Utilities Service Specialist

About The City Of Bremerton

Nestled along the shores of the Puget Sound and just a scenic ferry ride from Seattle, the City of Bremerton offers an exceptional blend of career opportunity and quality of life. From the vibrant Harborside district—featuring the Kitsap Conference Center, waterfront hotels, dining, and the Port of Bremerton Marina—to the creative energy of the Bremerton Creative District and Quincy Square, there’s something here for everyone. Enjoy local attractions like the Puget Sound Navy Museum, stroll the waterfront Bremerton Boardwalk, or relax at Harborside Fountain Park. Cross the iconic Manette Bridge to explore charming shops and cafés, or unwind at Evergreen Rotary Park. Outdoor enthusiasts and golfers alike will appreciate the city-owned Gold Mountain Golf Course, while arts and culture thrive at venues like the Admiral Theatre and events such as the Bremerton Blackberry Festival. With its strong sense of community, natural beauty, and growing opportunities, Bremerton is an ideal place to build your career and make a lasting impact—explore our openings and discover your future here.

General Function

The salary indicated above includes longevity (1% earned after five years and increases to a maximum of 4% after 20 years). Additionally, a 3.8% cost of living increase has been approved for 2027.

There are two vacancies - one in Sewer/Storm Utility and one in Water Distribution Utility. Once established, this register is valid for six months and future open positions in either division will be filled using this register.

Under general direction, the Utilities Service Specialist performs skilled installation, maintenance, repair, inspection, and operational support for the City’s Water Distribution and Sewer/Storm Utilities. Depending on assignment, work includes maintaining and repairing water mains, taps, service lines, hydrants, blow-offs, air relief valves, fire lines, backflow devices, meters, valves, reservoirs, sanitary sewer lines, stormwater systems, and related utility infrastructure. The position also maintains Utility and General Fund facilities, grounds, sites, equipment, and City-owned property through painting, cleaning, remodeling, general repairs, inventory support, and other facility maintenance activities.

When supporting the Water Distribution Utility, the position assists in providing safe, clean, and aesthetically acceptable drinking water by flushing water mains, repairing breaks and leaks, investigating water-quality concerns, reading and installing meters, locating service lines, and operating specialized vehicles and equipment. When supporting the Sewer/Storm Utility, the position helps maintain the safe and reliable operation of sanitary sewer and stormwater systems by flushing and jetting lines, repairing breaks, responding to blockages, conducting video and camera inspections, locating service lines, and operating specialized equipment. The work performed supports public health and safety, reliable utility service, sanitary community conditions, and the protection of Sinclair Inlet, Dyes Inlet, and Puget Sound.

Representative Essential Duties And Responsibilities

(Note – This list is intended only to illustrate the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position.)

• Maintain utility inventory and asset records; receive and issue materials; coordinate surplus and disposal activities; and properly handle hazardous materials, recyclable materials, brush, wood, metals, and electronic equipment.
• Perform building, facility, and grounds maintenance at City and utility sites, including cleaning, painting, sanding, minor remodeling and repairs, vegetation control, janitorial work, and site cleanup.
• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair water distribution components, including mains, service lines, valves, hydrants, blow-offs, air relief valves, fire lines, backflow devices, meters, reservoirs, and related infrastructure.
• Perform assigned courier and interoffice delivery functions, including payroll pickups, deposits, billing documents, mail, and confidential correspondence.
• Operate dump trucks, trailers, loaders, backhoes, vactor trucks, trenching and shoring equipment, lifts, compressors, mowers, and other specialized vehicles, machinery, power tools, and hand tools in a safe and effective manner.
• Coordinate with utility personnel, City and County departments, inspectors, tenants, contractors, outside agencies, businesses, medical facilities, emergency dispatch, and the public regarding utility work, inspections, flushing, safety, security, repairs, and service interruptions.
• Select materials and fabricate or modify tools and equipment necessary to complete assigned work.
• Inspect vehicles, tools, and equipment before use; perform routine cleaning and minor maintenance; and coordinate preventive maintenance, recalls, and repairs with Equipment Services.
• Install, test, troubleshoot, repair, and replace water meters and backflow devices; assist with meter reading, customer notices, shutoffs, and resolution of meter or billing-related issues
• Maintain and document valve, hydrant, flushing, flow-testing, pressure-testing, sewer video inspection, and root-control programs; update work orders, GIS records, reports, manuals, and related operational data.
• Set up and maintain traffic-control and work-zone safety measures when working in public rights-of-way.
• Install, inspect, maintain, and repair wastewater collection and stormwater conveyance systems, including mains, laterals, manholes, catch basins, and associated components.
• Locate and repair leaks, breaks, and blockages using conventional and trenchless methods, including tapping, cutting, fitting, pipe fusion, pipe bursting, jetting, rodding, cleaning, flushing, and restoration of disturbed areas.
• Respond to inquiries and complaints professionally, provide accurate information, and assist in resolving service and operational concerns.
• Respond to emergencies and perform other utility, facility, maintenance, and operational duties as assigned.
• Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
  
