Water Transmission and Distribution Planning Manager (Mgr. 3)

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced manager to lead its Water Transmission and Distribution section. The Water Transmission and Distribution Manager directs and leads a team of engineers and technical planners responsible for the oversight and management of the regional water transmission and Seattle-centric water distribution systems. The team plans asset and capital investments as well as coordinates broadly on asset operation, maintenance, new development, other city and agency projects, and policy. Some key programs under this position’s purview include water system seismic resiliency, water main rehabilitation, water service renewals, new taps, transmission pipelines rehabilitation, reservoir improvements, steel storage tank improvements, pump station improvements, and transportation project/right-of way coordination. 

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• Strategic Business Plan (Download PDF reader)

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 our team?

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 Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

• Direct, manage, and mentor a team of eight (8) professional staff. This position has five (5) direct reports.
• Direct asset management planning for transmission and distribution asset programs, including transmission pipelines, distribution water mains, valves, hydrants, pump stations, and storage. This includes developing and updating asset management plans, coordinating with operations and maintenance teams, and troubleshooting issues that arise.
• Provide program management oversight for water transmission and distribution capital programs, including coordination of budget issues and spending plans, CIP governance direction, and collaborating with SPU’s Project Delivery and Engineering and Water Operations Branches.
• Develop and manage capital budgets and spending at the program level, totaling $90-100M annually.
• Oversee and guide capital planning and project implementation. Work includes supporting team members in project initiation and options analysis stages of capital project delivery, coordinating with capital project managers, designers, engineers, and construction managers to deliver projects, and collaboratively making improvements to be more effective and efficient in capital work.
• Assess, forecast and direct long-term transmission and distribution system needs, including distribution system master planning and supporting the operation and stewardship of distribution system hydraulic modeling.
• Coordinate on interagency projects, new property development, and other projects being undertaken by others that affect the drinking water transmission and distribution systems. This work is done in close coordination with the Project Delivery and Engineering Branch.
• Present briefings and recommendations to SPU senior leadership about management of water transmission and distribution assets to meet customer service levels and lowest triple bottom line costs.
• Provide leadership for the development of standards, policies and procedures related to transmission and distribution systems.
• Serve as a member of the Division Leadership Team, who are responsible for effectively managing the Division, building Division culture, and promoting a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment.
• Provide technical expertise and project management for transmission and distribution projects, such as for emergencies and for capital projects as needed. Assist in problem solving for issues that develop on the transmission and distribution systems.
• Oversee staff serving as subject matter (technical) experts on the transmission & distribution system assets, including managing workplans.
• Hire and manage consultants to augment the team's asset and capital planning work.
• Promote and support employee growth, well-being, skill and career development, and succession readiness.  

Education: A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental studies, or a field related to drinking water system planning and engineering OR two (2) additional years of related experience.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in utility system management, planning, and utility engineering, including prior supervisory experience.     

Certification/License: Preferred but not required: Washington State Professional engineer's license and/or Water Distribution Manager license.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated leadership in supervising multidisciplinary technical teams, including experience managing supervisors or leads across diverse functional areas.
• Utility planning, engineering, modeling and asset management experience in drinking water systems, and specifically water transmission and distribution assets.
• Strong skills in program and project management, collaboration, coordination and communication.

Workplace Environment: This position allows for the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. City employees may have the option to work remotely two days per week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

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.

The full salary range for this position is:  $129,247.20 - $193,849.92 Annually

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Dat Nguyen at [email protected].

How to Apply:

Fully complete the online application. We are unable to accept attachments such as resumes or cover letters, as part of a blind screening process used by the application software. Please include any relevant information from your resume and cover letter in the online application, instead of attaching them as separate files.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17.  Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

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