Drainage Specialist

***********************************************This position is open to internal applicants only.*************************************************

Under the direction of the Public Works Superintendent, performs a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance, repair and construction duties for an assigned Public Works division; performs journey-level work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of City and private drainage facilities and equipment; trains and provides work direction and guidance as assigned; may lead a small crew in absence of or under direction from the Drainage Division lead.

• Perform journey-level work in the inspection, maintenance, and repair of City and private drainage facilities and equipment; assist other maintenance personnel in completing a variety of special projects.
• Inspect a variety of City systems, structures and equipment to identify repair needs; oversee repairs and notify appropriate personnel of major repair needs.
• Perform minor adjustments utilizing hand tools and other power equipment; adjust various system settings as appropriate.
• Oversee the installation and preventive maintenance of a variety of systems, fixtures and equipment; replace damaged components as necessary.
• Provide traffic control for assigned City streets and intersections; direct traffic utilizing established flagging techniques to assure safety of work sites.
• Operate and maintain a variety of hand and power tools and equipment; operate meters and other testing equipment as directed; operate grounds and heavy equipment as appropriate.
• Drive a vehicle to conduct work; load, transport and unload materials, supplies and equipment as needed, operate a large flail mower in public ROW and Open ditches, and the Vactor Truck.
• Maintain assigned work area in a clean and orderly condition; pick-up and dispose of trash and debris; clear passages, drains, lines and piping as necessary.
• Expedite routine maintenance requests from City personnel; work from oral and written instructions and compose inspection reports; respond to emergency repair needs as requested.
• Communicate with City personnel and outside agencies to exchange information, coordinate activities and resolve issues or concerns.
• May lead a small crew in performing a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance, repair and construction duties for an assigned Public Works division.
• Train and provide work direction and guidance to assigned personnel; assure maintenance activities comply with established time lines, regulations, and procedures.
• Maintain records related to assigned activities.

Other Duties:
Perform related duties as assigned.

Contacts and Relationships:
The Drainage Specialist will have daily contact with City Employees, residents, and customers, as well as outside organizations and regulatory authorities. They will be expected to present themselves in a manner creditable to the City in all contacts with any individual, agency, or jurisdiction with which they may come in contact. Education and Experience:
Any combination equivalent to: graduation from high school supplemented by completion of a Certified Stormwater Inspector Course, and two years general Stormwater maintenance experience.

Licenses and Other Requirements:

• Valid Washington driver’s license.
• Valid Washington Commercial Class B driver’s license with air brake endorsement.
• Valid Certified Erosion & Sediment Control Certification (CESCL)
• Valid Certified Stormwater Inspector Certification issued by National Stormwater Center
• Valid Traffic Signal Technician Level I or higher certification issued by IMSA, and/or Wastewater Collection Specialist level 1 or higher as issued by WWCPA, or Water Distribution Manager Level 1 or higher issued by WSDOH
• Valid WA ST Flagging certification
• Valid First Aid and CPR certifications.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, equipment and materials used in skilled maintenance work.
• Principles of training and providing work direction.
• Applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Safe working practices and procedures.
• Requirements of maintaining Public Works systems in good repair.
• Operation and use of hand and power tools and equipment.
• Health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Record-keeping techniques.
• Proper lifting techniques.

Ability to:

• Lead a small crew in performing a variety of unskilled and semi-skilled maintenance, repair and construction duties for an assigned Public Works division.
• Perform journey-level work in the maintenance and repair of City drainage facilities and equipment.
• Train and provide work direction and guidance to assigned personnel.
• Observe health and safety regulations and procedures.
• Operate hand and power tools and equipment.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Work independently with little direction.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Maintain records.
• Perform heavy physical labor.
• Meet schedules and time lines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

• Indoor and outdoor work environment.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Regular exposure to fumes, dust and odors.
• Seasonal heat and cold or adverse weather conditions.

Physical Demands:

• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate hand and power tools.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Seeing to perform maintenance duties.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects as assigned by position.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching.
• Heavy physical labor.
• Climbing ladders.

Hazards:

• Working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber.
• Working around and with machinery having moving parts.
• Working in flowing creeks and open bodies of water.

Union Status Teamsters Local Union No 117
FLSA Status Non-exempt
Salary Range Drainage Specialist
Adopted
Last Revised03/2026
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for the job, the level of knowledge, skill and ability typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or to balance the workload.
The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Class specifications are only intended to represent a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specific positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.