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Hydro Utility Worker, Cushman

Salary

$45.62 - $52.82 Hourly

Location

Hoodsport, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5056-25A

Department

Power

Division

Generation - Cushman

Opening Date

12/12/2025

Closing Date

1/5/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

Tacoma Power is accepting applications for Utility Workers at our (https://www.mytpu.org/about-tpu/services/power/about-tacoma-power/dams-power-sources/cowlitz-river-project/) Cushman hydroelectric power generation facilities. This is semi-skilled labor involving a wide variety of tasks related to the maintenance, repair and operation of hydroelectric plant facilities, recreational facilities and fish hatchery operations. Some duties require a degree of mechanical aptitude and an employee must be willing and able to perform heavy manual labor under all types of weather conditions.

Hydroelectric power is a clean, renewable resource that generates electricity without burning fossil fuels or polluting the air.

Our hydroelectric projects generate about three billion kilowatt hours of electricity each year, enough to serve about half of our customers' power needs.

In addition, Tacoma Power's projects support major fish and wildlife (https://www.mytpu.org/tacomapower/fish-wildlife-environment) programs, and provide excellent parks and recreation (https://www.mytpu.org/tacomapower/parks-recreation) .

Positions are located at remote hydroelectric sites. The Cushman Hydro Project (https://www.mytpu.org/about-tpu/services/power/about-tacoma-power/dams-power-sources/cushman-hydro-project/) is located near Hoodsport, WA. Employees must live within 30 minutes of their assigned worksite.

Employees must be able to work independently and as a team member. Work is strenuous and includes bending, standing, climbing and lifting heavy loads.

Check out this video (https://vimeo.com/591095695/dcf7ccf616) here! It showcases what it is like to be a Hydro Utility Worker for Tacoma Power.

Qualifications

+ Graduation from high school or equivalent

+ Valid driver's license and one of the following:

+ Completion of an electrical or industrial arts program from a community or vocational college and six-months of experience in semi-skilled manual labor in the construction trades, including operation and maintenance of industrial equipment and vehicles.

-OR-

+ Two-years of experience in semi-skilled manual labor in the construction trades, including operation and maintenance of industrial equipment and vehicles

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

+ Valid Washington State Class A Commercial Drivers License required before completion of probation (9 months from date of hire, City will provide the required training and test) with maintenance thereafter.

+ Tanker endorsement required at designated Project locations

+ First Aid, CPR, flagging and forklift certification required prior to completion of probationary period with maintenance thereafter

+ Crane certification with maintenance thereafter may be required at certain Project locations.

Knowledge & Skills

+ Methods, equipment and materials used in the maintenance and repair of hydroelectric facilities and equipment

+ Safe rigging procedures

+ Basic First Aid procedures

+ Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

+ Lift heavy objects in awkward and confined spaces, using proper lifting and rigging techniques

+ Perform manual labor

+ Work independently with little direction

+ Observe legal and defensive driving practices

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyemerritt/) !

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $45.62 - $52.82

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)

About the Cushman Project

This is a remote hydroelectric project operated by the City of Tacoma. The Cushman Hydro Project Office is located along Highway 101 near the town of Hoodsport, WA. The local school districts are the Hood Canal and Shelton Districts.

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.

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching 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 have the strongest backgrounds related to the responsibilities of this position may be invited to participate in the interview process, which may include a work problem. Appointment is subject to passing a background check.

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 6:00a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

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.

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.

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

This questionnaire is designed to elicit sufficient job-related information to find the best qualified applicants. Therefore, it is essential that you answer all questions completely and in detail. It is to your advantage to include all information on this application even if that information may be duplicated in other materials you provide.

Please indicate "Yes" to show that you have read and understand these instructions.

+ Yes

+ No

02

These positions will report to the Cushman Hydroelectric Project and employees must be able to report to work within 30 minutes during emergency call outs. Are you able to report to the Cushman Hydroelectric Project within 30 minutes, or relocate in order to comply with this requirement?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Have you graduated from high school or equivalent AND one of the following? Completion of an electrical or industrial arts program from a community or vocational college and six-months of experience in semi-skilled manual labor in the construction trades, including operation and maintenance of industrial equipment and vehicles OR Two-years of experience in semi-skilled manual labor in the construction trades, including operation and maintenance of industrial equipment and vehicles.

+ Yes

+ No

04

If you answered "Yes" to question #3, list your diploma or certificate, where it was gained, and the date of completion and please provide a list of your relevant work history including the name of the company, your job title, dates of employment, and major responsibilities as they relate to this position. If none, type NA.

05

Do you have a valid driver's license?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Do you have a valid Washington State Class A Commercial Driver's License or are you able to obtain one within 9 months of employment (City will provide the required training and test)?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Hydro Utility Workers assigned to the Cushman Project perform a wide variety of tasks such as operating heavy equipment, road maintenance and repair, securing loads on trucks/trailers, forestry activities, and various landscaping tasks. Please describe your experience in each of these areas, in detail, including where you gained this experience.

08

Hydro Utility Workers assigned to the Cushman Project also perform carpentry work, plumbing work, and light metal fabrication/welding utilizing a wide variety of powered and non-powered hand tools. Please describe your experience in each of these activities, in detail including the tools you have used, welders you have experience with, and where you gained this experience.

09

Please describe any experience you may have working in an industrial machinery setting and/or working with and around high voltage electrical equipment. Include where you gained experience in either or both of those areas and what voltages you have experience working around.

10

Describe any experience you may have in maintaining and repairing vehicles and heavy equipment (lube, oil, filter, brakes etc.) and where you gained that experience.

11

Describe your experience in operating watercraft or being involved in work from a floating vessel or barge. Please include where you gained this experience.

12

Are you comfortable and able to work at heights with or without reasonable accommodations?

+ Yes

+ No

13

Are you comfortable and able to work in tight spaces with or without reasonable accommodations?

+ Yes

+ No

14

One of the City's Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe an experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

15

Please tell us how you first learned about this job opening.

+ Job Interest Card notification

+ Internet search

+ Professional organization

+ Military organization

+ Union job posting

+ City of Tacoma employee

+ Online job board posting

+ Word of mouth

+ LinkedIn

+ SEED

+ TTEP (Tacoma Training and Education Program)

+ Indeed

+ Facebook

+ Instagram

+ Government Jobs

+ NWPPA

+ Outreach Event

16

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.

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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