- Salary: $109,620.00 – $164,492.64 Annually
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time
- Job Number: 2024-01104
- Department: Seattle Public Utilities
- Division: Water Line of Business
- Opening Date: 11/13/2024
- Closing Date: 12/10/2024 4:00 PM Pacific
Position Description
An online application must be fully completed for consideration. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate’s qualifications.
Do you get excited about setting strategic direction, managing complex policy and planning situations, and tackling new and challenging problems? If so, this position could be for you.
In this position, you will serve as a key strategist and planner for Seattle’s regional drinking water system, working on important policy and planning programs affecting near- term (next 10 years) and long-term (20+ years) conditions for our 1.6 million customers in King County. The role works in a highly collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Major responsibilities include leading the development and implementation of SPU’s 2029 Water System Plan, serving as the Assistant SPU Project Manager for the South Fork Tolt FERC Relicensing Project, and managing the Water Line of Business capital project budget portfolio. Responsibilities are expected to expand to include leading the Water Line of Business in strategic business planning, addressing legislative and regulatory changes (such as housing growth and increased density), and collaborating on regional, state and federal drinking water issues. This position reports directly to the Water Planning and Program Management Division Director, in the Water Line of Business.
About Seattle Public Utilities (SPU): Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a Community Centered Utility whose mission is to foster healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with our community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations. We deliver high quality vital services, across four major lines of business: providing water, solid waste, drainage and wastewater services for Seattle residents and businesses. In addition, SPU provides drinking water for 1.6 million regional customers in Seattle and other municipalities. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality, reliable, and cost-conscious utility services and to achieve the highest benefits possible for every investment we make.
For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:
- SPU Website
- SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader)
- Strategic Business Plan
SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.
Why join us?
We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:
- Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
- Generous benefits package
- Free public transportation options
- City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
- Growth potential and advancement opportunities
Job Responsibilities
- Serve as the SPU Assistant Project Manager for the South Fork Tolt FERC Re-licensing project management team, with a goal of securing a new FERC license by 2029. This position will coordinate efforts across SPU, Seattle City Light, consultant teams, external licensing participants, and internal multidisciplinary teams to deliver on key milestones in the re-licensing process.
- Lead development of the Water System Plan that is updated every 10 years to meet Washington State and King County regulations. The next WSP is required to be completed by 2029.
- Manage the development, communication, and approval of the Water Fund capital budget of approximately $100M annually, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities.
- Develop strategies, plans, and policies for complex issues affecting the water system’s sustainability, resilience, and affordability.
- Review and evaluate relevant state legislation and proposed regulations on behalf of the Water LOB.
- Provide primary policy review and input on drinking water system issues for comprehensive plans and similar broad planning efforts within SPU and at city, county levels (e.g., Countywide Planning Policies, King County Comprehensive Plan, and City of Seattle Comprehensive Plan). Represent SPU’s drinking water interests with external agencies, committees, and organizations, including Washington Water Utilities Council and industry organizations.
- Drive effective communication and strategic decision making, often within teams of internal City staff and large consultant teams.
- Represent SPU and several customers, elected official, and stakeholder venues. This may include City Council, other city departments, retail and wholesale drinking water customers, and regulators.
- Serve as a member of the Water Planning and Program Management Division Leadership team, responsible for division leadership, management, priorities, and culture.
If you feel this may be the perfect job for you, please continue reading …and APPLY!
Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Qualifications
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience and advanced professional experience relevant to the performance of essential duties above at a high level.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, environmental studies, environmental or civil engineering, or a field related to drinking water planning.
OR: Combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the position duties.
Certification/License: Valid Washington State Driver’s License
Desired Qualifications:
- Sound understanding of water systems and utility management, including drinking water regulations, water rights, water supply, water quality and treatment, utility budgeting and financing, rate-setting, water demand forecasting, and hydraulics and hydrology.
- Ability to interpret complex contracts, franchises, water rights, environmental regulations, and water law.
- Excellent project management skills, and the ability to manage multiple, concurrent tasks effectively.
- Extensive experience overseeing consultant contracts or consulting in a related field of work.
- Exceptional communication, facilitation, and/or negotiation skills, with a proven ability to work with diverse teams and engage stakeholders effectively.
- Demonstrated history navigating complex, multidisciplinary, and sensitive issues, with successful outcomes.
- Excellent analytical skills and computer skills, including proficiency with SharePoint and Microsoft Suite of tools (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint), to monitor, evaluate, and communicate programmatic results.
- An engineering background is desirable but not required.
Additional Information
How to Apply: Please fully complete an online application. Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be considered in the review of candidate’s qualifications.
Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Starting January 2, 2025, City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
The full salary range for this position is $52.50 – $78.78 per hour.
Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City’s website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans
Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
If you have any questions, please contact Charles Gilmore at charles.gilmore2@seattle.gov.
Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.
Agency: City of Seattle
Address: Seattle Municipal Tower 700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500 Seattle, Washington, 98104
Website: http://www.seattle.gov/jobs
