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Collections System Technician

Salary

$34.03 - $41.38 Hourly

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Classified

Job Number

5008-25

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

05/19/2025

Closing Date

6/9/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is recruiting for the position of Collection Systems Technician. This is a technically skilled position primarily specializing in stormwater and sanitary sewer collection systems. This includes investigations, maintenance and database upkeep related to sanitary sewer and storm drainage collection systems. The position also includes analysis and problem solving related to the sanitary sewer collection system inflow and infiltration elimination program, pilot studies, and the surface/storm water management program.

This position is one of two levels within the Collection System Classification Series and is distinguished from the others in that the Collection Systems Technician serves as the lead over the Collection System Worker(s). Technicians also work with engineers, the public, and contractors planning and coordinating long-term and short-term programs that cover all aspects of the inflow and infiltration elimination 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.

+ Excellent attendance

+ Enjoy working both indoors and outdoors, in all types of weather conditions

+ Great customer service

+ Enjoy working as part of a team

+ Enjoys physically demanding and variety of job tasks

Examples of Job Duties:

+ Perform Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections of private connections to the municipal sanitary and storm water mains

+ Perform Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) inspections of municipal sanitary and storm water mains in locations inaccessible by traditional equipment

+ Site preparation for the collection of soil and water quality samples

+ Track labor, equipment, and material project costs

+ 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), small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), and field dry-soil sampling X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) equipment

+ 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, 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 Stormwater 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

+ Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the City's inflow and infiltration elimination and surface/storm water management programs

+ Follow the Division's established policies and procedures to request and procure materials and equipment

+ Provide work direction to 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

+ Assist with the preparation of reports

+ 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 callouts during off-duty hours

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or equivalent

AND

Two (2) years of experience in a construction field with increasingly responsible experience with sanitary and storm systems.

***Experience may be substituted for education on a year for year basis.***

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

+ Must obtain a valid 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 License at time of application and maintenance thereafter

+ Obtain a First Aid Card with CPR, HAZWOPER, Confined Space Entry, Trenching and Shoring and Flagging certifications by completion of nine (9) month probationary period and maintenance thereafter

+ Ability to wear personal protective equipment including a respirator and heavy gloves

The City will provide the necessary classroom and drive time experience for the Class A Commercial Driver's License .

Please follow the link to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Driver's License as listed in RCW 46.25.090 (https://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.25.090://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.25.090) .

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge:

+ Operations, care, and maintenance of assigned trucks/equipment, and accessories

+ Computer software applications and database maintenance

+ Sanitary sewer and storm drain system-testing procedures

+ Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures

+ Record keeping and documentation techniques

+ Principles and practices of customer service

+ Rigging and lifting techniques

+ Application of power tools

+ Basic electricity

+ Ensure field crews have material and equipment to complete assignments

+ 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

+ 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

Skills:

+ Troubleshooting, problem solving and analytical skills necessary to evaluate and resolve difficult technical problems relating to sanitary sewer collection system inflow and infiltration problems

+ Excellent skills in planning, coordinating, establishing work priorities and scheduling work

+ Effective oral and written communication skills

+ Interpersonal skills including tact, patience and courtesy

+ Teamwork, decision-making and conflict resolution/management skills

+ Establish and maintain cooperative and supportive working relationships with others

+ Use of personal computers, word processing and database management software

+ Ability to disseminate technical information in non-technical terms to non-technical personnel

+ Read, interpret, apply and explain codes, rules, regulations, policies and procedures

+ Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action

+ Work independently with little direction and meet schedules and timelines

+ Work safely and cooperatively with coworkers and the public

+ Maintain records and prepare reports

+ Interpreting technical data, and work from maps, sketches and as-built drawings

+ Plumbing diagnosis and troubleshooting skills

+ Excellent ability to cooperate and communicate with private property owners

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:

Interested individuals must apply online and meet the minimum qualifications to progress in the examination process.

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.

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.

Examination Process:

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have Supplemental Questions #9-12 reviewed and scored as the Experience and Training test that will be used to establish the Eligible List for this position. Candidates must pass the test with a score of 70% or higher to pass the test and be placed on the Eligible List for hiring consideration.

Per City of Tacoma Personnel Management Policy #170, the City of Tacoma is a drug-free work environment. Appointment is subject to 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, (PROTEC 17). New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

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.

Our City:

With a population of over 220,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible schedules (with some job classifications), 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/

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals 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.

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 e-mail during the application process. E-mails from cityoftacoma.org and/or neogov.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 e-mail folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend a minimum of one hour entering the required information.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, questions regarding this job announcement, or if you are experiencing complications while applying, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 by 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

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 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 the equivalent, such as a General Education Degree (GED) or Home School certification?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Select one option below that best matches your job experience in a construction related field of work, with increasingly responsible experience with sanitary and storm systems.

+ 1 year or less than one year of related work experience.

+ 2 to less than 5 years of related work experience

+ 5-6 years of related work experience

+ 6+ years of related work experience

+ No related work experience

05

The successful candidate for this position will need to be able to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver's License with Tanker endorsement and with Air Brake Restriction removed by the end of their probationary period. CDL training and testing is on City time and all costs are paid by the City.

Please follow the link in the job announcement to view the requirements to obtain a Commercial Driver's License as listed in RCW 46.25.090 or click RCW 46.25.090 (http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.25.090) :

Please select the response that best applies to you.

+ I currently have a Class A Commercial Driver's License

+ I am able to obtain a Commercial Driver's License

+ I would be prevented from obtaining a Commercial Driver's License

06

Of the listed certifications and licenses, please select those that you currently have in an active or valid status. *City provides training, must obtain during probation*

+ First Aid and CPR Certification (Not required to apply)

+ Trenching and Shoring (Not required to apply)

+ Hazwoper (Not required to apply)

+ Confined Space Entry (Not required to apply)

07

This position may work outdoors in hazardous conditions such as exposure to confined spaces, exposure to raw sewage, traffic and underground construction; working in all kinds of weather conditions.

Please acknowledge that you are aware of the physical working conditions.

+ Yes

+ No

08

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING TEST: Questions 9-12 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 the questions. You must describe when and where you received your experience and/or training and what work was performed. Your answers must stand on their own merit. DO NOT refer to your resume in lieu of answering this question, as raters will not have access to your resume or application and this will result in a score of 0 points. Your score on the experience and training test will solely reflect your responses to the questions asked. For questions 9-12, make sure you describe your position, including your roles in the position, key activities, level of responsibility and the number of years' experience in that capacity. Please indicate "Yes" that you have read and understand the instructions for questions 9-12.

+ Yes

+ No

09

Please describe your experience dealing with the public, primarily how you deal with upset citizens.

10

Please describe your experience with electronic locators, TV inspection equipment and/or data entry and computer usage.

11

Please describe your experience in workload management, giving work direction and/or leading a field crew.

12

Describe your experience operating heavy equipment; excavators, backhoes, loaders, etc., as well as; power tools, and other machinery related to construction/labor type duties.

13

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

14

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.

15

If you are a military veteran, did you remember to upload a copy of your DDForm 214, Member 4 copy, for review for Veteran's Preference eligibility?

+ 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.cityoftacoma.org

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