Maintenance Laborer

Full Job Description

Join us in shaping Seattle’s streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don’t just move people—we connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, we’re tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyone—no matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and we’re growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, we’re building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

We’re a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crews—bringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Let’s build a Seattle that works for everyone—together!

SDOT’s Right of Maintenance and Urban Forestry Division is looking for a Maintenance Laborer to join the team. This position will perform a variety of duties in the right-of-way including vegetation maintenance, mowing, pothole response, graffiti response, emergency response support and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Assist a variety of skilled trade personnel in coordinating and performing skilled work; will also assist in the maintenance of landscaped and natural areas.
• May plan or assist in planning for materials, equipment, and staffing required for work assignments or areas.
• Maintain vegetation using a weed eater and other hand tools.
• Perform various duties in landscaping. Assist in snow and ice response, cleanup operations after windstorms, and other emergency response.
• Drive pick-up trucks and other motorized vehicles or equipment in connection with work activities.
• Maintain routine records and reports.
• Inspect trucks and equipment to ensure good and safe conditions.
• Clean equipment and perform minor repairs.
• Lead and work with a crew of laborers involved in maintaining landscapes, cutting brush, responding to snow and ice, and other emergencies.
• Perform other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• One year of experience performing general laboring/manual work involving the construction, installation, repair, and maintenance of public facilities (of education, training and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability).

OR: An equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties

License, Certification:

• Valid and current State Driver's License.
• Current valid Flagger certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

Though not requirements, strong candidates will have some of the following experience or are able to describe comparable experience:

• Experience with landscaping and vegetation management.
• Experience using a variety of mowing equipment.
• Horticultural experience or education including plant identification knowledge.
• Experience setting traffic control and working safely in the right of way (ROW).

Work Environment / Physical Demands:

• May have on-call duties to respond to emergencies during the winter months.
• Required to stand, walk and bend for extended period of time.
• Must be able to safely lift and carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds. May occasionally be required to lift objects weighing more than 50 pounds.
• Work outdoors in all types of weather and occasionally handle or work near toxic/hazardous substances.
• May be required to spend long periods of time driving trucks often in heavy traffic and adverse weather conditions. Drives in both urban streets and rural environments.

Additional Information

Your application will not be reviewed if these items are missing or incomplete.

Hiring Process

Applications are reviewed after the posting closes. Qualified candidates must submit the following to be considered:

1. Completed NEOGOV online application.
2. Supplemental questionnaire responses.

Job offer is contingent upon verification of credentials and other information required by the employment process and may include a criminal history background check, a pre-placement medical examination, a review of driving history, and reference information.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The full salary range for this position is $37.95 - $37.95 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences.

Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided upon request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.