Environmental Compliance & Capital Improvement Manager (Mgr 3)

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced Solid Waste Environmental Compliance and Capital Improvement Manager. This position is responsible for the planning and execution of all capital improvements for the Solid Waste Line of Business and will manage a budget of $5 to $10 million per year in capital improvements for solid waste. The manager will be the main point of contact for the Project Delivery and Engineering Branch management to address issues related to capital project delivery and will be part of the Solid Waste leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. The team for the capital projects consists of a strategic advisor and support staff.

The manager will also be responsible for solid waste regulatory compliance. This includes but is not limited to the Industrial Stormwater Permits at both transfer stations and the regulatory compliance at the closed landfills. The staff of seven (7) at the closed landfill and an Environmental Analyst overseeing the compliance work at solid waste facilities will report to this position. This segment of the role requires extensive negotiations with outside agencies including, but not limited to Sound Transit, Ecology, Environmental Protection Agency, neighboring property owners, and other city departments.

We are looking for a proven leader with a strong background in capital improvement projects and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will also have experience managing teams, large budgets, and complex workflows. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions for infrastructure challenges are essential. Additionally, this role requires someone who can build collaborative relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.

SPU is dedicated to providing world-class utility services to our residents, ensuring clean water, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. At SPU, you’ll play a vital role in serving Seattle’s communities and contribute to a legacy of service excellence.

If you are passionate about leading teams, driving operational excellence, and making a tangible impact on your community, we invite you to apply for this impactful leadership opportunity.

About 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
• 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 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:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• 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, supervise, and coordinate the activities required to plan and execute solid waste capital improvements with other divisions, departments, outside agencies, and the general public.  

• Ensure deliverables in the area of cost, schedule, scope, quality and risk are developed in line with SPU's project delivery procedures, policies and SPU's stage-gate processes.  
• Support staff with decisions associated with project design on projects and review project status reports and performance metrics as projects progress.  
• Provide direct oversight, coaching and support to staff.
• Administer SPU's regulatory agreements with Ecology, the EPA and other regulators.
• Establish and manage work processes providing initial point of contact for all requests for section services and directs work appropriately. Determine and assess priorities for division work, redistribute or acquire needed resources, both internal and consulting, to meet high-priority section needs.
• Recommend project delivery approach and advises the Utility on project reserve amounts, community engagement strategies and project scheduling.  
• Provide technical support and interpretation of Solid Waste’s regulatory requirements. Represent the branch and department in interdepartmental teams to update Code as needed. Identify gaps in standards and take proactive steps to research options and support policy revisions.
• Support public involvement as a key component of SPU CIP design processes ensures customers (residential and commercial) are aware of upcoming work in their neighborhoods, understand the benefits and potential disruptions or impacts in their communities.
• Establish and oversee section's quality control and quality assurance procedures. Apply continuous improvement techniques to ensure appropriate balance between quality and value.

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.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience with capital improvement projects and regulatory compliance, or other related project management experience, including prior supervisory experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related field OR two (2) additional years of relevant experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base
• Responsive, adept, and flexible in working under pressure and with changing priorities
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
• Leadership skills with a track record of team development and creating a strong work culture
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Experience leading teams successfully on solid waste infrastructure projects and regulatory work

This position requires working in person at the office or field locations. 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.

How to apply:

• A full City of Seattle online application
• Resume & Cover Letter addressing your knowledge and experience, related to this position

Please note that failure to attach both documents will result in your application not receiving further consideration.

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

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: John Lee at [email protected]

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.