Temporary Laborer and/or Maintenance Laborer Opportunities with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking candidates for temporary Laborer and Maintenance Laborer positions. These assignments provide hands‑on experience, skill‑building, networking opportunities, and exposure to various career paths within SPU’s lines of business. Assignments are of varying lengths and locations, are non‑benefitted, and include Premium Pay. Temporary employees receive a free City of Seattle Employee Transit Card (ORCA Passport) and are eligible for the City’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

About Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities is a community‑centered utility delivering drinking water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste services to Seattle residents and businesses. SPU serves 1.6 million regional customers, maintains and improves infrastructure, and strives for affordable, equitable stewardship of water and waste resources.

Laborer – General Examples of Duties

• Provide manual assistance to other workers and use hand and small power tools (hammer, saws, axes, drills, weed eaters, backpack blowers, shovels, scythes).
• Perform minor adjustments and repairs to equipment.
• Set out flares, traffic‑control devices, and provide work‑site protection as directed.
• Manually dig trenches, fence‑post holes, and other holes; grub stumps; clean ditches, sewers, and storm drains.
• Load and unload materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Mow, edge, and trim lawns using hand or small‑horsepower mowers, edgers, and sweepers; water and weed lawns, shrubs, and flower beds; rake and clear litter; clear brush and gather leaves; saw, split, and stack wood; assist with gardening and grounds‑maintenance tasks, including trees, playing fields, and play areas.
• Drive pickup trucks, sedans, and other small motorized vehicles as needed for manual work activities.
• Perform minor repairs, adjustments, lubrication, and safety checks on trucks and trailers.
• Assist in set‑ups, room arrangements, and office relocations (e.g., moving chairs, risers, portable turnstiles, flooring).
• Operate handheld scrubbers and polishers; sweep floors and wash windows.
• Pick up trash, sweep floors, dust, wash, disinfect, vacuum, and perform other cleaning tasks.
• Assist in minor painting jobs such as parking lines, shelves, building trim, and graffiti removal.
• Perform routine custodial work at community centers or comfort‑station routes without a lead worker; supervision available by pager or telephone.
• Conduct indoor and outdoor litter control and cleaning tasks.
• Assist in cleaning, painting, and sorting water meters for repair.
• Assist in installation, repair, and maintenance of chain‑link fences, backstops, benches, signs, and bleachers.

Maintenance Laborer – General Examples of Duties

• Assist skilled trade personnel in coordinating and performing skilled work; help maintain, repair, and construct buildings and facilities; prepare walks and streets for asphalt and concrete paving.
• Plan, or assist in planning, materials, equipment, and staffing for work assignments or areas.
• Mow, edge, and maintain lawns using riding mowers, tractors, edgers, and sweepers.
• Drive pickup trucks and other motorized vehicles or equipment for work activities.
• Lead and/or perform office relocations and manage delivery, storage, and disposition of materials, forms, furniture, and equipment.
• Perform building‑services work including motor‑pool operations, event set‑ups, change‑overs, and support.
• Provide regular care, preparation, and maintenance for medium‑to‑large parks (20 + acres) with multiple recreational features (ball fields, tennis courts, fountains, picnic grounds, play areas, wading pools, horseshoe courts, etc.).
• Assist in opening, backfilling, and shoring of trenches and other excavations.
• Assist and participate in maintenance and repair of bridges, tunnels, and drainage systems.
• Perform minor repairs and maintain wooden and metal playground equipment, picnic tables, bleachers, and other outdoor recreation facilities.
• Wash and chlorinate reservoirs and elevated tanks using high‑pressure water hoses.
• Maintain routine records and reports.

Laborer – Minimum Qualifications

Experience: Ability to perform general laboring/manual work, good physical condition, and proficiency with hand and power tools.

Licensing, Certifications, and Other Requirements: Current Washington State driver’s license and a satisfactory Washington State Driving Record. Pre‑employment medical assessment required.

Working Environment / Physical Demands:

• Stand, walk, or bend for extended periods.
• Frequently