Utility Worker 1

About Us

Centralia College is on a 30-acre campus of modern buildings set among walking paths, lawns, and native plantings just a few blocks from the heart of Centralia, Washington. The college has served students in the Lewis County region since 1925 and is the oldest continuously operating community college in Washington State. The city of Centralia is a historic railroad and river shipping hub with a vibrant downtown and railway station.

As a comprehensive community college, Centralia College offers academic transfer and workforce programs, as well as adult basic education, English as a Second Language (ESL), and personal enrichment classes. The college also offers five Bachelor of Applied Science degrees.

In addition to the main campus in Centralia, Centralia College East in Morton is a smaller site that serves the needs of students in east Lewis County. Centralia College is committed to the success of all students, and thus also provides educational programs at two corrections centers in southwest Washington and one juvenile facility. In total, the college serves more than 4,800 students annually. For nearly 100 years, several generations of Lewis County residents have looked to Centralia College for their education and training needs.

Centralia College is committed to student success, academic excellence, and enhancing and supporting our diverse community in an inclusive and equitable learning environment. We encourage applicants with demonstrated experience collaborating with, and serving, people from a wide range of backgrounds.

For more information on Centralia College and the Centralia area, call ... or visit www.centralia.edu.

Job Description

Under close supervision, the Utility Worker 1 performs a wide range of unskilled and semi-skilled manual labor tasks to support the upkeep, safety, and functionality of campus buildings, grounds, utility systems, and infrastructure. This position assists with construction site preparation, building and grounds maintenance, equipment operation, minor repairs, and routine upkeep of public spaces and support systems. Work is performed independently or as part of a team, often outdoors and in all types of weather. The position is also responsible for operating a variety of hand tools, power tools, and light equipment, and may assist with landscaping, painting, drainage systems, or paving-related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Load and unload materials, supplies, and equipment used in construction and maintenance tasks.
• Perform groundskeeping duties such as mowing, trimming, brush clearing, raking, and removing debris.
• Dig ditches and trenches; clean gutters, culverts, and other drainage structures.
• Assist with painting of exterior surfaces using spray guns, brushes, or rollers.
• Support minor construction projects: install/repair fences, signs, rockeries, walkways, and paved surfaces.
• Operate power tools and light equipment such as pneumatic tampers, jackhammers, paint sprayers, and lawn mowers.
• Drive vehicles (e.g., light trucks, tractors, forklifts) to transport materials, tools, and refuse.
• Assist with irrigation system installation and repair.
• Perform cleanup duties upon project completion.
• Support heavy equipment operators by performing prep tasks and removing debris.
• Perform routine equipment maintenance.
• Work may be directed by lead.

This position will also perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience performing manual labor.
• Valid Washington State driver's license.
• Ability to work safely and follow written and verbal instructions.

or

Equivalent education/experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic construction, maintenance, and landscaping procedures.
• Safe operation of hand tools and light power equipment.
• Basic painting methods and grounds maintenance techniques.
• Safety regulations and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Skills in:

• Using tools such as shovels, rakes, mowers, pneumatic equipment, and sprayers.
• Operating light vehicles and motorized grounds maintenance equipment.
• Handling materials safely and efficiently.
• Communicating effectively with team members and supervisors

Ability to:

• Perform heavy physical labor outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 65 lbs. occasionally.
• Understand and follow simple instructions, both oral and written.
• Work at heights, use ladders, and balance safely.
• Perform repetitive manual tasks for extended periods.
• Maintain Accurate Records: Ability to track and report inventory, supply usage, and maintenance requests accurately and timely.
• Promote a Safe and Respectful Workplace: Ability to foster an inclusive, hazard-free environment for staff, students, and campus visitors.

Physical Requirements

The Utility Worker 1 position requires the ability to perform a wide range of physically demanding tasks essential to campus maintenance and operations. Employees must regularly talk and hear; frequently sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and consistently stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. This role also includes performing semi-skilled duties related to event set-up and office moves. Employees must be able to stand and/or walk for over 70% of the workday; bend, stoop, and twist at the waist frequently; reach from knees to shoulder level frequently and above shoulder level occasionally; perform constant repetitive arm/hand motions; handle and/or grasp materials constantly; and climb stairs or ladders occasionally. The position requires frequent lifting of objects up to 35 pounds and occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds. Employees must also tolerate frequent carrying, constant pushing and/or pulling, vibration from equipment, and exposure to temperature extremes, dust, chemicals, and equipment noise. Normal hearing and clear vision (with or without correction) are essential for effective communication and safe performance of duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is primarily performed outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, including rain, wind, heat, and cold, and may involve exposure to environmental hazards such as fumes, loud equipment noise, and dust commonly associated with maintenance and construction work. The role requires frequent physical activity, including walking, standing, bending, twisting, kneeling, squatting, and climbing, as well as regular use of ladders or scaffolding and maintaining balance at elevated heights. Employees are expected to operate vehicles and motorized equipment, such as lawnmowers, forklifts, and tractors, and must be able to tolerate prolonged physical exertion and repetitive tasks. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required to ensure safety, and adherence to all health and safety protocols is expected. Visual and auditory acuity within normal limits is necessary for safe equipment operation and clear communication with team members.

Conditions of Employment

This is a 40-hour per week, 12-month position. Classified employees are represented by the Washington State Federation of State Employees (WFSE). The state of Washington provides a comprehensive benefits package for state employees.

DEADLINE: The position will close on August 24, 2025. The screening committee will begin their review August 25, 2025.

COMPENSATION

Monthly Salary: Range 34G ($3,581 - $4,027)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed resume of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• List of at least three professional references with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Eligibility to Work

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

Background Check

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

EEO Statement

Centralia College has a strong institutional commitment to the principles of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we strongly urge all qualified applicants, especially people of color, persons of disability, women, and disabled and Vietnam era veterans, to apply. Centralia College is an Equal Opportunity employer.

It is the policy of Centralia College to assure equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, creed, color, national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 40), religion, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Centralia College does not discriminate in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its programs or activities. Designated Title II, VI, VII, IX, Section 504, ADA compliance officer: Vice President for Human Resources and Equity, Hanson Hall Room 101, Centralia College, 600 Centralia College Blvd, Centralia WA 98531-4099, ....

The Human Resources Office is accessible for persons with disabilities. Those who need disability accommodation in the application/employment process, please call ....

Jeanne Clery Statement

Notice of Availability of Annual Security Report-Centralia College's Annual Crime/Security Report is available here, containing mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, required statistics, and other related information. To obtain a paper copy of the report, please call ....

Title IX Statement

Centralia College is compliant with Title IX best practices. For more information visit, Title IX.