Salary: $64,728.00 - $106,592.40 Annually
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 572-2025
Department: Solid Waste Management
Opening Date: 05/05/2025
Closing Date: 5/19/2025 4:00 PM Pacific

CLASS SUMMARY

Performs supervisory and technical work monitoring and controlling boiler, turbine, and auxiliary waste to energy (WTE) plant equipment from the control room on an assigned shift.
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS

• Maintains safe, efficient and productive boiler operation, including combustion; maximizes power generation and manages in-plant power consumption; operates plant within all applicable permits.
• Monitors and inspects plant operational and emissions data; detects and responds to changing conditions with regard to maximizing plant safety and efficiency.
• Adjusts manual controls or overrides automatic controls to bring equipment into recommended or prescribed operating ranges, switch to backup equipment or systems, or to shut down equipment. Inspects equipment to detect malfunctions or need for repair, adjustment or lubrication.
• Oversees the operation of plant equipment; dispatches Assistant Plant Operators and Utility Operators for local monitoring. Works with maintenance to troubleshoot problems, ascertain probable cause, and perform basic maintenance tasks. Coordinates, directs, and trains subordinates as required.
• Reads meters and gauges or automatic recording devices at specified intervals to verify operating conditions. Records data such as temperature of equipment, hours of operation, fuel consumed, temperature or pressure, water levels, analysis of flue gases, voltage load and generator balance. Records operation and maintenance actions taken during shift in operator's logbook.
• Directs plant personnel in the safe operation of plant equipment and casualty control measures.
• Conducts nondestructive testing of boiler tubes.
• Performs tasks as required to comply with safety and environmental standards, including but not limited to fire watch, confined space attendant, confined space entrant, chemical spill response.
• Performs related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Open Entry Requirements:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience: Two years of experience as a Power Plant Operator or equivalent position in the operation of a solid waste combustion facility or in occupations concerned with the design, start-up, or operation of boilers, steam turbines, or related machinery which supply power or steam to an industrial, maritime, or commercial process or facility.
• Substitution: Completion of 90 quarter or 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university in courses closely related to physical science or engineering may substitute for one year of the required experience.

License and Certification:

• All applicants must possess a valid driver's license.
• All applicants hired must obtain a valid Provisional Certification under the ASME QRO Certification for Operators of Resource Recovery Facilities program, as well as required local, state and federal licenses, within the probationary period.

NOTE: Individuals in this classification must successfully complete the WTE Power Plant Operator training program and additional required environmental, health, and safety training (as designated on the Environmental Training Matrix and the Training Requirements spreadsheet) within their probationary period.

EXAMINATION DETAILS
For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our

Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications and pass the examination for this position to be eligible for hire.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. All applicants must complete and submit a City of Spokane employment application online by 4:00 p.m. on the filing cut-off date.

Upon request, at time of application, City of Spokane will provide alternative accessible tests to individuals with disabilities that impair manual, sensory, or speaking skills needed to take the test, unless the test is intended to measure those skills.

EXAMINATION DETAILS:

The examination will consist of a T&E and an online, multiple-choice test, with weights assigned as follows:

• Multiple-Choice Test 70%
• T&E Examination 30%

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EVALUATION DETAILS:

The T&E examination consists of a Supplemental Questionnaire. The questions may be viewed online under the tab marked "QUESTIONS" on the job announcement page. The T&E must be submitted online, at the time of application.

• Copies of your college or university transcripts (unofficial transcripts are accepted) may be a required part of this application and will be used to verify that you meet the minimum qualifications, as posted on the job announcement.
• Responses to your T&E questions should be consistent with the information given in your application details. Answers are subject to verification.
• Failure to complete all of the questions or incomplete responses will result in a lower score; therefore, it is advantageous for you to provide a full and complete response to each supplemental question.
• Resumes or questionnaires uploaded as attachments will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
• "See Resume" or "See above," etc., and copy/paste from a previous answer are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.

ONLINE EXAMINATION DETAILS:

The online examination will require a computer. If you do not have access to a computer, please notify Civil Service so that one may be provided.

Multiple-choice examination links with instructions will be emailed prior to 12:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the start date and will expire at 11:59 p.m. on the due date as listed below. Keep in mind that the test link will be emailed from City of Spokane (info@governmentjobs.com).

• Applicants who apply and meet the minimum qualifications between Monday, May 5, 2025, and Monday, May 19, 2025, will test Thursday, May 22, 2025, through Monday, May 26, 2025.

