As part of its responsibilities, the bureau is accountable for grounds maintenance at 144 sites such as pump stations and reservoirs. Typical SMW tasks include shoveling debris, watering, mowing, and weeding. SMWs report to the same bureau supervisor as regular employees. SMWs have no promotion or transfer rights. All three bureaus have an informal hiring process.
Interested applicants submit an application and supervisors decide whom to hire.
All successful applicants must pass a criminal history check, driving records check, and a physical capacities evaluation. Topics covered in the orientation are typically safety, worker's compensation, work rules, first aid, and diversity. In the year 2000, the maintenance bureau had a 75 percent return rate for those employees it asked to return. The City gives rehire preference to productive SMWs who have previously worked for the City. This process allows the City to give preference to seasonal employees for regular budgeted job openings.