Transmission Division Manager, Environmental Services

City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma is recruiting for a Transmission Division Manager in our Environment and Public Works Department. The Transmission Division Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for the operation and maintenance of the City’s sewer and surface water transmission systems, and collection of infrastructure. We are seeking candidates with strong leadership abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a proven track record of providing customer-focused services in a team-oriented setting.

We recognize that leadership experience is gained in many ways and applicants with paid or volunteer experience with transferrable skills in supervision, coordination, or customer-focused work are encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities for the positions include the following:

• Provide strategic leadership for utility operations by overseeing the operation, maintenance, and reliability of approximately 1,400 miles of sanitary sewer and stormwater collections systems, ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted service.
• Lead a comprehensive safety and regulatory compliance program that maintains compliance with federal, state, and local requirements while fostering a culture that minimizes accidents, injuries, liability, and operational risk.
• Develop and lead a high-performing workforce by building cohesive, inclusive, and accountable teams; providing clear direction, delegating effectively, removing barriers, and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve organizational goals.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders by delivering clear, timely, and audience-appropriate communications, navigating complex organizational issues, and building trust across all levels of the organization, Department, and the City’s strategic direction and goals.
• Drive organizational performance and continuous improvement by establishing a performance-based culture, aligning operations with the Environment and Public Works Department’s mission, the City’s strategic priorities, and long-term operational objectives.

Our ideal candidates will exemplify the following traits and competencies:

• Service-Driven Decision Making
  Makes timely and practical operational decisions that support employees, protect the public, and maintain reliable stormwater and sewer collection systems.
• Directs Work
  Sets clear expectations, aligns teams, assigns responsibilities, and ensures accountability.
• Ensures Accountability
  Holds self and others responsible for performance, safety, compliance, and service standards.
• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
  Promotes high performance by applying best practices, coaching staff, and using tools such as root cause analysis and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient operations.
• Safety Leadership
  Builds and maintains safe work environments through strong safety practices, hazard awareness, and proactive responses to physical and psychological safety needs within high-risk operational settings.
• Builds Effective Teams
  Creates high performing, collaborative, engaged work groups across diverse roles and backgrounds.
• Values Differences
  Demonstrates inclusive leadership, recognizes strengths in diverse perspectives, and fosters an equitable workplace culture.
• Communicates Effectively
  Shares information clearly, listens actively, provides constructive feedback, and navigates sensitive conversations with professionalism.

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma…