Utility Worker I, II, III

Utility Worker

Join the team that keeps our city running strong! As a Utility Worker, you'll help maintain the City of Bellingham's essential infrastructure—using tools, equipment, and teamwork to make a real, hands-on impact. This series performs progressively responsible manual and semi-skilled labor in the construction, maintenance, and service work of all public works facilities. Employees in this classification may be assigned to the following units: Street and Stormwater Collection, Wastewater Collection, or Water Distribution. Operates hand and power tools and motorized mobile equipment and/or electronic and hydro test equipment, depending upon the assigned unit. Usually works as part of an assigned crew in an assigned section but may have an individual or specialized assignment. Works indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and sometimes under hazardous conditions. May be called out for emergency work. Attention to safety and protection of personnel and equipment is integral to work.

WHY JOIN OUR TEAM? Joining the City of Bellingham means becoming a part of a team that believes our greatest impact comes from working together with purpose, humility and a shared commitment to our community. Every employee contributes to delivering meaningful results for the people who live, work and visit here. We value people who approach challenges with curiosity, respect and collaboration. If you are motivated by building a career in public service, we encourage you to apply.

SALARY AND BENEFITS INFORMATION: The 2026 starting hourly rate is at Step 1. The full salary ranges for each position are:

• Utility Worker I: Starting hourly rate is at Step 1 ($31.69/hour) for full time positions. The full salary range for this position is $31.69/hour – $41.35/hour.
• Utility Worker II: Starting hourly rate is at Step 1 ($33.59/hour) for full time positions. The full salary range for this position is $33.59/hour – $43.83/hour.
• Utility Worker III: Starting hourly rate is at Step 1 ($35.61/hour) for full time positions. The full salary range for this position is $35.61/hour – $46.46/hour.

An individual in this position will move through the series in non-competitive promotions upon completion of the requirements and certifications at each level. Employees receive step increases annually in accordance with the Guild of Pacific Northwest Employees, Local 1937 Collective Bargaining Agreement and City policy. For internal candidates, placement within the range is based on City Pay Placement Procedures.

At the City of Bellingham, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that helps you thrive in both your career and personal life. Join our team and enjoy the peace of mind knowing that you and your loved ones are well cared for. Here's a closer look at the outstanding benefits that come with being part of our team. You can find more details on our employment benefits page and labor agreements page.

• 10 hours of vacation leave per month, with increased accrual over time
• 12 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday per year
• 8 hours sick leave accrued monthly
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts and medical insurance opt-out program
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Washington State Retirement plan (DRS) for retirement security
• Optional 457 deferred compensation (Retirement Savings Plan) with employer match

Leave accruals are based on 1.0 FTE, accruals are pro-rated if part-time and require employees to be in paid status at least 120 hours/month. Closing Date/Time: Fri., Jul 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM Pacific Time

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Depending on the unit to which assigned and level of experience:

1. Shovels, rakes, picks, cleans, hammers, sands, and other such manual labor.
2. Operates machinery and power equipment on an interchangeable basis (for example, five-, ten-and 12-yard dump trucks, trucks and trailers, backhoes, excavators, paving machines, loaders, rollers, brush cutters, tapping machine, jet truck, boom truck, service and pick-up trucks, boring machines, etc.) or may be regularly assigned to a single piece of mobile equipment requiring substantial manual dexterity, without direct supervision and responsible for reporting maintenance problems and determining whether immediate service by a skilled mechanic is required (for example, street sweepers). Utility Worker III operates Vactor truck, camera inspection vehicle, and Gradeall.
3. Performs many heavy manual semi-skilled and skilled tasks such as operating chain saws, jack hammers, drills, pipe saws, pavement saws, mowers, street sweepers, and raking asphalt in an accomplished fashion; may perform right-of-way patching, pavement overlays, maintenance and repair of guardrails, concrete sidewalk repairs, repair storm drainage catch basins, Sewer manholes, and surrounding pavement repairs involving masonry, concrete and asphalt work. Utility Worker III includes trenchless pipe repairs, hydrant and valve replacements, water main repairs, and locates and marks water mains and water services using electronic pipe locating devices.
4. May install, replace and repair sewer pipes, inspect and clean sewer mains and make repairs involving appropriate machine or device; may raise manholes and make related street grade adjustments; may respond to citizen complaints. Utility Worker III make repairs involving operation of a rodding machine; may operate a video scanner to assess sewer system conditions and identify problems.
5. Assists workers in higher classes: cuts, fits, lays, connects, installs various sizes of water, sewer and storm lines; installs valves, tees, crosses, reducers, sleeves, manholes, catch basins, etc., per instructions.
6. Turns on or shuts off water services to customers per order and according to established procedures.
7. Sets up traffic control devices including barricades, flags, and performs other safety-related duties.
8. Logs information, completes work orders and paperwork as necessary. Utility Worker II, III field checks measurements and locations of facilities, marks-up maps and drawings used for updating computer maintenance and GIS records.
9. Responds to afterhours call-outs and investigates customer service requests.

ADDITIONAL WORK PERFORMED: Utility Worker I, II

1. Performs other duties within the scope of the classification and of the classes below.
2. Participates in job-related training to improve knowledge and skills.

Utility Worker III

1. May lead a group of lower classified and/or extra labor employees in the completion of smaller, less complex assignments.
2. Provides guidance and on-the-job training to less experienced co-workers.
3. Other related duties as assigned.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed primarily outdoors in all weather conditions on City streets and rights-of-way, in close proximity to roadway traffic, or in an industrial plant environment. The work involves moderate risks which require special safety precautions, e.g. working around moving equipment, high speed or high voltage equipment, or with exposure to irritant chemicals or raw sewage. Hazards may include: fumes, dust, gases, and asbestos, moving mechanical equipment parts, extreme temperatures, maintenance and repair of pressurized (up to 200psi) water systems, inadequate lighting, confined spaces, trenches, loud noises and exposure to traffic. Employees may be required to use protective clothing such as coveralls, rain gear, hard hats, safety vests, masks, boots, goggles, gloves, or shields. Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job, including:

• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate hand and power equipment safely and efficiently.
• Correctable vision to read instructions and work safely around equipment.
• Adequate hearing to effectively hear voice radio and crew communications, roadway traffic and alarms in a noisy environment.
• Physical ability to continuously stoop, bend, climb, occasionally work in confined spaces or from heights, and frequently lift and carry heavy objects in the 50 lb. range, and occasionally weights of approximately 100 lbs. utilizing proper body mechanics, mechanical and other assistance. Some positions require the ability to work from heights up to 180 feet on a ladder truck or communication tower.
• Positions in Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection, Street and Stormwater Collection require the physical ability to operate a 60 lb. jackhammer for extended periods of time intermittently throughout the year.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING