Sewer Utility Manager

Kitsap County•Poulsbo, WA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Kitsap County is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking utilities professional to serve as our next Sewer Utility Manager, a critical leadership role responsible for ensuring the effective operation, maintenance, and long-range sustainability of the County’s Sewer Utility Division. This position offers an outstanding opportunity to advance your career in public works and utility management while making a lasting impact on the health, environment, and quality of life of our community. You will step into a dynamic division that oversees system operations, infrastructure planning, asset management, and regulatory compliance—ready for strong leadership to guide it into the future. This role offers the perfect blend of strategic planning, operational oversight, and team leadership for an accomplished professional ready to take the next step in their career.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field, and eight years of progressively responsible experience managing large-scale projects or working in public works, preferably in utility management. To include at least three years of supervisory or managerial experience; OR Associate degree in a related field, and ten years of progressively responsible experience managing large-scale projects or working in public works, preferably in utility management. To include at least three years of supervisory or managerial experience; OR Twelve years of progressively responsible experience managing large-scale projects or working in public works, preferably in utility management. To include at least three years of supervisory or managerial experience.
Relevant work experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities may substitute for educational requirements.
Work experience is essential and cannot be replaced by additional education.
Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.
Authorize and complete a criminal background check.
Report for duty on time and remain at work until the end of their scheduled shift even if an inclement weather event or emergency is declared as an “Essential Employee” under the Public Works Inclement Weather/Emergency Response policy.
Meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment.
Obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or supervising a public utility, preferably in sewer, water distribution or stormwater.
Knowledge of wastewater treatment plant operations and sewer collection systems.
Demonstrated experience developing budgets for utility operations.
A history of successfully managing and leading staff at multiple levels, combined with the ability to foster a positive, people-centered, and collaborative workplace culture.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and supervision to a team of 65 employees, including 5 direct reports. Responsibilities include setting priorities, organizing and assigning work, coaching and training staff, evaluating performance, and participating in hiring, discipline, and other personnel decisions.
Manage the preparation and execution of a $25 million annual operating budget, including development of the supporting fee structure.
Oversee financial planning for program administration, asset management, water quality monitoring, infrastructure O&M, public education and outreach, infrastructure retrofit, sewer system development, and facility inspections.
Lead long-range financial planning and recommend adjustments to sewer rates and fees to meet operational needs, capital requirements, and division and departmental goals.
Direct the development and implementation of the Sewer Division’s Capital Facilities Plan (CFP), including prioritization and funding of repair, replacement, and expansion projects. Typical CFPs include 10–15 projects totaling approximately $200 million over six years.
Coordinate consultant-led project designs managed by County project and construction management staff, working closely with the Capital Facilities Division to ensure successful delivery.
Initiate and develop grant applications and collaborate with the Department of Administrative Services on revenue bond sales to support capital project funding.
Oversee the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permitting processes for four treatment plants, three state-regulated and one federally regulated.
Serve as the County’s primary representative in resolving compliance issues with regulatory agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington State Department of Ecology, Public Health, Natural Resources, and Fish & Wildlife.