Public Works Parks Foreman

FLSA OVERTIME ELIGIBLE 

REPRESENTED: AFL-CIO Local 846-E 

REPORTS TO: Public Works Parks Superintendent 

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.  

Please note that the city has more job opportunities similar to this open at ephrata.org. Just click the "Job Openings" tyle in the top-center portion of the page.

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 respectful and supportive manner. The City of Ephrata encourages employees to develop themselves professionally and personally. 

1. SUMMARY: 

The position of this class is responsible for efficient and effective development, implementation and evaluation of the division's maintenance and construction program at city parks, city buildings and recreation areas. Direct and indirect supervision is exercised over permanent, seasonal and temporary maintenance personnel.  

Primary responsibility is for accomplishing program goals and objectives through the effective utilization of staff within existing financial resources. The foreman must have a working knowledge of several trades such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, etc. to be able to determine when and how to accomplish the task with staff or call in a contractor. The position is considered to be a working foreman and work of subordinates is scheduled and assigned on a weekly, or seasonal basis with the foreman responsible for inspecting or delegating the inspection of work sites to determine if work is performed according to schedule and according to quality control standards. Training in parks maintenance activities, horticulture equipment operation and landscaping is provided to subordinates. Most assignments given to the foreman are received in the form of work orders which are assigned to maintenance workers on a priority basis.  

Contact is maintained with other city departments and division heads and others as it pertains to maintenance and construction projects, equipment requests or repair and with the public and contractors on maintenance and construction projects. Foreman is also responsible for supervision of the building maintenance workers as well as the actual buildings themselves.  

This position has a mandatory requirement of a Washington State Certification for Herbicide Application which must be obtained within one year from the date of hire. The training for this certification is paid for by the City. This position reports directly to the Parks Superintendent, and work performance is evaluated by the same. 

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

1. SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: 

The Public Works Parks Foreman receives general direction from the Public Works Parks Superintendent who reports to the Public Works Director. This position may also directly supervise assigned Public Works crew members with general authority to exercise sound decision-making in accordance with city values, policies, procedures, and ordinances as well as applicable state laws.   

1. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES: 

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

• Participates in the planning of parks and facility maintenance programs; develops, schedules, assigns, and evaluates maintenance programs and activities; trains subordinates in the skillful and safe operation of power and motorized equipment and in horticultural techniques; ensures that the proper equipment is available for use by subordinates 
• Maintains the Ephrata City Cemetery to a high standard befitting the dignity of those interred there 
• Assists with the burials that occur at the Ephrata City Cemetery  
• Maintain and operate the Ephrata City Swimming Pool/Splash Zone. 
• Performs quality control visits to work sites to inspect the progress of maintenance activities; reschedules or reassigns personnel to meet schedules/deadlines 
• Investigates and reports on identified problems with city parks facilities 
• Attends all City of Ephrata Parks Board meetings and work with the board to accomplish goals 
• Follows all City and department administrative and personnel policies and procedures 
• Gathers and provides data to the Public Works Director and other city staff in the preparation of annual budgets  
• Performs other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge of: 

• Basic operation of personal computers and office technology  
• Landscape maintenance and horticulture (e.g., mowing lawns, maintaining playground and sports facilities equipment, weed control, etc...) 
• Safe handling and application of herbicides, pesticides and other chemicals 
• Workplace safety practices and utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) 
•  

Ability to: 

• Obtain special certifications as needed with proper training 
• Conduct all City business in a professional and courteous manner 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

Essential duties require the following physical abilities: 

• Stand, walk, and drive as needed throughout day 
• Lift up to 75 pounds regularly 
• Sit or stand for long periods, as necessary 
• Operate all Public Works vehicles, including mowers, tractors, backhoes, etc. 
• Physically access all City facilities sufficient to monitor programs and operations 
• Utilize basic hand tools and large equipment such as lawnmowers, backhoes, etc... 

This position works throughout the year in a wide variety of conditions, including but not limited to:  

• During extended hours or emergency situations as required or shift work outside of regular business hours, including weekends 
• During extreme weather situations including heat, cold, and extreme weather events 
• Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as required or deemed appropriate 
• Working in pipes, drainage ditches, open burial plots, and other uncomfortable locations 

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  

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATE 

Required 

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

Washington State Driver’s License 

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

Class A driver’s license highly preferred 

Washington State Certification for Herbicide/Pesticide Application 

Desirable Qualifications 

Flagging Certification or ability to obtain as scheduled, within a year most likely. 

First Aid/CPR Certification 

Equipment Operation Experience 

One year of experience in a similar position preferred but not required