Environmental and Community Services Section Manager
Seattle, WA - USA
Job Summary
Summary
This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.This is a Special Duty Assignment for approximately 4 to 6 months.
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks is seeking an energetic and motivated candidate to provide high level guidance and manage the daily operations of the Wastewater Environmental and Community Services (ECSS) Section within the King County Wastewater Treatment Division. The ECS Section manager is a member and active participant of the Division Leadership Team which sets organizational vision and strategy supports the success of our workforce and champions strategic execution of critical operations and functions. This position reports to the division director.
The ECS Section has over 110 employees supporting King Countys largest capital program education and engagement and managing the King County pretreatment program. The Section is organized into five units: Industrial Waste Regulatory Compliance and Land Acquisition Environmental Planning Community Services and Education and Engagement.Industrial WasteEnsures the quality of influent in our system through our industrial waste permitting and inspection programsRegulatory Compliance and Land AcquisitionProvides property negotiations and acquisition and other real estate services to WTD and completes all construction permitting and land use approvals for our capital projects.Environmental PlanningInitiates SEPA/NEPA and EIS work coordinates WTDs NPDES permits and other regulatory responsibilities across the division provides environmental monitoring and maintenance activities for mitigation sites and other real property assets.Community ServicesProvides critical public relations and community outreach services for capital projects and during emergency response. Provides strategic guidance for community relations and represents King County at community events.Education and EngagementProvides outreach on our wastewater services and benefits to the region of clean water and conducts public education programs at our treatment plant facilities and throughout our service area. Oversees an environmental grant program that distributes over $2 million annually.
The Section also coordinates King Countys participation in the CERCLA (Superfund) cleanups of contaminated sediments in the Lower Duwamish and East Waterways with external partners and oversight agencies. The ECS section advances the values of King County and the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) by protecting public health and the environment and providing equitable inclusive services to residents and businesses across King County. 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.
About the Role:
In this position during this 4-6 month Special Duty Assignment (SDA) you will have the opportunity to bolster our regions public health and environment protection every day. You will ensure strong service and coordination among ECSS work units in support of WTDs Capital Improvement Program. You will also manage the work groups efforts to support WTD Operations staff in their work running one of our regions most complex and important infrastructure systems. This position requires cooperation and collaboration with many different work units and external partners and regulatory agencies. To be successful you must be able to facilitate open dialog with a wide variety of contributors sometimes balancing conflicting interests or opinions. 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. 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.
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 Countys 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 over 1000 employees and multiple facilities we serve a population of 2.3 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 agencythat 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 youre 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 Environmental and Community Services Programs Section Manageryou will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at 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:
- Manage the daily operations of section programs providing technical assistance to staff and internal and external clients.
- Lead business teams in developing and fulfilling annual business plans. Assure that programs within the section are integrated in their delivery of services to both capital projects and operations and are aligned with division and department business plans and priorities.
- Oversee and coordinate analyses and implementation of new and expanding regulatory mandates. Work collaboratively with other government and regulatory agencies or King County departments to address environmental policies and issues. Represent King County on technical issues to other agencies including regulatory agencies.
- Provide high-level technical expertise. Manage applicable operations and processes ensuring methodologies and technical systems meet regulatory requirements and industry standards.
- Conduct complex negotiations and manage environmental cleanup work programs in partnership with public and private entities and with federal oversight.
- Manage grantmaking programs and associated budget development; manage public education programs and the Christie True Environmental Education Center and City Soil Farm.
- Manage unit managers and program supervisors within the section. Manage section staff including hiring performance job progression training coaching and discipline. Assure regular and timely communication of program issues to section staff.
- Provide management support problem-solving and conflict resolution to collective bargaining and labor relations processes. Administer collective bargaining agreements.
- Provide leadership in strategic planning processes and decision-making that have the potential to significantly impact wastewater operations or capital investments. Develop a strategic vision and long-range planning for water quality improvements and site-specific treatment.
- Develop and monitor program policies and procedures and recommend changes to division/department leadership.
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.
- Knowledge of theory and practice of applicable discipline (environmental planning and/or engineering biology chemistry and/or microbiology energy industrial waste real property community relations etc.).
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements such as environmental compliance regulations (i.e. NEPA/SEPA DOE and ESA) safety regulations (OSHA/WISHA) and Washington State Department of Health and Ecology permit and accreditation requirements.
- Knowledge of operating and capital budgeting procedures and processes.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision leadership and human resources management.
- Knowledge of general management principles and business needs of the environmental and wastewater industries including technology and regulatory trends.
- Knowledge of marketing and communications principles and practices.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration including public finance development and analysis of public policy organization and contract management.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of wastewater operations capital project delivery and environmental compliance management.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of customer service and continuous quality improvement.
- Critical thinking and strategic planning skills including long- and short-term goal-setting.
- 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.
- Decision Quality -Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
- Builds Effective Teams -Building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.
- Ensures Accountability- Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
- Drives Engagement- Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
- 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.
- Washington State Drivers License.
- Advanced Knowledge of supervisory techniques and principles and the application of this knowledge in a highly technical and political environment.
- Advanced knowledge of business management techniques including organization development and change management financial forecasting strategy execution and business value realization.
- Knowledge of strategic planning techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of portfolio program and project management construction project control asset management and contract administration techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of public utility finance and budgeting techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of wastewater treatment systems and operations.
- 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
- Work Condition:
Work Details:The WTD Directors Office team works in a hybrid model with days in the office as well as telecommuting.The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on the business needs and is subject to change.The primary onsite location is the King Street Center - 201 S. Jackson St Seattle WA 98104additional onsite locations may 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.- Requirement:Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the departments hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
- 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.
Application and Selection 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.AnticipatedTimeline for this recruitment: (subject to change)
Technical Interview: Virtual interview will be held in July 2026
Panel interview: Virtual interviews will be held in late July to August 2026
To apply submit a:- Complete Application
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Responses to the supplemental questions
Note: Additional documents wont be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our websiteand check us out at Facebook X (formerly Twitter) InstagramYouTube and theWTD 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 theNatural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
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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.
Required Experience:
Manager