Apprenticeship - Water Pipe Worker - Registered Apprenticeship

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is recruiting for energetic and motivated Water Pipe Worker Apprentices. These are entry-level development opportunities where apprentices participate in a two-year (4000 hour) paid on-the-job-training (OJT) as well as unpaid supplemental classroom instruction. Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices promote to journey level Water Pipe Workers, with high earning potential while progressing in their field. This program is a Registered Apprenticeship through the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Hiring for these positions is a lengthy, multi-stage process with a start date no sooner than late February 2027.

About the role

This is an excellent opportunity for a dependable and capable apprentice to begin a rewarding career with the City of Seattle. Apprentices will be trained on-the-job and required to attend related classroom instruction on their own time. Punctuality, excellent attendance, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are keys to successfully completing the program. Apprentices must complete frequent evaluations, skill assessments, and attend a minimum of 144-hours of unpaid classes per year.

Responsibilities

• Apply basic pipefitting and hydraulic theories and principles
• Operate hand and power tools, including wrenches, abrasive saws, jackhammers, pneumatic and hydraulic pumps
• Follow extensive safety procedures and regulations
• Drive large CDL vehicles and inspect them for proper operation and needed maintenance
• Work around heavy equipment using best practices
• Install and test water mains
• Maintain existing water system to include repair of leaking water mains and services, maintenance of valves and hydrants, and inspection and maintenance of transmission lines
• Install and maintain water services
• Excavate, shore, and backfill trenches in street – excavation is often done by hand with a shovel, but may be with the assistance of heavy equipment
• Installation and routine maintenance of valves and hydrants
• Set up traffic control and work sites to create safe work zones in the street
• Construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair of roads, trails, and fences

Special Working Conditions

• Routinely 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 and heavy traffic
• Perform work in trenches and confined spaces (such as maintenance chambers, holes, and excavations)
• Work in dirt, mud, and noisy environments
• Wear PPE including hard hat, safety toe boots, rain gear, and respirator
• Work any shift or schedule, including nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to report to and dispatch from four reporting sites: Operations Control Center (OCC, 2700 Airport Way S), North Operations Center (NOC, 1318 N 128th St), Lake Youngs (18015 SE Lake Youngs Rd, Renton), and Tolt (13510 Carnation-Duvall Rd NE, Duvall)
• Respond to emergency conditions resulting in overtime with little or no notice
• Follow strict safety procedures and policies
• Stay up to date with required safety trainings
• Maintain Commercial Driver License (CDL) which requires random testing for drugs and alcohol

Requirements

• 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 license from any state at time of application
• Must attach a FULL Driver Abstract with your online application showing your driving history (not older than 30 days from the date of application submission)

Qualifications

Successful candidates must have the following physical documents on or before the date of hire to obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL):

• Washington State Driver License
• One (1) of the following CDL-approved documents:
  • Valid US Passport
  • Government Issued Birth Certificate
  • Valid Permanent Resident Card
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Certification of Citizenship
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad

Benefits

• Obtain a Class B Commercial Driver's License (approximate value of $7000)
• Competitive health care plans
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Multi-cultural work environment
• 12 paid holidays and two 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 certifications for Confined Space, Trenching and Shoring, Forklift, Flagger, and First Aid/CPR

Pay

The full salary range for this position is $39.76 - $43.97 hourly.

About Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all.