Full Time Labor Port Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $51.90 - $57.67 Hourly
Location : South Harbor, Tacoma, WA
Job Type: Regular/Full-Time
Job Number: 739
Department: Facilities Maintenance
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: PWG
Anticipated Starting Salary: Starting wage is $51.90/hour. Starting wage is 90% of base wage until completion of probation.
Job Summary
Starting wage is $51.90/hour. Starting wage is 90% of base wage until completion of probation.
This position is responsible for performing routine building & grounds maintenance and is primarily responsible for the Port's railroad system which includes day-to-day maintenance and repairs, inspections, troubleshooting, and rebuilding. Roadway maintenance and repair and other duties as assigned.
Essential Functions

• Responsible for the Port's railroad system which includes day-to-day maintenance and repairs, inspections, troubleshooting, and rebuilding. Removing and replacing ties, pulling and driving spikes, shoveling rock ballast, loading/unloading equipment and materials. Inspection of the track, trackbed, and track right-of-way. Report on safety concerns, defects, or other problems.
• Roadway maintenance and repair. Construction and repair of asphalt surfaces. Grading roadways using heavy equipment. Moves concrete barriers, ecology blocks, and jersey barriers using a variety of large equipment.
• Grounds maintenance responsibilities such as: grass cutting, weeding, tree management, snow and ice removal and treatment, and irrigation controls/repairs. Spraying herbicide and pesticide to assist the control of plants, insects, snails, and diseases. May be performed on tracks.
• Enters work order data on computers and handwritten work orders, assists with estimates for labor, materials, and researching parts. Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and service manuals.
• Use of hand tools, power equipment, and equipment related to track maintenance and landscaping.

Required Education and Experience
High school diploma, GED or equivalent is required. Formal education beyond high school or trade school training is preferred.
Must have three (3) years grounds keeping, general maintenance, and railroad tracks or equivalent. Must have (or be able to obtain within 60 days) First Aid/CPR training.
Must have (or be able to obtain within 90 days) a valid Washington Pesticide Public Operator License. Requires a valid Class B commercial driver's license (CDL), a DOT medical examiners certificate, and acceptable driving record, to operate Port vehicles, transport heavy supplies or equipment, and perform essential job functions.
Additional Requirements

• Knowledge in railroad track repair and maintenance.
• Knowledge of Port Landscaping needs, including methods to control plant diseases, insects, pests; knowledge of and the ability to raise, care for, and propagate plants, flowers, shrubs, and lawns including fertilizers, soils, and methods.
• Working knowledge of applicable safety rules, regulations, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to follow all Port policies and procedures.
• Must have a style consistent with the Port of Tacoma "Teamwork" concept.
• Must be willing and able to attend staff meetings, supervisory, and technical training.
• Must have the ability to read and accurately comprehend material contained in manuals, specifications, memorandums, regulations, and policies pertaining to job responsibilities and employment requirements.
• Must be alert to new methods and equipment that will improve and enhance a safe working environment, expedite job completion, and provide cost savings.
• Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Communication style must build positive customer relations.
• Must be able to estimate job costs and assist in planning yearly budgets.
• Must consistently treat others with respect.
• Must understand and be able to effectively communicate how personal and crew job performance relates to the achievement of the Port's goals.
• Must be able to interact with the public and with co-workers, follow instructions, work independently, cope with stress, and interact in group situations.
• Must be punctual and have good attendance.
• Must be physically capable of performing the demands of the job, including gauging tracks, driving/pulling spikes, tamping ties by hand, lifting heavy objects, and have the ability to operate a jack hammer.
• Must be able to work any shift including night shift, weekends, and overtime.
• Candidate must be able to successfully complete a post-offer drug and alcohol screening.

This individual must demonstrate a caring customer service attitude, a strong commitment to operational excellence, and dedication to the organization's core values: Integrity & Transparency; Excellence; Adaptability; Stewardship; Teamwork & Partnerships; and Health & Safety. The Port seeks candidates who will embrace and model these values both internally and externally, and who understand what it means to carry out these values in their everyday work. We value individuals who also bring an impeccable work ethic, honesty, and integrity, and who consistently exhibit enthusiasm, energy, and a drive to succeed.
In accordance with the Immigration Control and Reform Act of 1986, all persons offered employment must provide acceptable proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States. Proof will be required prior to employment.
Candidate must be able to successfully complete a background investigation. Candidate must also be able to obtain/maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), which is a program managed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Information on this program can be viewed .
Unless altered by an applicable Collective Bargaining Agreement or by a written employment agreement signed by an employee and the Executive Director, the conditions of employment for this position are 'at-will', which means that either the Port or an employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time and for any reason not prohibited by law. No supervisor, manager, or director of the Port, other than Executive Director, has the authority to alter these employment conditions.
THE PORT OF TACOMA IS COMMITTED TO PROVIDING A WORKPLACE THAT IS FREE FROM ILLEGAL DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT. WE ADHERE TO ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND FEDERAL ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS.
As an employer of choice, the Port is proud to offer an excellent benefits package. This includes medical, prescription, vision and dental with no out-of-pocket premiums and full coverage for employee, spouse, and all eligible dependents. In addition, the Port offers vacation, paid holidays, sick leave, bereavement leave, paid parental leave, participation in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and a Port-funded Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) account for out-of-pocket health related expenses for employees and their eligible dependents. The Port's benefits package is valued between 45%-55% of base salary.
01
Do you have a minimum of a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02
How many years of professional experience performing a variety of grounds keeping, general maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks or equivalent or a combination do you have?

• 0 to less than 1.5 years
• 1.5 to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years or more

03
Please explain your professional experience in grounds keeping, general maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks:
04
Do you have railroad welding experience?

• Yes
• No

05
Do you have a valid Washington State driver's license and a CDL (or the ability to obtain one)?

• Yes
• No

06
Do you have First Aid/CPR certification?

• Yes
• No

07
Do you have a Public Pesticide Operator's license or the ability to acquire one within 90 days?

• Yes
• No

Required Question