Civil Engineering Specialist Supervisor

Seattle Public Utilities; Seattle (WA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Seattle Public Utilities is seeking a Civil Engineering Specialist Supervisor to lead the Development Services Office's Side Sewer Review and Permitting Team, ensuring timely and accurate permit issuance and expert guidance on side sewer codes and policies.

The role reports to the DSO Engineering Manager and drives improvements in permitting, codes, and cross-department collaboration to support Seattle's growth and housing goals.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two years of college coursework in engineering and construction technology, or equivalent background.
• Five years of civil engineering experience including two years supervisory experience.
• Current Washington State Driver's License, or equivalent mobility.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Supervision.
• Administrative supervision: approving timesheets, policies, coaching staff, and career development.
• Supervise side sewer team activities and ensure timely, accurate issuance of side sewer permits.
• Review civil engineering site plans for sanitary and drainage side sewers for conformance with codes, standards, and policies.
• Review SDCI Preliminary Assessment Reports to determine points of discharge; specify extensions where required.
• Develop and monitor KPIs for team and individual performance.
• Coordinate with SPU divisions and city departments; meet with public and agency representatives.
• Support development and enhancements to online permitting systems.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Customer service

Collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology

Tools

Plan review software

Permit management software

Job description

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities has an opportunity for a Civil Engineering Specialist Supervisor within the Development Services Office (DSO). This position supervises the DSO's Side Sewer Review and Permitting Team, which determines requirements of and processes permits for new drainage and sanitary side sewer connections. This position reports to the DSO Engineering Manager. Your work will help drive Seattle’s growth and support the Mayor’s housing goals by delivering efficient, high-quality service to developers during a critical time for the city.

You will supervise a team of six engineering specialists, ensuring prompt and accurate review and issuance of side sewer permit applications. You will serve as an expert on side sewer codes and policies and advise DSO leadership on updates to codes, policies, and director’s rules. You’ll support improvements to overall City permitting through coordination within Seattle Public Utilities and with other City of Seattle departments.

If you’re energized by solving complex infrastructure challenges, mentoring engineering specialists, and shaping a rapidly evolving city, this role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact on Seattle’s future.

About Seattle Public Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities. We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free public transportation options
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Supervision.
• Provide administrative supervision including approving timesheets, clarifying personnel policies, coaching and mentoring staff, and assisting with career development.
• Supervise side sewer team activities and ensure timely, accurate issuance of side sewer permits with appropriate quality control and assurance measures.
• Supervise the review of civil engineering site plans for sanitary and drainage side sewers for conformance with appliable codes, standards, and policies.
• Supervise the review applications for SDCI Preliminary Assessment Reports to determine points of discharge for sanitary and drainage; specify drainage and/or sanitary mainline extensions where required.
• Ensure prompt replies to inquiries received by the Side Sewer inbox and voice mailbox.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for team and individual performance.
• Technical and Engineering Support.
• Represent the DSO as a technical subject matter expert, providing guidance to developers and consultants.
• Support development, testing, and implementation of enhancements to online permitting systems.
• Coordination and Communication.
• Coordinate with other SPU divisions and city departments, meeting with the public and representatives of other agencies to discuss current or proposed projects.
• Set high customer service standards with measurable goals and recommend ongoing process improvements.
• Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.
• Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Education

Associate Degree in Civil Engineering Technology or two years of college level coursework in engineering and construction technology (or a combination of education and/or training and/or experience which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Experience

Five (5) years of civil engineering experience including two (2) years supervisory experience, OR: Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Required Licensure And Certifications

Current Washington State Driver's License, or equivalent mobility.

Desired Qualifications

Technical Expertise

Knowledge of codes, standards, and policies for stormwater and side sewers; knowledge of the construction requirements for new side sewers; familiarity with SPU, SDCI and SDOT permit processes; experience with plan review and permit management software applications; understanding of utility easements and right-of-way issues.

Leadership and Management

Proven ability to coach and develop technical staff, implement quality assurance programs, drive process improvements, and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.

Communication

Technical writing proficiency; skill in explaining complex engineering concepts to non-technical audiences; strong customer service skills with public-facing experience.

Collaboration

Ability to work effectively across departments and with external stakeholders; experience mediating disputes and resolving conflicts.

Additional Information

Workplace Schedule/Environment

• Hybrid schedule with remote work flexibility (minimum 3 days/week in-office). Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.
• Work is performed both in an office environment and in a public setting.
• Collaborative, inclusive team environment.

Salary

The salary range for this position is $65.81 - $73.66 hourly. This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records incompliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SME 14.17. Applicants will be provided with an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

Benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at https:/ www.seattle.gov/humanresources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family members/most-employees-plans.

Who may apply

The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits