This recruitment is opened until filled. However, first consideration will be given to candidates who apply by March 31, 2021.  

“Earn while you learn.”

Are you interested in getting paid while you learn a trade that protects and enhances public health and safety? If so, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is presently recruiting for energetic and motivated Drainage & Wastewater Collection Worker Apprentices. These are entry-level development opportunities where apprentices participate in a two-year paid on-the-job-training (OJT), as well as unpaid supplemental classroom training. Upon program completion, successful apprentices advance to journey level Drainage & Wastewater Collection Workers with high earning potential while progressing in the field. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable and reliable apprentice to begin a rewarding career with City of Seattle. This program is a Registered Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

About Seattle Public Utilities: 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility working to make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. We deliver high quality, vital services across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.5 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the greatest benefits possible for every investment we make.

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We support and hold ourselves accountable to this commitment by eliminating barriers to access and providing employees with equitable opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Apprentices enjoy the following benefits (and more):

• Obtain a Class B Commercial Driver’s License (approximate value of $7000)
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Family- friendly multi-cultural work environment
• Competitive health care plans
• Free public transportation options
• 10 paid holidays and two (2) additional personal holidays
• 12 paid days of vacation per year
• 12 paid days of sick leave per year
• Deferred compensation plan
• Employer/employee contributions to City pension plan
• Obtain a Flagger Certification card

Apprentices will learn to:

• Respond to urban flooding
• Repair and install infrastructure such as maintenance holes, catch basins, and pipes within the stormwater drainage system
• Clean and maintain sewer mainlines and infrastructures, storm drains, catch basins, ditches, detention ponds, and culverts
• Clear debris and complete projects in urban creeks
• Work around heavy equipment
• Operate hand and power tools

Special Working Conditions 
The successful candidates, at a minimum, must demonstrate skills and abilities to:

• Perform demanding and physically challenging work, including lifting more than 50 pounds up to waist level
• Bend, stoop and dig for extended periods of time
• Work outdoors in all types of weather conditions, heavy traffic; entering confined spaces (such as maintenance holes, Oil Water Separators, and shored excavations)
• Work any shift or schedule, including nights, evenings, weekends and holidays
• Ability to report to, and dispatch from two (2) reporting sites, including; Haller Lake (12600 Stone Ave North) and South Operations Center (4500 W Marginal Way SW)
• Respond to emergency conditions resulting in overtime with little or no notice
• Meet the conditions set forth in the City of Seattle, Washington Standards of Apprenticeship, SPU Workplace Expectations, and SPU Safety
• Attend and complete unpaid supplemental classroom training
• Obtain and maintain a Washington State Class B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent educational credential, or a vocational school degree
• At least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of hire
• Current valid driver’s license from any state at time of application

1. Candidates must obtain a Washington State driver’s license on or before the date of hire.
2. Candidates must provide proof of driving record by submitting their “FULL Abstract Driving Record” as part of the application material. Your “Full Abstract of Driving Record“ must not be older than 30 days from the date of application submission. DO NOT submit the Employment Driver Abstract. Buy a copy of your WA drivers record

Pre-employment tests are required in compliance with Federal Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Requirements.

For additional information on the Drainage & Wastewater Collection Worker Apprenticeship program, how to obtain and submit your “Full Abstract of Driving Record”, please visit our website: http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/about-us/careers/apprenticeship-program