Parks Technician - Plumber

Salary: $38.91 - $48.37 Hourly
Location : Various Parks Tacoma locations, WA
Job Type: Career Full-time Represented
Department: Parks and Recreation
Opening Date: 01/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Job Description
The starting salary for this position is anticipated to be $43.40 per hour
The full-salary range for this position is $38.91 - $48.37 per hour.

Work where you play! Join our team at Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
Who We Are Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Tacoma Parks' mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70+ parks, 80+ miles of trails, 1,000+ acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
Why You'll Love it Here Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Parks Tacoma, and you'll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Parks Tacoma are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You'll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you'll wake each day knowing that you're helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.


Position Information
Under the direction of the Superintendent-General Services, perform journey-level plumbing work in the construction, repair, inspection, servicing, installation and alteration of plumbing fixtures and systems, including sewage, water, irrigation and swimming pool systems.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

Essential Duties
Perform journey-level plumbing work in the construction, repair, inspection, servicing, installation and alteration of plumbing fixtures and systems, including sewage, water, irrigation and swimming pool systems.

Test back flow devices for boilers, water, sewer, storm drainage, electrical and phone conduit and irrigation systems; diagnose malfunctions and determine repair needs; install systems as necessary.

Install, repair and replace toilets, sinks, urinals, drinking fountains, and related equipment for Park District facilities.

Install, repair, remove and replace sewer waste and vent line systems.

Test plumbing and water systems, diagnose malfunctions and determine repair needs.

Prepare and maintain a variety of records and reports related to work and maintenance performed; submit to appropriate Park District and City personnel or department.

Inspect the flow and drain on drinking fountains at Park District facilities.

Install, repair, and replace flushometers, vacuum breakers, faucets and valves.

Operate specialized equipment to locate underground utilities, including water and gas mains, laterals, and sewer and storm drainage systems; operate a variety of inspection and repair equipment including power roto-rooters, power snakes and a variety of power and hand tools; operate a District vehicle to conduct work.

Install, replace and repair swimming pool filters, pumps, skimmers, return lines and related equipment.

Install, replace, repair and maintain irrigation systems and equipment, such as sprinkler heads, electric valves, time clocks and others.

Communicate with Park District departments and personnel concerning maintenance and repair needs.

Weld and solder connections, fittings and replacement parts for plumbing repairs.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Any combination equivalent to: completion of a four-year journey-level apprenticeship technical training program in plumbing and two years of journey-level plumbing experience including some experience in installation and maintenance of irrigation and swimming pool systems and equipment.

LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• State Journey-Level Plumbing license.
• Possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record (A current driving abstract will be requested after job offer).
• Department of Health Backflow Assembly certification.
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Card within the probationary period.

Additional Information
This position is a represented position with the International Union of Operating Engineers.

ENVIRONMENT:

• Indoor, outdoor and shop environment.
• Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Noise from equipment operation.
• Adverse weather conditions.

PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Kneeling or crouching.
• Pulling, pushing, carrying and lifting objects weighing up to 75 pounds.
• Climbing ladders.
• Heavy physical labor.
• Standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Bending at the waist to lift and install equipment.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate specialized tools and equipment.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.

HAZARDS:

• Working on ladders at heights to work on overhead plumbing.
• Working in a cramped or restrictive work chamber.
• Working around and with machinery having moving parts.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Principles, methods, equipment, tools and materials of skilled plumbing work.
• Welding and soldering techniques.
• City and County mechanical, electrical, plumbing and safety codes and regulations.

ABILITY TO:

• Perform skilled work in the repair, inspection, servicing, installation and alteration of plumbing systems and related equipment.
• Operate equipment such as power roto-rooters, power snakes and a variety of specialized test equipment, power and hand tools.
• Fabricate replacement parts.
• Prepare and maintain service and repair records.
• Diagnose malfunctions and determine repair needs.
• Observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Report for work regularly and on time.

PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
Parks Tacoma employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Parks Tacoma is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at .

Employment is subject to a national background check.
OVERVIEW (more detailed information can be found at Parks Tacoma )

Life Insurance: Provided at no cost to the employee through Unum, amount is equal to annual salary up to $275,000. Benefits will reduce at age 70.

Retirement Plan: All employees are covered under the Public Employees' Retirement System through the Washington State Department of Retirement Services (DRS).

