Public Utility Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Public Utility Worker

The City of Gresham has several job opportunities for Seasonal Public Utility Workers (PUW I) in our various Public Works Divisions at the Gresham Operations Center. The Stormwater, Wastewater, Water and Transportation Divisions are seeking qualified, reliable and hard-working individuals to maintain city's stormwater and wastewater infrastructures, drinking water resources and roadways. If you enjoy being physically active, working outside, working in a team environment and want to help make your community clean, safe, and welcoming for all, join us!

Depending on assignment, work will commence in May and conclude in October 2026. The duration of each assignment is six (6) months. These are seasonal positions and not eligible for benefits, other than Oregon Sick Leave. Work schedules are established by division and will be either 5 days/8 hours per day or 4 days/10 hours per day, Monday through Friday.

This job posting will remain open until filled. Review of applications will take place the week of April 13th.

You may be a good fit for this job if you:

• Like physical labor working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Have a strong work ethic.
• Have integrity.
• Have a friendly personality to interact with citizens Can work in a team or independently.
• Have construction and or landscaping background.

As Oregon's fourth-largest city, Gresham is a welcoming community of hard-working people where tradition and heritage meet innovation and opportunity. Gresham is a dynamic and rapidly growing city where families and businesses have a mutual desire and drive to thrive. City of Gresham employees care deeply about the community they serve, and go 'one step beyond' to deliver services in collaborative, inventive, practical, and nimble ways. Our work is challenging, fast-paced and rewarding.

We believe that to deliver the highest level of service to all Gresham community members, it is crucial we employ a diverse workforce, foster an inclusive working environment, and ensure our policies and systems result in equitable outcomes. The City seeks candidates who will support these values by continuously incorporating equity in their daily work and actively contributing to a workplace culture that respects unique viewpoints, life experiences and cultural perspectives. Come build the future with us.

Learn more by watching these short videos:

• Come join the City's seasonal work crew
• How I launched my career in Public Works

As a Public Utility Worker, you will be responsible for performing regular and recurring installation, maintenance, repair and testing activities on the City's sewer, storm water, streets, water systems, and related facilities. You will need to operate a variety of tools and equipment such as: shovels, picks, tapping machine, power hacksaws, drills, welders, jackhammers, compressors, portable concrete saws, hand and riding mowers, powered edgers, back-pack blowers, weed-eaters, powered pole-saws, chainsaws, skill saws, pressure washers, and brush chippers.

We want people who are willing to learn, work hard, show up on time each day with a good attitude, and can get along well with others while taking direction from supervisors. We will train people on all tasks to be performed. Seasonal employees support good roadways, clean water delivery, inviting park systems and environmentally sound processing of storm water and sewer waste.

Although selected through competitive recruitment processes, many of our regular status, full-time Public Utility Workers began their careers as seasonal workers. In this role, you will:

• Receive good pay for hard work.
• Build a resume and gain trade skills and experiences that can equip you for a career in public works at the City of Gresham or elsewhere.
• Have a steady, set work schedule.
• Directly benefit community members and visitors.

Qualities we are looking for:

We want people who are willing to learn, work hard, show up on time each day with a good attitude, and can get along well with others while taking direction from supervisors. Ideal candidates:

• Like physical labor, working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Have a strong work ethic and be reliable
• Have integrity and safety minded
• Have a friendly personality to interact with Gresham community
• Can work in a team or independently
• Have construction and or landscaping background

Team Gresham Culture

Our why: To foster a safe, thriving, and welcoming community for all.

Our promise: We embrace the future and blaze the trail to excellence.

Our values:

• Service : We act with heart for the benefit of the community.
• Integrity : We are honest and accountable to each other and the community.
• Belonging : We lead with trust, welcome all, and seek to understand others.
• Teamwork : We join forces, align talents, and have fun!

Working conditions:

• Work is performed both alone and as part of a team; mostly outside in varying weather conditions for long periods of time. There may be exposure to loud noises, sewer systems, hot tar and asphalt, gasses, fumes, paint chemicals and pesticides, and some risk of physical hazard from equipment. This position involves constant movement and some lifting of heavy objects.

Knowledge of or commitment to learn:

• Basic maintenance and repair methods and procedures used in assigned area.
• Safety practices and procedures applicable to area of assignment.
• Safe and effective operating practices of light equipment used in assigned area.
• Electricity and electrically charged equipment and facilities. Computers and computer applications.

Ability to:

• Operate light equipment and power tools used in public works maintenance operations.
• Work independently or as part of a crew.
• Perform heavy manual work under confined and uncomfortable conditions.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Communicate effectively and courteously with City employees and the public.
• Read and follow maps.
• Keep written records.
• Ability to work in environments requiring the use of a respirator.
• Demonstrate pre-trip inspections and display practical driving skills.
• Physical ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a high school graduate or have passed the GED test of equivalency.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Must possess a good driving record (based on our driving matrix as listed below) Must be at least 18 years of age by the date of the hire.
• Must possess the physical ability to lift objects and equipment ranging from 25 to 85 pounds and perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Communicate effectively - must understand instruction in English, both orally and in writing.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated manual labor work experience
• Experience working outdoors
• Experience with landscaping and/or construction Flagger certification

Driving Matrix:

• You will be disqualified from this process if you possess any of the following driving infractions:
• A major traffic offense or accident that results in death or major injury.
• Driving under the influence (DUI) offense within the last 5 years.
• Have more than 3 moving violations within a 3-year period or more than 2 within a one- year period. Have more than 2 accidents within a 3-year period.

To apply for this position, click 'Apply' at the top of this job posting.

Required application materials:

• Complete online application (Do not type 'see resume' in any fields or leave work experience fields blank in the application template.)
• Answers to supplemental questions

The City of Gresham offers a comprehensive and equitable base salary within the listed range based on your experience, skills, and education verified in your application. We encourage you to clearly describe how you meet the minimum and preferred qualifications and essential attributes in your application materials. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay.

If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a