This posting is open to all qualified candidates.

About the Role:

This is a leadership position and will serve on the Operations and Maintenance Leadership team. This team is responsible for the strategic planning of the section, developing leadership skills among our supervisors, providing growth opportunities for our staff, and implementing metrics to deliver on key performance measures that contribute to the overall growth and success of WTD Operations and Maintenance.  

In this role, the successful candidate will apply their skillset in the areas of planning, coordination, scope, budget, schedule management, monitoring and control, and reporting in the maintenance and development of the offsite conveyance system.    

Assign key staff to represent operations in project teams composed of internal and external subject matter experts from a broad range of disciplines, including engineering, project planning & delivery, and operations & maintenance staff through design and construction. 

Work with Human Resources to address staffing needs and work through personnel issues.  You will also oversee employee development, performance management, discipline, and the hiring and selection process. Participate in the development and implementation of staff models and performance standards.

About the Team:

The Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Section of the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is tasked with ensuring safe, environmentally protective treatment of wastewater for King County, serving 34 wholesale customers and approximately 1.9 million residents. The Section includes five treatment facilities, 48 pump stations, 400 miles of conveyance piping, and treats an average of 185 MGD of wastewater. We are a clean water utility, recovering resources such as biosolids, recycled water, and biogas, continually seeking new ways to capture beneficial uses of resources that would otherwise be lost.    

WTD is committed to the principles of equity and social justice (ESJ). We value diverse perspectives and life experiences in our workforce and are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. WTD strives to provide equitable services to residents and businesses across King County. Our department's vision is to provide sustainable and livable communities and a clean and healthy natural environment that supports a prosperous and resilient economy.

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With over 900 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We enforce regulations to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents. Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

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 Plant Manager, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity. 

What You Will Be Doing:

• Provide leadership to East Offsite Operations team, participating in the development and implementation of the strategic direction of the section, developing and motivating staff, setting team goals, organizing and delegating tasks, and effectively communicating across O&M teams. 
• Assist the section manager in the daily operation of wastewater conveyance and offsite treatment facilities and on-and offsite facilities maintenance, including providing planning, analytical and project management support for assigned work and projects. 
• Assist and participate in the development and monitoring of the section's annual budget. 

• Represent the section in the planning and implementation of programs for maintaining the assets of surface water, storm water and wastewater treatment and conveyance systems.

• Investigate human resources issues and conduct fact-finding hearings in disciplinary matters; make recommendations to management on the resolution of issues. Provide management support, problem-solving, and conflict resolution to collective bargaining and labor and employee relations processes. 

Qualifications You Bring:

• Experience in leading teams that includes skills in team building, building consensus and working effectively with a diverse team. 
• Knowledge of the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment and conveyance systems, including the regulations and requirements as they relate to operation and maintenance of these facilities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering and systems operation.
• Knowledge of budget techniques and principles. 
• Knowledge of project management principles and techniques.
• Knowledge of labor relations principles, practices, and techniques.
• Skill in writing and communicating technical and non-technical information; skill in reading and interpreting technical information and making presentations to non-technical and technical audiences.
• Skill in negotiation techniques and principles.
• Effective decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of current and possible future policies, practices, trends, technology, and information affecting the wastewater treatment industry.

• Builds Effective Teams: Builds strong identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.  

• Manages Complexity: makes sense of complex, high-quality, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.  
• Communicates Effectively: Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences.  
• Collaborates: Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. 
• Plans and Aligns: Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with organizational goals. 

• Washington State Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group IV certificate. 

• Washington State Driver's License or the ability to provide timely or emergency transportation to work locations with limited or no public transportation. 
• Additional licenses, certifications, and other requirements determined to be necessary to meet the business needs of the employing unit may be required. 

Working Conditions

• Work Location: South Treatment Plant - 1200 Monster Rd SW, Renton WA 98057

• Work Schedule: This full-time position works a 40-hour work week.  This position is exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) provisions and is not overtime-eligible. Night and weekend availability as necessary.

• Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 117, Wastewater Treatment Division, Managers and Assistant Managers bargaining unit.

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter 
• Certification
• Complete Supplemental Questions

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.