Senior Engineer, Mechanical - WTE Plant
Apply NowCompany: City of Spokane, WA
Location: Spokane, WA 99208
Description:
Salary: $78,070.32 - $111,123.36 Annually
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 233M-2025
Department: Solid Waste Disposal
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
CLASS SUMMARY
The City of Spokane's Waste to Energy (WTE) Plant seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their award winning team! The WTE plant fosters a culture that prioritizes safety, teamwork, efficiency and fiscal responsibility. This plant provides environmentally superior waste disposal when compared to landfilling, while providing energy to the community as well as helping manage disposal costs to the public. The candidate selected for this position will assist with improving the efficiency and reliability of the WTE facility.
There are less than 100 WTE facilities in the continental U.S., less than 10% of these plants are municipally owned and less than 50% of those are publicly operated. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a team leading in this industry! This WTE team prides itself on quality service to Spokane community members and their exceptional education and outreach programs that engage residents.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter, capable of working independently as well as within a team and someone who thinks outside the box - you must be willing to take on challenges and complex situations and provide viable solutions. The selected applicant will have access to a generous benefit package that includes robust health benefits, a dental plan and retirement and pension benefits. Do not miss this great opportunity - apply today!
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Open-entry applicants must meet all requirements when they apply
EXAMINATION DETAILS
For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.
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, the City 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.
The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), with scoring weight assigned as follows:
T&E EVALUATION DETAILS
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 $31,097 - $38,667.
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 $150/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.
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 a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility?
02
Select the boxes that best describe the qualifications that you meet or exceed, for this position.
NOTE: You must attach a copy of your certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer, to your application prior to submission.
03
In order to be eligible for hire by the City of Spokane in this job classification, you must complete and return the Training and Experience Evaluation form before the closing date and time of the recruitment, Monday, May 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m..
Download the T&E form at the following link:
You may attach the T&E to your online profile at the time of application. Alternately, you may submit your T&E by e-mail or physical mail. Complete details to return the T&E form are included within the form.
Required Question
Location : City of Spokane, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 233M-2025
Department: Solid Waste Disposal
Opening Date: 03/10/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 4:00 PM Pacific
CLASS SUMMARY
The City of Spokane's Waste to Energy (WTE) Plant seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join their award winning team! The WTE plant fosters a culture that prioritizes safety, teamwork, efficiency and fiscal responsibility. This plant provides environmentally superior waste disposal when compared to landfilling, while providing energy to the community as well as helping manage disposal costs to the public. The candidate selected for this position will assist with improving the efficiency and reliability of the WTE facility.
There are less than 100 WTE facilities in the continental U.S., less than 10% of these plants are municipally owned and less than 50% of those are publicly operated. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of a team leading in this industry! This WTE team prides itself on quality service to Spokane community members and their exceptional education and outreach programs that engage residents.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter, capable of working independently as well as within a team and someone who thinks outside the box - you must be willing to take on challenges and complex situations and provide viable solutions. The selected applicant will have access to a generous benefit package that includes robust health benefits, a dental plan and retirement and pension benefits. Do not miss this great opportunity - apply today!
EXAMPLES OF JOB FUNCTIONS
- Plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major public works or utility project or in a total project of moderate scope.
- Supervises and gives technical advice, guidance, and direction to a project team concerning engineering feasibility, design, or construction of a project.
- Coordinates and participates in the preparation of technical reports.
- Reviews plans, design drawings, and specifications of consultant engineers for conformity with City Design Standards, policies, regulations, and ordinances.
- May conduct or participate in hearings, public meetings, and conferences which concern Public Works projects, policies, or regulations. Prepares and presents written or oral project status reports to supervisors and City management.
- Operates an automobile, drafting equipment, telephone, computer, reprographic equipment, and calculator.
- Performs related work as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Open-entry applicants must meet all requirements when they apply
- Certifications: Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer, Mechanical, in the State of Washington. Applicants from other states must possess certification as a P.E., Mechanical and must obtain Washington certification within six months from time of employment.
- Experience: Four years of industrial environment type planning, design or construction engineering experience and two years of applicable project supervisory experience.
- Licenses: Valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
- Substitutions: A Master's Degree in Engineering may be substituted for one year of experience.
- Equivalency: We may accept different combinations of education and experience. We welcome job seekers with relevant backgrounds to apply.
EXAMINATION DETAILS
For information on what to expect with the hiring process, a test information guide, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website.
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, the City 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.
The examination will consist of a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), with scoring weight assigned as follows:
- T&E 100%
T&E EVALUATION DETAILS
- All applicants must submit both the City of Spokane online employment application and the separate T&E form in order to be considered.
- Download the T&E form at the following link: Senior Engineer T&E
- You may attach the T&E to your online profile at the time of application. Alternately, you may return the T&E form via e-mail or physical mail per the instructions on the form.
- You must return the T&E form before the end of the recruiting period (May 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m.) in order to be considered.
- 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 will not be accepted in lieu of completing each question online.
- "See Resume" or "See above," etc., are not qualifying responses and will not be considered.
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 $31,097 - $38,667.
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 $150/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.
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 a bus pass for unlimited rides free of charge.
Revised March 15, 2022
01
Do you possess a valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility?
- Yes
- No
02
Select the boxes that best describe the qualifications that you meet or exceed, for this position.
NOTE: You must attach a copy of your certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer, to your application prior to submission.
- Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer - Mechanical in the State of Washington and two years of experience with the City of Spokane in the classification of Associate Engineer (SPN 232).
- Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer - Mechanical in the State of Washington, four years of mechanical engineering experience, and two years of applicable supervisory experience. (A Master's Degree in Engineering may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory experience. Attach evidence of your degree if applicable.)
- Certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer - Mechanical Engineer from a State other than Washington, and ability to obtain Washington certification within six months from time of employment, four years of mechanical engineering experience, and two years of applicable supervisory experience. (A Master's Degree in Engineering may be substituted for one year of non-supervisory experience. Attach evidence of your degree if applicable.)
- None of the above. (NOTE - if you do not meet any of the above combinations, you do not meet the minimum qualifications for this position, and your application will not move forward in the consideration process.)
03
In order to be eligible for hire by the City of Spokane in this job classification, you must complete and return the Training and Experience Evaluation form before the closing date and time of the recruitment, Monday, May 5, 2025 at 4:00 p.m..
Download the T&E form at the following link:
You may attach the T&E to your online profile at the time of application. Alternately, you may submit your T&E by e-mail or physical mail. Complete details to return the T&E form are included within the form.
- I understand these instructions.
Required Question