Treatment Planning – Program Manager

Overview

Summary

Shape the Future of Water Quality in King County. King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division is seeking a passionate and strategic Program Manager to lead the Treatment Planning Program – the team responsible for charting the course for future expansion and upgrades to our region’s wastewater treatment plants. This position is a unique opportunity to be on the forefront of planning policies and capital projects that will protect public health, improve water quality, and ensure responsible environmental stewardship for generations to come.

As a senior leader within the Treatment and Separated Conveyance Planning Group
, you’ll guide strategic planning efforts, coordinate across technical disciplines, and develop both short- and long-range plans to prepare the treatment system for population growth and evolving environmental regulations. You’ll collaborate with and guide a dynamic, high-performing team and influence decisions that will shape regional water quality for decades.

This Is An Opportunity To

• Contribute to clean water and community well-being through public service.
• Lead strategic planning that drives major infrastructure investments.
• Address complex, meaningful issues impacting Puget Sound, the environment, and public health.
• Work alongside a diverse, collaborative, and passionate team.

For more information on the Treatment Planning Program, check out the following resources:

• (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-planning

As Program Manager for the Treatment Planning Program
, you will guide a team of professionals tackling environmental and infrastructure challenges to ensure five treatment plants meet growing capacity needs and evolving regulatory requirements, while considering climate impacts, equity and social justice, resource recovery (recycled water, biosolids, biogas, energy), aging infrastructure management, cost and affordability, and agency priorities.

• Drive major planning efforts, such as the Long-term Treatment Plan, to provide a roadmap for future treatment capital investments.
• Address regulatory challenges, including nutrient reduction, NPDES permit compliance, and contaminants of emerging concern (e.g., PFAS), ensuring public health and environmental protection.
• Lead treatment process studies to improve and optimize operations.
• Support and incorporate resource recovery, exploring opportunities for recycled water, biosolids reuse, and energy production and reduction.
• Develop conceptual capital projects that progress into project delivery and drive large capital investments.
• Lead strategic planning processes and policy recommendations guiding division and County decision-making at the intersection of infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and equity.
• Build strong partnerships with County teams, operations staff, consultants, and component agencies.

You will provide technical guidance, manage diverse teams, support junior and mid-level staff, and influence decisions that impact public health, environmental protection, and regional growth. With large-scale capital projects and evolving regulations, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the region’s infrastructure and water quality.

This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

The Treatment and Separated Conveyance Planning Group is part of the Wastewater Treatment Division’s Planning and Project Delivery Section, a team responsible for delivering substantial capital projects. The group identifies and develops future projects and guides strategic decision-making for major investments in the region’s wastewater system. The work has a lasting impact on public health, water quality, and the environment in the Puget Sound region.

Our team embodies adaptability, collaboration, equity, excellence, leadership, and respect, supporting the Wastewater Treatment Division’s mission of environmental stewardship, quality of service, and financial accountability. Team members are empowered to communicate, learn, and innovate to advance environmental sustainability and equity,…