CITY OF SEATTLE: Apprenticeship - Water Pipe Worker - Registered Apprenticeship - Seattle, WA
Employer:City of Seattle
Job Description:
Are you interested in getting paid while you learn a trade that protects and enhances public health and safety? If so, 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 is an excellent opportunity for a dependable and capable apprentice to begin a rewarding career with the City of Seattle. 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. Candidates should be prepared for a start date no sooner than late February 2027.
Apprenticeship Program Requirements:
Punctuality, excellent attendance, strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn are the keys to successfully completing the program.
The successful completion of frequent evaluations, skill assessments and related expectations require strong administrative and organization skills. Additionally, apprentices are required to attend a minimum of 144-hours of unpaid classes per year.
Special Working Conditions:
Before applying, candidates should review the following working conditions to ensure that this career will be a good fit for them.
Water Pipe Workers 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, 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 (4) reporting sites, including; 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
Meet the conditions set forth in the City of Seattle, Washington Standards of Apprenticeship, SPU Workplace Expectations, and SPU Safety
Attend and complete unpaid supplemental classroom training
Maintain Commercial Driver License (CDL) which among other things requires random testing for drugs and alcohol
Apprentices enjoy the following benefits (and more):
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 (2) 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
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. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:
SPU Website
Strategic Business Plan
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. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Job Responsibilities
This is a registered apprenticeship position. Apprentices will be trained on-the-job and be required to attend related classroom instruction on their own time. Apprentices are expected to perform the following:
Apply basic pipefitting and hydraulic theories and principles
Operate hand and power tools, including wrenches, abrasive saws, jackhammers, pneumatic and hydraulic pumps, etc.
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
Qualifications
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
License: Current valid driver license from any state at time of application.
***You MUST attach your FULL Driver Abstract with your online application showing your driving history to be considered. An application without a FULL Driver Abstract will not be considered.***
How to obtain your FULL Driver Abstract:
Please click on the link to obtain your WA Full Driver Abstract: Buy a copy of your WA drivers record
Your FULL Driver Abstract must NOT be older than 30 days from the date of application submission
Example of your CORRECT FULL DRIVER ABSTRACT:
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Additional Information
For additional information on the Water Pipe Worker Apprenticeship program, how to obtain and submit your "Full Abstract of Driving Record", please visit our website: http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/about-us/careers/apprenticeship-program.
Hiring Process:
This hiring process will include the following:
Application review
Working and Written tests
Interview
If you are recommended to the Working and Written tests, the tests are scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026.
The most competitive candidates from the Working and Written tests will be invited to the interview stage. Interviews are scheduled for the week of December 7, 2026.
If chosen as a successful candidate you are required to have the following physical documents on or before the date of hire as required to obtain your Commercial Driver License (CDL):
Washington State Driver License; AND
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
Pre-employment tests are required in compliance with Federal Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Requirements.
The full salary range for this position is: $39.76 - 43.97 Hourly
For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: John Lee at john.lee3@seattle.gov
Benefits Information:
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
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified 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.
