Treatment Planning – Program Manager

Shape the Future of Water Quality in King County

King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division seeks a senior leader for the Program Manager role in the Treatment Planning Program
. This position leads planning for future expansion and upgrades of regional wastewater treatment plants, shaping policies and capital projects to protect public health, improve water quality, and support environmental stewardship.

As Program Manager for the Treatment Planning Program
, you will guide a team of professionals and oversee strategic planning to prepare the treatment system for population growth and evolving environmental regulations. You will work within the Treatment and Separated Conveyance Planning Group
, coordinating across technical disciplines and influencing decisions that affect regional water quality.

Your responsibilities include:

• Drive major planning efforts
  , including the Long-term Treatment Plan to guide treatment capital investments for decades.
• Address regulatory challenges
  , such as nutrient reduction, NPDES permit compliance, and contaminants of emerging concern (e.g., PFAS).
• 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 investments.
• Lead strategic planning processes and policy recommendations
  , guiding division and County decisions 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, and support junior staff, influencing decisions impacting public health, environmental protection, and regional growth. The role involves large-scale capital projects, evolving regulations, and complex needs with potential for a lasting regional impact.

• Professional work experience and/or education in planning, engineering, science, public administration, or related field, with increasing responsibility for managing large and complex programs or projects.
• Knowledge of water, wastewater, science, or environmental management.
• Experience developing and leading strategic planning, decision-making, and policy analysis.
• Demonstrated program management and planning techniques, principles, and practices.
• Experience leading a team to accomplish a complex program or work.
• Experience leading or preparing documents, plans, memos, briefings, and summaries describing complex projects, programs, policies, or processes.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to work with minimal guidance in ambiguous situations and develop procedures to craft solutions.

• Manages Complexity
• Strategic Mindset
• Plans and Aligns
• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively
• Manages Ambiguity

• Knowledge of local government processes, public utility issues, policy, and/or communications.
• Knowledge of environmental regulations (e.g., Clean Water Act, NPDES).
• Knowledge of and experience with project and/or contract management.

The role follows a hybrid work model (remote and in-person). The primary onsite location is the King Street Center in Seattle, WA, with on-site requirements varying by business needs.

Requirements:
Employees must reside in Washington State and be within reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements. County-issued equipment and a home workspace with reliable internet are provided.

Work Schedule:

This position is exempt from overtime under the FLSA.

Union Representation:
This position is represented by the Technical Employees’ Association (TEA) - Wastewater Treatment Division.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. Materials will be screened for clarity, completeness, and alignment with responsibilities and qualifications to determine who may be invited to participate in interviews.

Anticipated timeline for this recruitment includes technical interviews (virtual) in March 2026 and panel interviews (virtual) in March–April 2026. To apply, submit:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Responses to supplemental questions

Note:

Additional documents may not be considered during minimum qualification screening. For more information, contact the recruiter listed in the job announcement.

Visit the Wastewater Treatment Division and DNRP websites for more information about the team, equity commitments, and opportunities. King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.