Streets Foreman - Public Works

JOB DESCRIPTION:

PUBLIC WORKS STREETS FOREMAN

FLSA OVERTIME ELIGIBLE

REPRESENTED: AFL-CIO Local 846-E

REPORTS TO: Public Works Streets Manager

EFFECTIVE: May 13, 2026

SALARY: $6,388.05 monthly/$76,656 annually

BENEFITS: Currently, 100% of Vision, Medical, and Dental are paid by the City, as outlined in Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The City of Ephrata values trustworthy employees with a positive attitude who are willing to offer great service, are committed to customer satisfaction, and actively support and uphold the City's mission and values. Professionalism, tact, and strong interpersonal skills are important for effective and efficient team members. Day-to-day responsibilities are unique to each role but contribute to a common direction and a collaborative work environment. Regular attendance is essential for continuity, productivity, and success. Practicing good judgment, which demonstrates integrity, is essential. Employees are to be responsible and accountable for their work and treat others in a respective and supportive manner. The City of Ephrata encourages employees to develop themselves professionally and personally.

SUMMARY:

As a working street foreman, this position may include supervisory duties and the selected candidate will work with a group of employees engaged in unskilled to skilled public works maintenance duties. These duties shall include maintenance and repair of streets, water and sewer systems and by the safe and proficient operation as well as supervision of backhoe, grader, street sweeper, paint stripper, dump truck and other heavy and specialized equipment. All assignments involve the responsibility for the safe use of tools and equipment and the safety of others working in the immediate area. Most instructions given by the street foreman are verbal and describe what the result should be, with the employee independently performing tasks to accomplish the objective. This position has a mandatory requirement of a Washington State Certification for herbicide application. Work performance is evaluated by the Public Works Director for the quality of workmanship on repair and maintenance projects and the proficiency and safety demonstrated on equipment operation.

The duties listed here are intended for illustration. The omission of any assignment does not exclude it from the position.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

The Public Works Streets Foreman receives general direction from the Public Works Streets Manager who is under the supervision of the Public Works Director.

This position may directly supervise assigned Public Works crew members with general authority to exercise good decision-making skills in accordance with city values, policies, procedures, and ordinances as well as applicable state laws.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

The duties listed here are intended for illustration. The omission of any assignment does not exclude it from the position.

• Drives and directs operation of dump trucks, spreads sand and gravel; assists in constructing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks; rakes asphalt paving mix to repair streets
• Operates and directs maintenance schedule for flushing sewer lines, repairing storm and sanitary sewers, cleaning storm system and unplugging sewer lines with a high velocity sewer rodder
• Operates and supervises the usage of heavy equipment, including street sweeper, flusher, grader, backhoe, snowplow, and sander during winter road conditions
• Makes and mounts traffic control street signs
• Operates and directs truck-mounted equipment to spray herbicides, as well as determines when and where to apply
• Works with law enforcement on road conditions during the winter.
• Works on the street striping crew operating the striper
• Implements street cleaning and snow removal policies.
• Performs other work as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Street construction and maintenance best practices
• Traffic control standards and best practices to ensure employee and community safety
• The appropriate use of tools and equipment including hand tools and heavy equipment

Ability to:

• Perform physically demanding tasks in a variety of weather conditions including very hot and cold temperatures
• Make sound decisions in field conditions that lead to positive results for the City and its residents
• Lead and supervise Public Works crew members effectively and fairly
• Interpret work orders, maps, and basic plans, especially those related to streets
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Operate and maintain heavy equipment

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment.

• May be required to respond to emergencies or after-hours situations, including snow removal
• Operation of machinery requiring physical coordination and attention to safety
• Work near traffic, heavy equipment, noise, dust, and chemicals
• Prolonged standing, walking, bending, kneeling, and climbing
• Frequent lifting of up to 75 pounds

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Experience:

Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the above-described duties.

Education:

High School diploma, GED or equivalent. Secondary education preferred but not required.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:

Required

High School Graduate, G.E.D., or equivalent

Washington State Driver’s License

Washington State Commercial Driver's License or the ability to obtain within 6 months.

Class A driver’s license is highly preferred.

Desirable Qualifications

Existing Washington State Commercial Driver’s License

One year or more of experience in a similar position

Pay: $6,388.05 per month

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $76,656