Tacoma Power is accepting applications for Utility Workers at the Cowlitz, Nisqually and 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 programs, and provide excellent parks and recreation.

Positions are located at remote hydroelectric sites.  The Cowlitz River Project is located near Mossyrock, WA.   The Nisqually River Project is located in Eatonville, WA.   The Cushman Hydro Project is in Hoodsport, WA.  Employees must live within 30 minutes of their assigned worksite. 

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

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.

• 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 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
• Be granted unrestricted respirator clearance prior to appointment 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
• Perform high voltage switching

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

This recruitment is being managed by Alissa McLain, 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!

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Apply
All interested individuals must apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to the position.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental question responses reviewed by a panel of subject matter experts as part of the civil service examination. Applicants who pass the examination will be placed on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration.

Appointment will be subject to passing a background check and a pre-employment medical exam to include a drug screen and respirator certification. New employees will be required to obtain a valid Washington State Commercial Driver’s License Class A (in addition a Tanker endorsement may be required based upon location of assignment) prior to completion of probation, with maintenance thereafter and be granted unrestricted respirator clearance including medical fit test prior to appointment, with maintenance thereafter. Crane certification with maintenance thereafter may be required based upon location of assignment. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the City of Tacoma and IBEW Local 483. New employees must successfully complete a nine-month probationary period prior to obtaining permanent status in this classification.

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.

Should you have any questions about this position please call Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 before 5pm on the closing date.