Water Resources Manager

Job Description

The salary range for this position is $8,630.00 – $11,352.00 monthly.

Thurston County Public Works is recruiting for a Water Resources Manager to join our dynamic, energetic, and innovative Water Resources team. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership and direction for the County’s water resources programs, oversee complex utility operations, and foster strong partnerships with employees, community members, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders. Reporting directly to the Public Works Director, this position is responsible for the overall management of the Water Resources Division, which includes Stormwater Utility, Noxious Weeds and Water & Sewer Utilities.

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Directs department operations to achieve goals within budgeted funds and available personnel. Through subordinate supervisors, ensures that responsibilities, authority, and accountability of each work section are clearly defined.
• Monitors hiring, training, scheduling, and assignment of employees. Collaboratively works with the Human Resources Department in resolving matters regarding employee relations, labor relations, risk management, etc., which may include performance management, corrective action, termination, grievance resolution and overall employee morale.
• Creates short and long-range development plans, including project timelines. Establishes current and long-range work programs, budgets, and staffing needs, including the annual update of the
• Capital Facilities Plan, drainage retrofit studies, and watershed studies.
• Develops and oversees operating and capital budget preparation, expenditure controls, revenue tracking, grant compliance, including identifying funding sources for projects.
• Coordinates division operations and activities with other divisions and departments of the County and outside agencies as required.
• Develops, implements, and administers utility rate programs including establishing rates and charges, rebate program, and billing adjustments.
• Responsible for Water & Sewer Utilities and Stormwater Operations, which includes facility inspections, infrastructure asset management, and technical assistance, and 24-hour response for service interruptions and emergencies, spills, and utility locate services.
• Responsible for the development, adoption, and implementation of the County’s Drainage Design and Erosion Control Manual and serves as the Drainage Manual Administrator.
• Represents the County with professional, interagency, and intradepartmental groups to provide information regarding activities, present department plans and proposals, and to coordinate services.

To view the full job classification, click here: Water Resources Program Manager

Essential Personnel: This position is considered to be an essential worker and may be required to work during non-business hours or closures in order to meet operational requirements and needs.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work Environment – Office setting in Olympia, Washington.
• Schedule – Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Workload demands may occasionally require work outside the assigned work hours. Attendance at early morning or evening meetings may be required.
• Travel Requirements – May be required to travel to meetings and conferences, which could include out-of-state travel, as well as performing site visits.
• Customer Interactions – Frequent interactions via phone, in-person, and video with Thurston County elected officials, leadership, staff, peers, and the public.

 

WHO WE ARE: 

The Thurston County Public Works Department, located in Olympia, Washington, is a national award-winning agency in delivering quality projects to our community. Our mission is to provide excellent public services in all areas of our business. We actively help our staff develop and grow professionally, we bring together resources across divisions to achieve organizational goals, we are always ready to respond to community needs, and we are an American Public Works Association accredited agency, consistently meeting industry best practices benchmarks.

Our Core Values:

• Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and the resulting outcomes.
• Customer Service – We provide our customers with the highest level of service and quality.
• Innovation – We strive to continuously improve processes, performance, and results.
• Safety – We demonstrate an uncompromising commitment to safety.
• Teamwork – We work together toward achieving a common recognized end.

 

Mission – To provide excellent public services in all areas of our business.

Vision – The premier public works organization, accountable and transparent in all services we provide to our community.

Thurston County values the diversity of the people it hires and serves. Inclusion to us means fostering a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, and responded to in ways that fully develop and utilize each person’s talents and strengths. We are dedicated to recruiting and developing a talented workforce from various cultures, lifestyles, backgrounds, and perspectives who are committed to our vision and core values. Thurston County Racial Equity and Inclusion Webpage.

 

WHAT WE OFFER OUR EMPLOYEES:

• Work-Life Balance: We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual’s lifestyle.
• Plan For Your Future: As a member of our team, you will enjoy great employee benefits, including a retirement plan, pre-tax savings accounts, as well as comprehensive health care and dental/vision care for you and your family. Please visit Thurston County Employee Benefit Plans for more information.
• Paid Leave: Full-time regular employees earn paid vacation in addition to paid holidays.
• Robust Training Program: Employees are encouraged to attend County paid training to help them further their career, learn new skill sets, and stay on top of emerging trends in our industry.  We also encourage our staff to participate in professional organizations and attend conferences.
• Flexible Work Schedules: Some of the options that employees may take advantage of include alternative or compressed schedules and/or remote working.
• Deferred Compensation: The County offers 3 voluntary deferred compensation plans for employees who would like to set aside additional deferred tax dollars into a retirement savings plan.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Employees can take advantage of Section 125 flexible spending accounts for out-of-pocket health care and daycare expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness: This is a federal program that allows full-time public service employees who have made qualifying payments for certain loans, to get their student loans repaid. Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

 

Why you’ll love it here: Thurston County is located between Seattle and Portland in Western Washington’s South Puget Sound Region. Perched in between the mountains and the ocean, the area boasts the perfect blend of year-round outdoor activities including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. The region is also home to the state capitol city of Olympia, known for its many restaurants, microbreweries, coffee shops, farmers markets, kids’ activities, history, and art events. Discover more about life in Thurston County at Experienceolympia.com.

Message to potential applicants: We understand that some potential applicants are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the functions or skills listed in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and we understand that may be someone who will learn some of these skills on the job. If you are interested in this position, and meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to go ahead and apply! Feel free to think about how you will bring your own set of skills to the role and tell us about the potential that you hold.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Natural Resources, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field. Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.
• Five years of management-level experience in managing storm water or utility operations with at least three years previous supervisory experience where responsibilities included leading a large team or work group.
• Must possess knowledge and experience in budget development, setting and administering utility rates, and grant management.
• Ability to utilize a personal computer and related software packages to perform word processing, research, data analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
• A valid Washington State driver’s license (or must obtain WA license within 30 days of hire).

 

DESIRED SKILLS:

• Master’s degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Natural Resources, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Significant experience and competency supervising personnel responsible for program administration.
• Significant experience and competency in budget development and control for programs in the general areas of $10 to $20 million annually.
• Experience in capital project planning and delivery.
• Knowledge of current water resource practices, methodologies, and operation.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply a variety of laws, rules and regulations governing departmental operations including County personnel rules and regulations.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas or project issues in a clear, comprehensive, effective and professional manner, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, associates, subordinates, employees of outside agencies, and with the public.

 

OTHER RELATED RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:

Questions about this recruitment? Please contact Karen Weiss, Public Works Director at karen.weiss@co.thurston.wa.us.

 

This position is

• Not represented by a Union
• Not eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• Eligible for benefits

 

Items required for consideration:

• Application
• Resume
• Letter of Interest
• Supplemental Questions

 

Learn more about Thurston County at: Thurston County 

 

Please note: Information in this announcement is subject to change without notice at any time during the length of the job advertisement.

THURSTON COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Thurston County is committed to provide equal opportunity to all persons seeking or having access to its employment, services and activities, which is free from restriction based on race, sex, marital status, color, creed or religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, including gender expression or identity, pregnancy, status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, unless based upon bona fide occupational qualifications. Applicants with disabilities who need accommodation with the application or selection process should contact Thurston County’s Human Resources, at (360) 786-5498. Those who are deaf, deaf-blind, hard of hearing or speech impaired may use the statewide relay system to reach Thurston County offices and departments to conduct their business telephonically. Relay users can simply dial 7-1-1 (or 1-800-833-6388) to connect with Washington Relay.