Permitting Specialist - Program Coordinator

The Environmental and Community Services Section (ECSS) is seeking a Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III– Permitting Specialist to join the dynamic Capital Projects Local Permitting Team. This is an excellent opportunity to become a key member of a high-performing, collaborative team that supports the delivery of essential public infrastructure. Our focus is on providing strategic permitting guidance to program/project teams and managing the regulatory permitting processes necessary to support capital project construction.

The role emphasizes a strong commitment to customer service, work‑life balance, and a comprehensive understanding of permitting pathways, while contributing to a culture of collaboration and accountability.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced permitting professional to step into a leadership role that blends technical expertise, strategic thinking, and cross‑disciplinary collaboration. As a Permitting Specialist you’ll be at the forefront of ensuring permitting success on a portfolio of critical infrastructure projects that protect public health and the environment. You’ll be able to influence permitting strategy, build strong relationships with regulatory agencies, and oversee consultants—all while contributing to some of the region’s most impactful capital projects.

The primary function of the Permitting Specialist is to lead and coordinate permitting activities on a wide range of projects within the Wastewater Treatment Division as it maintains, replaces, or builds new capital infrastructure. This role ensures that permitting work is proactively aligned with project schedules and scopes, while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and internal performance expectations. As a subject matter expert, the incumbent will shape permitting strategy, develop scopes of work for consultants, foster partnerships with permitting jurisdictions, and support successful project delivery.

ECSS plays a vital role in advancing the mission of the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) by integrating permitting, environmental review, real estate, and community engagement into the delivery of capital projects. Within ECSS, the Regulatory Compliance and Land Acquisition Services (RCLAS) Unit provides subject matter expertise in permitting strategy and regulatory navigation to ensure that WTD’s infrastructure investments proceed efficiently and in full compliance with local, state, and federal requirements.

Our work supports the division’s core values of environmental protection, public health, and fiscal responsibility. We are committed to the principles of equity and social justice, and we actively seek diverse perspectives to build an inclusive, culturally responsive workforce.

King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Permitting Specialist – Program Coordinator, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work.

Learn more about our commitment at http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Project Management and Compliance:
  Manage permitting activities across multiple capital projects and programs. Track permit submittals, reviews, and approvals using project management tools and databases. Ensure permitting work aligns with project scopes and supports timely project delivery. Monitor program and project‑level compliance with applicable regulations and internal standards. Contribute to program‑level reporting, analytics, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Consultant and Contract Management:
  Develop, negotiate and review consultant scopes of work related to permitting. Direct and oversee consultant performance, providing guidance and feedback as needed. Coordinate consultant resources in support of program needs and project timelines. Review and ensure permitting scopes…