Salary: $109,807.92 - $154,136.16 Annually
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Exempt
Job Number: 2025-00417
Department: Solid Waste Disposal
Opening Date: 09/22/2025
Closing Date: 10/31/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

CLASS SUMMARY
The City of Spokane welcomes applications for

Waste to Energy Plant Manager
DEPARTMENT PURPOSE

The Solid Waste Disposal Department strives to protect public health, property and the environment. The Solid Waste Disposal department manages comprehensive programs to dispose of municipal solid waste efficiently, effectively, and sustainably for the Spokane region. The Solid Waste Disposal Department provides essential services for our community.
POSITION PURPOSE

Provides strategic leadership and support to operate the Waste to Energy Plant and two City owned landfills. Performs responsible administrative and supervisory work directing maintenance, operations, engineering, safety, and regulatory compliance for these facilities.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Employee works under limited supervision and reports to the Director of Solid Waste Management. Directly oversees all aspects of plant business, operations, maintenance, capital projects, safety, and regulatory compliance for the Waste to Energy Facility and associated sites. Provides supervision to direct and indirect reports in professional, administrative, and technical positions.

EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS
The following Responsibilities and Requirements are functions the individual who holds or desires the position must be able to perform unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Directs, through subordinate supervisors, the planning, coordination, operation and maintenance of the Waste to Energy Facility and landfills.
• Responsible for directing subordinate supervisors in preparation and maintenance of facility safety records and documentation, including all Process Safety Management related activities, written policies, procedures and training.
• Acts as the point of contact with local, state and federal regulatory agencies.
• Assists or directs in-plant study courses in accordance with applicable laws.
• Reviews plant maintenance and operations records to evaluate plant performance and determine the need for changes in Operations and Maintenance activities and policies, particularly those requiring substantial capital expenditures.
• Plans, assigns, and supervises special operations research projects and studies. Reviews the project results and their applications to plant operations.
• Implements plant conversion and alteration proposals, reviews engineering plans and specifications and coordinates all facility construction and modification activities with existing systems.
• Supervises and participates in the maintenance of records and preparation of operational reports.
• Manages the financial results and requirements of the plant's business and operations to ensure that revenue and expense goals are met or exceeded as established in the overall business plan.
• Assists in preparation of the annual plant budget, and exercises control over the expenditure of funds allocated for plant maintenance, operation, and related activities.
• Directs the review and revision of operations, instrumentation/electrical/data, maintenance, and process control procedures completed by subordinate supervisors, including development of appropriate checklists and training documentation to ensure continuous and effective operation and maintenance of facility.
• Inspects plant machinery and equipment which may require climbing ladders, stairs and catwalks, exposure to machinery and confined spaces; inspect ongoing activities for safety and environmental compliance and for adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIREMENTS

Knowledge of:

• Extensive Knowledge of the operation, maintenance, and control of steam generating power plants and the legal requirements of their operation.
• Knowledge of administrative and supervisory technique and methods and the ability to supervise the activities of subordinate personnel, deal effectively and courteously with others.
• Principles and practice of capital planning, budgeting, forecasting, expense control, and other best business practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and system operation.
• Principles and practice of leadership and supervision, mentoring, training and evaluating the work of others.
• Theories, principles, practices, procedures, methods and techniques of waste to energy, solid waste disposal, and recycling.

Skill in:

• Effective decision making.
• Application of scientific principles and practices to plant operation and maintenance problems.
• Preparing clear and concise communications, reports, and technical documents.
• Project management and concepts.
• Leading, developing, training, and managing subordinates from a diverse background in creating a desirable work environment.

Ability to:

• Analyze technical plant operating problems and determine the proper remedial action.
• Deal effectively and courteously with other departments, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Build effective teams that have diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
• Communicate effectively orally, electronically, and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective public and working relations.
• Effectively supervise, manage, and train staff; supervise subordinate personnel and professional staff.
• Gather, assemble, analyze, and evaluate complex data and facts to draw logical conclusions and make proper recommendations.
• Compose clear, concise, and accurate reports using data and research gathered by self and others to effectively present to various audiences orally, electronically and in writing.
• Adapt to other duties as assigned and prioritize, organize, and plan work as needed to meet objectives.
• Plan, initiate, manage and complete complex and multiple simultaneous work assignments with a minimum of direction; set priorities and organize work to meet deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is within the Waste to Energy plant. Must be able to wear personal protective equipment with the ability to work under adverse conditions, such as in chemical atmosphere containing putrid materials, and work within a toxic or explosive gas environment. Need to be mobile enough to move quickly from building to building and up and down ladders and catwalks during plant inspections. Able to hear, with or without hearing aids, well enough to find and identify a single mechanical problem among much machinery noise. Ability to see, with or without corrective lenses, well enough to read fine print, such as blueprints, and detect subtle shades of color.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination equivalent to the experience and education that would likely provide the relevant knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. Generally, this will include:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in mechanical, chemical, environmental engineering or a related science.

Experience:

• Six (6) years of progressively responsible, professional experience in the field of solid waste combustion facilities or in occupations concerned with the design, start-up, operation, or maintenance of engines, boilers, turbines, air compressors, or related machinery which supply power, heating, or cooling service to an industrial or commercial process or facility.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience at the level of Operations Manager or higher.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of ASME QRO provisional certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment.
• Possession of Manager of Landfill Operations certification or ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment.

BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS

As an exempt employee of the City of Spokane, the Waste to Energy Plant Manager is subject to the City's Code of Ethics set forth in Chapter 1.04A of the Spokane Municipal Code. As such, "it is the policy of the City of Spokane to uphold, promote, and demand the highest standards of ethics from all of its employees who shall maintain the utmost standards of responsibility, trustworthiness, integrity, truthfulness, honesty and fairness in carrying out their public duties, avoid any improprieties in their roles as a public servant including the appearance of impropriety, and never use their City position, authority or resources for personal gain."
EEO STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity within our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, familial status, genetic information, veteran/military status, or disability status.
INSURANCE BENEFITS

Eligibility: Coverage begins for new hires and their dependents on the first day of the month following 30 consecutive days of employment.

Eligible Dependents: Spouse or Domestic Partner, birth, adopted children or children placed for adoption, Domestic Partner's children, step-children who live with employee, and any child for whom employee is legal guardian or for whom coverage is required by a Qualified Medical Support Order. Adult children under age 26 are eligible.

Medical
Qualified employees may select from two health carrier options; a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) administered by Kaiser Permanente or a Preferred Provider Option (PPO) administered by Premera Blue Cross. The monthly premium varies dependent upon plan and coverage level selected.
Vision
Vision coverage is included in the medical plan selected. Costs for eye exams and hardware; lenses, frames or contacts varies depending on the medical plan selected.

Dental
Dental insurance is provided by Delta Dental of Washington. The monthly premium is minimal for employee and eligible dependents.

Life Insurance - Employee Only
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at one-and-a-half times the employee's annual base salary to a maximum of $150,000. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Life Insurance - Eligible Dependent(s)
Basic Term Life Insurance is provided at $7,500 for spouse/domestic partner and $3,000 for each child. The City pays the monthly premium in full.

Long-Term Disability Insurance
Long-Term Disability Insurance is provided by The Standard. The City pays the monthly premium in full.
Flexible Spending Account
The City offers two optional Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) - Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA. The Health Care FSA allows an employee to use pre-tax dollars to receive reimbursement for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. The Dependent Care FSA allows an employee to receive reimbursement for eligible daycare expenses for dependent children up to age 13 and other eligible dependents as defined by IRS Code.

AFLAC
Supplemental insurance is optional and is provided by AFLAC to help pay benefits that major medical insurance does not cover. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit
AudioNet Hearing Aid Benefit is optional. The City of Spokane has partnered with AudioNet America to offer a discounted Hearing Aid Program with fixed out-of-pocket costs.

LegalShield/ID Shield
Prepaid legal services and/or prepaid identity theft programs are optional. These programs pay for a limited number of documents to be reviewed, limited trial defense representation, the preparation of a standard will, identity theft consultation, restoration and monitoring according to terms of contract.

Pet Insurance
Get cash back on the everyday care your pet needs to stay healthy! Nationwide/Voluntary Pet Insurance is an optional plan in which City of Spokane Employees can enroll.

Voluntary Term Life Insurance
Voluntary Term Life Insurance is optional and is provided through The Standard Insurance Company and is subject to application review and approval. Additional coverage up to $300,000 is available for employees and their spouse/domestic partner. Dependent children can be insured for up to $10,000 each. The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium.