Medical Coverage and Dental Coverage: Parks Tacoma pays 90% of the total cost of medical/dental coverage for employees and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following the date of employment. Medical coverage is offered through Kaiser. Dental options include Delta Dental Service and Willamette Dental.

Health Care and Day Care Reimbursement Accounts: A benefit plan that allows you to pay for health care or dependent care expenses with "before tax" dollars.

Deferred Compensation (457 plan): Optional employee paid retirement savings plans are available through Empower, MissionSquare, and WA State Deferred Comp Program.

Paid Holidays for career employees: New Years Day, Martin Luther King's Birthday, President's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving Day, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, Two Floating Holidays are granted after successful completion of the probationary period

Vacation: 8 hours earned monthly.

Sick Leave: 8 hours earned monthly.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - SupportLinc provides emotional wellbeing and work-life balance resources to keep you at your best. Administered by CuraLinc Healthcare, the program offers guidance to help you address and resolve everyday issues at no cost to you or your family.


Community Center Fitness Pass - All Parks Tacoma employees get a Staff Pass to use at our community centers .The All Center Pass allows access to all four centers - Center at Norpoint, Eastside Community Center, People's Center and STAR Center.

Did you know... Benefits at Parks Tacoma include more than the great options for medical, dental and vision. There is so much more to our overall compensation package. Here are a few highlights:

• Beyond Medical, Dental and Vision: All medical plans include Naturopathy, Massage therapy and Chiropractic care (some restrictions apply). See the benefits summaries for more information.
• An Ounce of Prevention is Better Than a Pound of Cure: Stay ahead of the game by taking advantage of the quality preventative care our plans have to offer. Preventative care is covered at 100% so you are not charged the deductible or pay co-insurance for preventative care. See the benefits summaries for more information.
• Tax Free Health Accounts: Parks Tacoma offers Flexible Spending Account options that allow you to set aside money on a pretax basis for out of pocket medical and/or childcare expenses. Sign up at the start of the year with open enrollment. If you have chosen the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP), you will receive a Health Savings Account with an employer provided contribution. Check out the benefits page for more information.
• Be Ready for Retirement: Retirement plan options include the required PERS contributions AND also several Deferred Compensation Plan (457 plan) Options. Retirement savings can help you set yourself up for success now (lowering your federal income tax threshold through savings on a pre-tax basis) and later. Check out the benefits page for more information.
• Everyone Needs a Helping Hand: Employee Assistance Program - this program offers confidential, professional AND FREE 24/7 resources to all Parks Tacoma employees. The program offers resources for things like: counseling, legal and financial services, ID theft victim resources, Daily living information, elder and child care, stress reduction tools, website access, newsletters, webinars and more.
• Preparing for the Unexpected: Life Insurance & Accidental Death/Dismemberment Insurance is paid for by MPT and at no cost career employees . The amount is equal to your annual salary up to $200k. Check out the benefits page for more information.
• Getting Fit: Fitness Center Pass - ALL Parks Tacoma employees are eligible to use our fitness facilities and even participate in many class at various community centers for FREE!
• Checking Out All That Parks Tacoma Offers the Community: Employees are provided an annual familiarization pass that becomes their passport to explore a variety of opportunities available throughout the District.
• Supporting Work/Life Balance: Alternative Work Arrangements - Some positions have the option to remote work upon meeting requirements. This is a great benefit as it allows Parks Tacoma to reduce our carbon footprint and employees to achieve better work/life balance.
• Taking a Break: All Parks Tacoma employees receive sick leave and career employees receive excellent Sick, Vacation and Holiday leave packages.
• Making a Difference: There are multiple ways to make a difference beyond the work you do. Parks Tacoma employees can contribute to the Legacy Campaign through payroll deduction (or one time payment). You can also participate in a Day of Service with permission from your supervisor, be a member of the dragon boat team, donate blood at one of our member blood drives, or volunteer with our partner organizations.

Note: THIS BENEFIT OVERVIEW IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY BE MODIFIED AND/OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.
01


Do you meet the minimum qualifications: completion of a four-year journey-level apprenticeship technical training program in plumbing and two years of journey-level plumbing experience including some experience in installation and maintenance of irrigation and swimming pool systems and equipment.

• Yes
• No

02


Please explain, in detail, how your experience and/or education meets the minimum qualifications.
03


Do you have a current State Journey-Level Plumbing license?

• Yes
• No

04


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

Required Question