Seasonal Public Utility Worker

Job Summary

The City of Gresham has several job opportunities for Seasonal Public Utility Workers (PUW I) in its Public Works Divisions at the Gresham Operations Center. These seasonal positions, which commence in May and conclude in October 2026, require a physical work ethic, reliability, and a commitment to maintaining the city’s stormwater, wastewater, drinking water, and roadway infrastructure. The assignments last six (6) months and are not eligible for benefits other than Oregon Sick Leave.

• Perform regular and recurring installation, maintenance, repair and testing activities on the City’s sewer, stormwater, streets, water systems, and related facilities.
• Operate a variety of tools and equipment including 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.
• Work independently or in a crew to support good roadways, clean water delivery, inviting park systems, and environmentally sound stormwater and sewer waste processing.

• Love physical labor and working outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Strong work ethic, integrity, and safety minded.
• Friendly personality to interact with the Gresham community.
• Reliable and able to work in a team or independently.
• Construction and/or landscaping background.

• Work performed alone and as part of a team, mostly outside in varying weather conditions for long periods.
• Potential exposure to loud noises, sewer systems, hot tar and asphalt, gases, fumes, paint chemicals and pesticides, and physical hazard from equipment.
• Position involves constant movement and some lifting of heavy objects.

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

• 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.
• Work in environments requiring the use of a respirator.
• Demonstrate pre‑trip inspections and display practical driving skills.
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• High school graduate or GED equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Physical ability to lift objects and equipment ranging from 25 to 85 pounds.
• Effective communication in English, orally and in writing.
• Minimum 18 years of age at the date of hire.

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

Disqualification criteria include any major traffic offense or accident resulting in death or major injury, a DUI offense within the last five years, more than three moving violations within a three‑year period or more than two within a one‑year period, and more than two accidents within a three‑year period.

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. Learn more about Oregon Equal Pay.

If you desire a modification of this process to accommodate a disability, please provide your request in writing to HR Recruiting, or by phone to , upon submitting the required application documents.

The City of Gresham provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with state law. Any candidate wishing to have their…