Engineering Manager Surface Water Management

Why its a great opportunity:This is an exceptional moment to join Pierce Countys Surface Water Management Division (SWM) within the Planning and Public Works Department (PPW). SWM is advancing some of the most meaningful multi-benefit watershed projects in the region work that reduces flooding restores salmon habitat improves water quality and strengthens community resilience.

As an Engineering Manager with this team you will help lead this momentum by guiding the prioritization design and implementation of a diverse portfolio of capital projects. Youll oversee a team of 20 engineers planners and biologists delivering everything from large floodplain restoration and levee setback projects to water quality projects and passage barrier removals. A flagship effort beginning construction next year the Clear Creek Habitat Restoration Project will create new flood storage and vital off-channel habitat in the Lower Puyallup exemplifying the type of high-impact work your team will help bring to life. Three supervisors will manage day-to-day project execution with you providing technical oversight as well as collaboration across Pierce County divisions. You will focus on capital delivery strategy project prioritization and funding in partnership with SWMs Strategy team. As part of SWMs four-person management team you will help shape the long-term direction of the division advancing projects that protect communities support salmon recovery and improve watershed health across Pierce County.

Why its a great department:PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people infrastructure systems and policies. PPWs team has more than 800 members that collaborate innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems sewer systems airports ferries building permits environmental review sustainability community planning and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role:Success in this role comes from combining your technical expertise with your ability to lead people build partnerships and navigate complex natural systems. You will use your knowledge of river processes geomorphology and flood infrastructure to advance multi-year levee setback and floodplain restoration projects accelerate the prioritization and replacement of fish passage barriers and oversee implementation of high priority water quality improvement projects. You will also apply your project management experience to oversee complex capital projects ensuring high-quality design permitting and construction will meet the Divisions goals. Your collaboration skills will be essential as you work across SWM to integrate water quality flooding and habitat objectives into cohesive multi-benefit projects. Strong communication and coordination with other Pierce County divisions will help align timelines resources and community needs for complicated high-visibility efforts.

Finally you will thrive by appreciating the nuanced nature of floodplain work balancing the needs of residents municipalities tribes and natural resources while advancing projects that improve safety restore habitat and support long-term watershed resilience.

Your future in this role:You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Manage supervise and coordinate activities of the unit; determine work procedures prepare work schedules and determine methods for expediting workflow. Ensure consistent interpretation and application of laws rules policies and procedures.
• Provide leadership and direction in the administration of operations; delegate authority to professional personnel commensurate with assigned responsibility; ensure proper performance.
• Participate in the preparation of the departmental budget and is responsible for the allocation of funds within the appropriate budget areas. Make decisions on budget matters and cost control and monitoring.
• Participate in establishing and revising Department-wide goals and objectives
• Evaluate the need for employing outside consultants; review the scope of the work to be performed and evaluate the performance of consultants.
• Utilize knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices in broad areas of assignments and related fields and provide engineering advice support and assistance to subordinates and to officials and other departments.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be foundhere.

• Eight years of progressively responsible work experience /or postsecondary education in the field of civil engineering OR
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or closely related field AND
• Five or more years of supervisory or management experience is required.
• This position requires certification as a Professional Engineer by the State of Washington or the ability to obtain such registration within six months of employment.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
• A valid drivers license is required.

As a condition of employment the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting APPLY above or go to: you have a question about this opportunity please email the Recruitment Team at and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at at least two days prior to the need.

Our Recruitment Practices:This is a competitiveand meritoriousselection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience skills knowledge and writing style.

During the interview process you may be asked to demonstrate your skills including writing and subject knowledge and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the Countys needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps which may include assessments phone screens or interviews.

Upon offer compensation is based on a range of job-related factors including the requirements of the role your skills and experience and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment:

Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported respected and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executives Forward Together mission Pierce County works to build communities that are safe welcoming and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit develop and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impactinthe lives of residents every day and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.