  

Other Duties

• Performs related work as assigned and/or required
  
  

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Principles, practices, materials, tools, and equipment used in water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater conveyance, utility construction, and preventive maintenance.
• Water supply, storage, pumping, distribution, metering, backflow prevention, leak detection, valve maintenance, hydrant operation, and flow and pressure testing.
• Wastewater and stormwater inspection, cleaning, repair, root control, video inspection, and trenchless repair methods.
• Building, grounds, and facility maintenance methods, including minor construction, remodeling, painting, cleaning, and preventive maintenance.
• Applicable occupational hazards, traffic-control practices, confined-space procedures, emergency response protocols, and safe work practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local standards, construction codes, and environmental requirements related to assigned utility and facility work.
• Inventory control, asset tracking, material handling, hazardous-material handling, recycling, and disposal procedures.
  
  

Skill In

• Operating specialized vehicles, heavy equipment, utility maintenance equipment, power tools, hand tools, and safety equipment.
• Installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing water, wastewater, stormwater, facility, and grounds systems and components.
• Reading utility maps, aerial photographs, valve records, work orders, equipment manuals, and basic construction documents.
• Using computers, mobile devices, GIS applications, and recordkeeping systems to document work and maintain operational data.
• Performing basic arithmetic, measurements, equipment inspections, and field tests.
• Communicating clearly with coworkers, departments, contractors, agencies, and the public.
  
  

Ability To

• Identify unsafe, defective, or abnormal conditions and take appropriate corrective or protective action.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions, technical procedures, safety requirements, and applicable standards.
• Exercise sound judgment, solve operational problems, and adapt tools or work methods to changing field conditions.
• Organize work, maintain accurate records, and complete assignments independently and as part of a team.
• Navigate the City and surrounding service areas and learn streets, facilities, and utility-system locations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships and provide courteous, responsive customer service.
• Perform physically demanding work in confined spaces, adverse weather, hazardous environments, and emergency conditions.
  
  

Qualifying Education And Experience (Minimum Requirements)

• Candidates must be at least eighteen (18) years of age and possess a High School diploma or GED.
• In addition, candidates must possess at least one (1) year of experience in water, wastewater, stormwater, utility operations, construction, building or grounds maintenance, or a closely related field.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license is required and must be obtained/maintained throughout employment.
  
  

Equivalent combinations of education, vocational training, certifications, and directly related experience may substitute for minimum requirements except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Special Requirements

The following licenses, certifications, and specialized training may be required depending on the employee’s assignment. Possession at the time of hire is preferred. When required for the assignment and not held at the time of hire, the employee must obtain the applicable credential within one (1) year, no later than 18 months, of the hire date unless an earlier alternative date is established by the City:

• Washington State Class A Commercial Driver’s License with tanker endorsement.
• Washington State Water Distribution Manager I certification for employees assigned to water distribution responsibilities.
• Washington State Wastewater Collection Operator I certification for employees assigned to wastewater collection responsibilities.
• Confined Space Entry certification.
• Flagger certification.
• First Aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification.
• Asbestos-cement pipe training.
• Crane truck and rigging operation certification.
• Bucket truck certification.
• Aerial lift certification.
• Forklift certification.
  
  

Employees must obtain and maintain all licenses, certifications, endorsements, and specialized training required for their assigned duties. Failure to obtain and maintain required certifications within designated timeframe may result in termination.

Physical Requirements

Work is physically demanding and requires frequent standing, walking, climbing, balancing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, handling, and repetitive use of the hands and fingers. Employees must be able to work on uneven, slippery, elevated, or restricted surfaces; enter confined spaces; and operate vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment. The position performs heavy work, including exerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 20 pounds continuously. Adequate vision, hearing, speech, coordination, dexterity, and tactile perception are required to perform fieldwork safely and effectively.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions and may involve prolonged exposure to extreme heat or cold, noise, vibration, moving vehicles and machinery, electrical hazards, elevated work areas, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, mist, gases, poor ventilation, sewage, and other potentially hazardous materials or environments. Employees frequently work in or around trenches, manholes, crawl spaces, shafts, small enclosed rooms, and other confined or restricted areas. Work may occur in active roadways, utility sites, construction areas, and emergency conditions and requires the use of appropriate personal protective equipment and compliance with established safety procedures.

Examination Process and Required Documents

Applicants must apply on-line at https://www.BremertonWA.gov/169/Current-Jobs.

Required Application Materials

A completed City application and personal résumé are required. Incomplete applications packets will not be considered. Required application materials must be submitted online by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure their application materials reflect the minimum qualifying experience, knowledge, skills and abilities as listed on the job posting.

