Wastewater Operations Manager
King County
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Other
Posted on April 8, 2025
Salary
$183,313.31 - $233,473.55 Annually
Location
Renton, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment
Job Number
2025-24316
Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division
Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date
04/07/2025
Closing Date
4/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
F9 : L117-WTD Section &Assist Mgr
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.
About the Role:
This is an opportunity to serve the people that live, work, and play in King County by leading the operation of one of the largest wastewater systems on the west coast, where we clean 65 billion gallons of sewage and stormwater annually. You will be leading a unionized workforce of over 300 people that work every day to keep our three regional and two community wastewater plants, five combined sewer overflow (CSO) treatment facilities, 400 miles of sewer pipelines, 25 regulator stations, 48 pump stations operating efficiently to clean our waters to protect our community's health and the environment. You will be a participating member of the division's leadership team, setting vision, goals, and strategies for the division.
You will lead the way through active engagement with staff to foster an anti-racist, pro-equity workplace where everyone can thrive, and work with division leadership to ensure services are equitably provided to the residents of King County. You will foster relationships, collaboration, and teamwork across the division so the division functions as "One King County."
As a key leader in the organization, you will be responsible for effectively managing and communicating with staff, with fellow division leadership members, and with department and Executive leadership.
About the Team:
Our regional wastewater treatment system has a big job to do. Not only does it operate around the clock to sustain a healthy environment, but this vital infrastructure also supports economic development that enables our region to thrive. You will have the unique opportunity to work with across all wastewater workgroups and lines of business to help shape how we as a utility adapt and respond to changing regulations and build infrastructure for future generations. You will be a key part of one of King County's largest, most complex capital programs with a variety of interesting, challenging, and critical projects. You will be supporting the growth and strategic development of the largest capital program in King County with projects and programs stretching across 2200 square miles.
To our agency, success means providing clean water safely and reliably to the next generation. It also means being accountable to our ratepayers and operating a well-managed agency. We are committed to the principles of equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
Our primary mission is to provide high-quality treatment to wastewater collected from local sewer agencies. With a workforce of about 800 employees and multiple facilities, we serve a population of 2 million people. Our goal is to ensure clean water for the present and future generations, preserving the natural beauty of our environment. We are committed to accountability, both to our ratepayers and to operating as a well-managed agency.
We partner with regulatory agencies to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents . Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.
Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Wastewater Operations Manager you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.
What You Will Be Doing:
Qualifications You Bring:
Working Conditions:
We welcome applications from all qualified internal King County employees only. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.
To apply, submit a:
W ho to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Diana Eberly at diana.eberly@kingcounty.gov
Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , and the WTD Blog .
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
$183,313.31 - $233,473.55 Annually
Location
Renton, WA
Job Type
Special Duty Assignment
Job Number
2025-24316
Department
DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division
Wastewater Treatment
Opening Date
04/07/2025
Closing Date
4/21/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
F9 : L117-WTD Section &Assist Mgr
Full- or Part-Time
Full Time
Hours/Week
40 hours/week
Summary
This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.
About the Role:
This is an opportunity to serve the people that live, work, and play in King County by leading the operation of one of the largest wastewater systems on the west coast, where we clean 65 billion gallons of sewage and stormwater annually. You will be leading a unionized workforce of over 300 people that work every day to keep our three regional and two community wastewater plants, five combined sewer overflow (CSO) treatment facilities, 400 miles of sewer pipelines, 25 regulator stations, 48 pump stations operating efficiently to clean our waters to protect our community's health and the environment. You will be a participating member of the division's leadership team, setting vision, goals, and strategies for the division.
You will lead the way through active engagement with staff to foster an anti-racist, pro-equity workplace where everyone can thrive, and work with division leadership to ensure services are equitably provided to the residents of King County. You will foster relationships, collaboration, and teamwork across the division so the division functions as "One King County."
As a key leader in the organization, you will be responsible for effectively managing and communicating with staff, with fellow division leadership members, and with department and Executive leadership.
About the Team:
Our regional wastewater treatment system has a big job to do. Not only does it operate around the clock to sustain a healthy environment, but this vital infrastructure also supports economic development that enables our region to thrive. You will have the unique opportunity to work with across all wastewater workgroups and lines of business to help shape how we as a utility adapt and respond to changing regulations and build infrastructure for future generations. You will be a key part of one of King County's largest, most complex capital programs with a variety of interesting, challenging, and critical projects. You will be supporting the growth and strategic development of the largest capital program in King County with projects and programs stretching across 2200 square miles.
To our agency, success means providing clean water safely and reliably to the next generation. It also means being accountable to our ratepayers and operating a well-managed agency. We are committed to the principles of equity and social justice. We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment.
Our primary mission is to provide high-quality treatment to wastewater collected from local sewer agencies. With a workforce of about 800 employees and multiple facilities, we serve a population of 2 million people. Our goal is to ensure clean water for the present and future generations, preserving the natural beauty of our environment. We are committed to accountability, both to our ratepayers and to operating as a well-managed agency.