Continued Medical/Dental Insurance
Employees separating from City service have the option to continue medical and/or dental insurance benefits in accordance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). The employee pays 100% of the monthly premium in addition to a small monthly administrative fee.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Spokane Employees' Retirement System
The Spokane Employees' Retirement System (SERS) is a defined benefit pension plan covering non-uniformed, permanent employees. As a participant, you contribute 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Contributions and earnings are tax-deferred. The City also contributes 11% of your salary toward your retirement. Employees hired on or after January 1, 2015 become vested (eligible for a monthly benefit at retirement age) at seven years of service.

Deferred Compensation
Enrollment in the City-sponsored 457 Deferred Compensation Plan administered by MissionSquare Retirement allows participants, on a voluntary basis, to defer a portion of their salary on a before or after tax basis. Contributions and associated earnings contributed on a before tax basis are eligible to receive City matching contributions and are tax deferred (not taxed until taken out). You can also choose to participate in the 457 Roth (after tax) contribution option. You may enroll in the 457 plan or change your contribution at any time. Minimum contribution is $15 per paycheck up to and is subject to the IRS annual limitations. The City will match employee contributions up to $200/month.
PAID TIME OFF

Official Holidays
The City observes seven official holidays as paid. An official holiday that falls on a Saturday will be observed on the preceding Friday. An official holiday that falls on a Sunday will be observed on the Monday immediately following. The City observes Martin Luther King Jr's birthday but has not declared that day as an official holiday. For this reason, employees hired before the third Monday of January receive an additional eight hours of floating holiday time to be used in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Personal Leave
Employees hired by January 15th receive forty (40) hours of personal leave, between January 16th and March 31st receive thirty (30) hours, between April 1st and June 30th receive twenty (20) hours, and employees hired between July 1st and September 30th receive ten (10) hours. If hired after September 30th no personal leave is received. Personal Leave may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.
Floating Holidays
48 hours of Floating Holidays to be used as of January 1st. Floating holiday hours may not be carried over into the next year and any unused hours will not be paid at termination.

Vacation Leave
Employees earn paid vacation hours each pay period. The number of hours earned depends upon the employee's length of employment and the number of hours in a pay status. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 days per year for a new employee to 20 days per year after 11 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year but are subject to maximum accrual amounts in accordance with Spokane Managerial and Professional Association Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Sick Leave
Sick leave accrues at a rate of six (6) hours per biweekly pay period. Employees must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue sick leave. Unused sick leave hours carry over each year.

Other Leaves
The City also provides several other paid and unpaid leaves, such as: bereavement leave, Family and Medical Leave, maternity leave, jury duty, and military duty leave.
WORK/LIFE PROGRAMS

Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a referral and counseling service administered by Deer Oaks. It provides a myriad of services to employees and their household members. Services include receiving confidential assistance for personal issues, such as managing stress, depression, parenting, alcohol/drugs, grief, etc. Each household member is eligible to receive up to eight counseling sessions per issue per year at no charge. There is also a benefit relating financial or legal concerns in addition to Worklife/Convenience services and online tools.

Employer Sponsored Bus Pass (ESBP) Program
The City of Spokane encourages employees to use alternatives to driving alone to work and participates in the ESBP Program offered by Spokane Transit Authority (STA). The program provides employees a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01

Do you possess a bachelor's degree in mechanical, chemical, environmental engineering, or a related science? Please specify the field of study and issuing institution below.
02

Please explain your experience providing strategic leadership and in directing maintenance, operations, engineering, safety and regulatory compliance. Detail your proven experience in applicable organizations employed by providing scope of duties, job title(s), and years held. Do not refer reviewer to your application, resume, cover letter or provide response less than one sentence.
03

Do you possess at least two (2) years of supervisory experience at the level of Operations Manager or higher? Please specify applicable job titles, years held, and number of employees supervised. Do not refer reviewer to your resume.
04

Do you possess an ASME QRO provisional certification? If not, do you have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of employment?
05

Do you possess a Manager of Landfill Operations certification? If not, do you have the ability to obtain within one (1) year of employment?
06

Have you uploaded your resume and cover letter to this specific job posting?
Required Question