.
Week 1LunchHoursWeek 2LunchHours
Monday-Thursday30 Minutes
Unpaid 9Monday-Thursday30 Minutes
Unpaid9
*Friday30 Minutes
Unpaid 8*Friday30 Minutes
Unpaid0
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
An equivalent combination to:
Graduation from high school or GED
AND
Two (2) years as a sewer worker or equivalent experience, including training or experience operating specialized sewer equipment
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS*
In addition to minimum qualifications:
*Experience in repairing, maintaining, and cleaning storm and sewer lines.
*Work experience operating dump trucks, Vactor trucks and back cutters.
*Willing to work Swing Shift work schedule.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State Class A Commercial driver's license with N (tanker) endorsement at time of appointment with maintenance thereafter. Position is subject to random CDL drug testing.
Knowledge & Skills
Operation, care and maintenance of sewer maintenance trucks/equipment and accessories.
Requirements of operating equipment in a safe manner.
Applicable traffic laws, ordinances and rules.
Maintain routine records and prepare routine reports using proper record-keeping techniques.
Health and safety regulations.
City's sewer system locations using GIS mapping and City of Tacoma GovMe/ESRI websites.
Safely operate a variety of sewer maintenance trucks and equipment.
Operate, service, and make minor repairs on equipment.
Understand and follow oral and written directions.
Develop and maintain interpersonal relationship skills.
Maintain records and reports including wireless devices and electronic record keeping.
Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
Perform heavy manual labor.
Work independently with little direction.
Quickly learn City streets and sewer system locations.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing using tact, patience and courtesy.
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Application Process
Interested individual should complete the online application and attach a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Applicants who are eligible for veterans scoring criteria (Veterans Preference) 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.
Examination Process:
This is a competitive selection process. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their responses to the Supplemental Questions #9-11 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. Please 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. Candidates invited to interview may also participate in a practical skills assessment to demonstrate their ability to operate sewer equipment.
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NeoGov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
This position is covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement between the City of Tacoma and Teamsters Local 313. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should 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.
City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
The Community
Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.
With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $37.36 - $41.18
Annual Salary: $77,708.80 - $85,654.40
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)
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 age 26 or younger.
Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.
01
The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Responses to supplemental questions must be original content created by the applicant using their own words. The use of online tools or resources to create responses, such as Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc), Google, Bing, etc., or plagiarism in any form, is considered cheating and falsification of the application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
Yes
No
02
Are you a high school graduate or equivalent, such as a General Education Degree or Home Schooling certificate?
Yes
No
03
Check ONE box below that most closely matches your job experience.
2 or more years' experience as a Sewer Worker (repairing, maintaining and cleaning storm and sewer lines).
2 or more years' experience in a job that is equivalent to a Sewer Worker
Less than 2 years' experience in a job similar to Sewer Worker
No related job experience, but willing to learn
04
The successful candidate for this position will need to have a Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker Endorsement by their first day of work if offered the job.
Do you currently or will you have a valid Washington State Class A Commercial driver's license with N (tanker) endorsement at time of appointment if you are selected for this job?
Yes
No
05
This position has both day and swing shift work schedules. Are you available to work swing shift?
Yes
No
06
This position is physically demanding and requires you to lift heavy objects, climb, and push up to 90 pounds and to work outdoors in all types of adverse weather conditions. Please check yes to acknowledge that you are aware of the working conditions.
Yes
No
07
Please list any certifications and licenses you hold that are pertinent to this job classification. If none please type N/A.
08
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 9-11 are the experience and training test that will be used to establish the eligibility list. These questions will be scored by subject matter experts who will not have access to any of your application materials, and will provide scores based solely upon your answers to these questions. Your answers must stand on their own merit.
DO NOT RESPOND WITH SEE RESUME in lieu of answering these questions; this will result in a score of 0 points and you will fail the test. Raters will not have access to your resume or application at this step in the process. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to questions 9-11.
For questions 9-11, make sure you read the question and provide complete informative answers, including your roles in the position and key activities.
Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 9-11.
Yes
No
09
Of your related work experience, how would you describe your role with and around heavy equipment?
I have no experience working with or around heavy equipment
I have no direct experience with or around heavy equipment, but I am interested in learning
I have worked with and around light equipment
I have worked around heavy equipment
I have worked operating heavy equipment
I have extensive experience with operating and working around heavy equipment
10
Please check the boxes of all of the below listed equipment that you have training on and verifiable work experience operating.
Dump Trucks
Vactor Trucks
Back Cutters
High velocity and vacuum combo trucks
Reel trucks
Continuous Rodding machines
Semi-Tractor Trailer
Front End Loader (over 20,000 GVWR)
None of the above but willing to learn
11
In 500 words, please describe in detail, your experience operating equipment such as those described in the job announcement: Vactor Truck, Back Cutters, Dump Trucks, Continuous Rodding Machines, etc.
Include equipment type, your primary responsibilities, employers, and dates of employment. If you do not have any experience with a type of equipment, indicate which pieces of equipment with which you don't have experience. If you do not have any experience in this area, respond with "N/A".
12
Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.
Job Interest Card notification
Internet search
Professional organization
Community organization
Military organization
Union job posting
City of Tacoma employee
Online job board posting
Word of mouth
Other
13
Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.
14
Military Veterans: In order to be assessed for eligibility for Veteran's Preference points, you must upload a copy of your DD-214 Member Copy 4 to this job announcement. Did you upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member Copy 4 to this job application? Non-military do not need to reply to this question.
Yes
No
Required Question
Employer
City of Tacoma
Address
Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764
Phone
253-591-5400
Website
http://www.tacoma.gov
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