NOTE: You may begin the exam at any time during the test period; however, once you begin, you will have 2 hours complete the examination. You may take the exam only once during the open recruitment period.

The examination may include such subjects as:

• Safety
• Blueprint/Schematic Reading
• Steam, Turbines, and Combustion
• Mathematical Reasoning
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills

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. As a Fair Chance employer, City of Spokane does not conduct initial background screening for non-public safety positions.
BENEFIT COMPENSATION VALUE

In addition to a salary, The City of Spokane provides a generous benefits package valued between $24,902 - $34,218.

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 City pays the monthly premium in full 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 $5,000 for spouse/domestic partner and $2,000 for each child. 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 $120/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 Local 270 Collective Bargaining Agreement provisions.

Floating (Personal) Holidays
Up to 48 hours administered throughout the year. 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 must be in paid status for 80% of that pay period to accrue vacation leave. The amount of vacation earned depends on the employee's length of service - from 12 days per year for a new employee to 27 days per year after 20 years of employment. Unused vacation hours carry over each year.

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. There is no maximum accumulation and 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 a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.

Revised March 15, 2022
01

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE INSTRUCTIONSThe following Supplemental Questionnaire is a part of the Civil Service examination for this position and must be completed online at the time of application. Questionnaires submitted as an attachment to the online application will not be considered.In order to receive every consideration in the selection process, you must complete all questions with concise but detailed answers and provide all requested information. Each answer will be scored separately. References such as "See Resume/Application" as a response or copy and paste from your work experience will not be scored.By continuing in the examination process, you certify that all information provided in the Supplemental Questionnaire is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No

04

How many years of experience do you have as a power plant operator (or equivalent) in the operation of a solid waste combustion facility or in occupations concerned with the design, start-up, or operation of boilers, steam turbines, or related machinery which supply power or steam to an industrial, maritime, or commercial process or facility?

• Less than 1 year
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years
• At least 2 years

05

Have you earned 90 quarter or 60 semester credits from an accredited college or university in courses closely related to physical science or engineering?

• Yes
• No

06

For your college education to be considered as part of your qualifications, you must provide your college transcripts. Have you attached either a diploma or college transcripts to you application? If your answer is "no", your education will not be considered in your application.

• Yes
• No

07

Do you possess Certification for Municipal Solid Waste Combustion Facilities Operator (QRO) through the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)?

• No
• Yes - QRO Provisional
• Yes - QRO Operator

08

Do you possess any of the following certifications or licenses?

• WA Department of Ecology - Incinerator Operator
• WA Department of Ecology - Incinerator Inspector
• WA Department of Ecology - Landfill Operator
• WA Department of Ecology - Landfill Inspector
• ASME Combustion Systems Operator Certification (for operators of facilities without heat recovery)
• Boiler Operator License

09

Do you possess any other relevant licenses or certifications? Please list them below.
10

If you claimed any licenses or certifications in questions 7-9, you must supply proof for these to be considered with your application. Have you attached proof of the licenses and/or certifications you indicated above?

• Yes
• No

11

A) Have you been responsible for directing operations from a control room in a power plant or similar environment?B) List the employer(s) for which you performed these tasks and explain what your duties and responsibilities were regarding these tasks.C) Describe a serious control room operations problem that you faced while on duty. Explain your troubleshooting methods and how you finally resolved the problem.
12

A) Have you been directly responsible for operating a distributed control system (DCS)?B) List the employer(s) for which you performed these tasks and explain what your duties and responsibilities were regarding these tasks.C) Describe a serious DCS problem that you faced while on duty. Explain your troubleshooting methods and how you finally resolved the problem.
13

A) Have you been directly responsible for maintaining safe, efficient, and productive boiler and turbine operations?B) List the employer(s) for which you performed these tasks and explain what your duties and responsibilities were regarding these tasks.C) Describe a serious boiler and turbine problem that you faced while on duty. Explain your troubleshooting methods and how you finally resolved the problem.
14

A) Have you been directly responsible for monitoring plant emissions equipment and data, and adjusting controls to keep within prescribed operating ranges?B) List the employer(s) for which you performed these tasks and explain what your duties and responsibilities were regarding these tasks.C) Describe a serious emissions monitoring problem that you faced while on duty. Explain your troubleshooting methods and how you finally resolved the problem.
Required Question