Important Application Note: Please do not attach copies of certifications or transcripts to your application unless they are listed as a requirement for the position.

Application Process After Submittal - What To Expect

Initial screening – Once the position closes, the HR Department will review and evaluate your application materials to determine whether your materials reflect and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience required to meet the minimum qualifications.

Invitation to Interview – After initial screening and additional review by the hiring department, if it is determined that you exceed the minimum qualifications, you may be contacted and invited to interview with a hiring panel.

References – After the interview, if it is determined that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, references will be sent electronically to the individuals listed on your application.

Pre-employment Requirements – If/when applying for safety-sensitive positions, pre-employment physicals and/or drug testing may be required prior to any final offer of employment.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES: If you require an accommodation at any point during the application process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 473-5348 or humanresources@ci.bremerton.wa.us

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Thank you for your interest in joining the City of Bremerton.

The City of Bremerton is committed to integrating diverse perspectives into our workplace culture and encourages our employees to bring their whole, authentic selves to work. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences and do not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under applicable law. We strive to create a diverse team that allows us to effectively connect to the community we serve.

If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

ADA Statement

The City of Bremerton does not discriminate on the basis of disability in programs and activities, which it operates pursuant to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and ADA Amendments Act. This policy extends to both employment and admission to participation in the programs, services and activities of the City of Bremerton. Reasonable accommodation for employees or applicants for employment will be provided.

The City of Bremerton is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

MEDICAL AND DENTAL INSURANCE

Effective the first of the month following the date of hire, regular employees are eligible for the City's medical and dental plans. Employees are also eligible for vision insurance on the first day of the month in which the third consecutive monthly premium payment is made on their behalf.

Currently, the City pays the premium for your choice of one of two health insurance plans, Kaiser Permanente or Regence HealthFirst 250 Plan. To cover dependents employees pay 20% of the dependent premium. Dependents may be added when you are hired, within 30 days of birth or adoption, during the annual open enrollment, or if you have a qualifying event (e.g. marriage, divorce, spouse loss of job or medical coverage). Detailed coverage and rate information is available from Human Resources.

The City provides a dental plan through Washington Dental Service for employee and dependents at no cost to the employee. Dependents can be added when hired, within 30 days of birth or adoption, or at annual open enrollment.

STIPEND IN LIEU OF MEDICAL COVERAGE

An Employee Who Waives The Right To Obtain Medical Insurance Coverage Through The City And Who Provides Proof Of Credible Coverage Through His/her Spouse Or Other Source Shall Be Entitled To Receive a a Monthly Stipend As Outlined Below

Employee Only

$150.00

Employee & Spouse

$300.00

Employee, Spouse & 1 Dependent

$350.00

Employee, Spouse & 2 Dependents

$400.00

Employee & 1 Dependent

$300.00

Employee & 2 Dependents

$350.00

Employees are required to notify Human Resources, in writing, of their desire to waive medical coverage.

TEAMSTERS WELFARE TRUST VISION BENEFIT PLAN

Eligible candidates must participate. See Summary Plan Description for details.

LIFE INSURANCE

Life Insurance is available at the employee's expense in amounts from $10,000 to $500,000. You may enroll when hired or at annual open enrollment.

VOLUNTARY LONG-TERM DISABILITY (LTD)

LTD coverage is available at the employee's expense. LTD will pay you up to 60% of your salary if you become disabled for more than 90 days due to the same or a related sickness or injury, which must be accumulated within a 180 day period.

RETIREMENT

The City provides a comprehensive retirement program through the Public Employment Retirement System (PERS) or Public Safety Employees Retirement System (PSERS). If you have an account established in PERS prior to October 1, 1977, Plan 1 would apply or after October 1, 1977, Plan 2 would apply. Effective September 1, 2002, you have the option of Plan 2 or Plan 3. You have 90 days from your employment date to choose between Plan 2 and Plan 3. If you have not decided within 90 days of employment, you will automatically be enrolled in Plan 3, Option A, at 5%. PSERS Plan 2 was created by the 2004 Legislature for certain public employees whose jobs contain a high degree of physical risk to their own personal safety. Employees hired into eligible PSERS positions on or after July 1, 2006 will automatically become members of PSERS.

The PERS plans 1 and 2 are defined benefit plans to be taken when you qualify for retirement. Service credit and average final compensation with a minimum of 5 years service for vesting determine the amount of the benefit. Plan 3 is a combination of defined benefit plan and a defined contribution plan. See your plan booklets for further information.

Deferred Compensation

You may choose from fourdifferent plans. You may contribute with a minimum of $30 per month and a maximum annual contribution of $24,500.

For additional benefit information, click here.

01

Are you at least eighteen (18) years of age?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you possess at least one (1) year of experience in water, wastewater, stormwater, utility operations, construction, building or grounds maintenance, or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Do you possess a valid Washington State driver's license?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question