We partner with regulatory agencies to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents . Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.
Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Wastewater Operations Manager you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.
Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:
- Provide leadership in overall operation, maintenance and administration of King County's regional wastewater transmission, treatment, and reuse facilities; provide guidance for assigned staff on workplace policies, public services, and professional development; and manage the work of assigned staff.
- Ensure compliance with permits and regulatory reporting requirements for the operations of wastewater treatment plants and associated facilities; provide leadership, collaborating with the sections in complying with regulations; and establish and implement section policies and procedures.
- Oversee the evaluation, development, and implementation of treatment systems, operation and maintenance improvements utilizing new technology; monitor and stay up-to-date with current trends in the wastewater industry including legislation, science, safety, and professional practices and techniques; and recommend policy, procedural and equipment purchases and modifications. Direct the recycling of materials derived from wastewater processing.
- Participate with division leadership in managing relationships among various sections within the division; establish procedures and work with section teams to develop criteria, identify needs and priorities to plan, and implement systems' improvement; and oversee daily work and budget processes.
- Develop the section's operations and maintenance annual budget; monitor and control funds to ensure budget meets projected expenditures; monitor capital portfolio, programs and projects; coordinate start-up of new and rebuilt facilities; and participate in planning plant and system expansions to meet future growth and new requirements.
- Advocate for key organizational initiatives, values and priorities of King County and the Wastewater Treatment Division.
- Build and maintain critical relationships with stakeholders, customers, elected officials and state agencies, scientific community including universities in and outside of the state, Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF), partner utilities in the region/state to harness resources, information sharing, and regional planning.
- Design and develop Wastewater Treatment resource recovery programs including intergovernmental initiatives, division strategic direction, stakeholder agreements and customer needs; advocate for County, Department and Division positions on resource recovery goals and initiatives.
- Participate with Wastewater Division management in establishing strategic direction and initiatives; work with section teams to develop criteria and identify needs and priorities to plan and implement reuse products, energy enhancements, sustainability initiative and research and development through technology assessment.
- Directs the Marketing of wastewater reuse products for retail and wholesale for beneficial use to optimize and enhance revenue streams.
Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:
- Politically savvy, well equipped with managerial courage, and the ability to incorporate conflict management and collaboration skills based on situational needs.
- Organizationally agile to manage multiple complex programs and projects, get things done and understand the culture of the organization.
- Skillfully maneuver in a political and highly unionized environment
- Demonstrated supervision/management experience, with a well-developed, broad range of administrative, negotiation, facilitation, and management skills.
- Demonstrated experience effectively leading a diverse workforce that includes employees from multiple racial, ethnic, gender and ableness communities.
- Experienced in managing programs, ensuring deliverables, managing tasks, and communicating results.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of management and supervision, budget development, financial management employed in capital improvement and operating programs, policy implementation and governance.
- Knowledge of human resources management techniques and principles, and the ability to utilize collaborative labor negotiation strategies and establish effective labor-management partnerships.
- Skill in dispute resolution, effective decision-making, and team consensus building.
- Skill in working effectively with a diverse workforce and community population (internally and externally).
- Excellent oral and written communications skills.
- Ability to communicate diplomatically on sensitive issues.
- Ability to manage a variety of programs and projects simultaneously.
- Builds Effective Teams - Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
- Strategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
- Drives Vision and Purpose - Painting a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates others to action.
- Communicates Effectively - Developing and delivering multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs or different audiences.
- Washington State Driver's License.
- Wastewater Treatment Operator, Group IV certification (within 2 years of hire date).
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of wastewater systems management.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and systems operation.
- Experience that demonstrates the ability to manage down to section staff, collaboratively across division leadership and up to department leadership and the Executive.
Supplemental Information
Working Conditions:
- Remote and Onsite Work Details: Employees in this role work primarily on-site at plant locations, with occasional telecommuting, as influenced by business needs. Onsite reporting locations will include: West Point Treatment Plant, 1400 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, South Treatment Plant 1200 Monster Road S.W., Renton, Brightwater Treatment Plant 22505 State Route 9 S.E., Woodinville. On occasion you will need to work at other King County worksites including the collaboration space at King Street Center (201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104).
- Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements.
- Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
- Union Representation: This position is represented by the Teamster, Local 117. Pursuant to Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust $2.00 per hour from the base wage will be submitted to the Western Conference of Teamsters Pension Trust Fund.
- Duration: This recruitment aims to fill a Special Duty Assignment with an anticipated duration of three to six months during the active career service recruitment process.
We welcome applications from all qualified internal King County employees only. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.
To apply, submit a:
- Complete Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Responses to the supplemental questions
W ho to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Diana Eberly at diana.eberly@kingcounty.gov
Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , and the WTD Blog .
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:
- Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what's best for themselves and their eligible dependents
- Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
- Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
- Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
- 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
- Generous vacation and paid sick leave
- Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness programs
- Onsite activity centers
- Employee Giving Program
- Employee assistance programs
- Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
- Training and career development programs
This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.
NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.
For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.
