Maintenance Laborer

Join us in shaping Seattle's streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we don't just move people 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!

Position Description

Seattle Department of Transportation's is hiring an Urban Forestry Maintenance Laborer in the Right of Maintenance and Urban Forestry Division. This position will perform a variety of duties in the right-of-way including vegetation maintenance, mowing, tree planting and watering, landscape and irrigation maintenance, and emergency response support.Assists 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. May assist in pesticide and herbicide applications.
• Perform various duties in landscaping, tree care, horticulture, or irrigation.
• Assist in snow and ice response, cleanup operations after windstorms, and other emergency response.
• Drives pick-up trucks and other motorized vehicles or equipment in connection with work activities.
• Maintains routine records and reports.
• Inspects trucks and equipment to ensure good and safe conditions.
• Cleans equipment and performs minor repairs.
• leads and works 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.

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.

Minimum Qualification:

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

Desired Qualification:

• 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).

Physical Job Demands/Working Conditions:

• 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.

Licensing/Certifications:

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

The full salary range for this position is $36.63 - $36.63 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:

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.

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

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.

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 is provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.