Engineering Program Manager - Water

City of Vancouver; United States; Hybrid; USD 10,844 - 16,266; Full time

Job summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead their municipal water system, serving 280,000 residents. The role involves planning and overseeing water production, treatment, and distribution while ensuring compliance with regulations.

This full-time position allows for up to two days of telework per week and requires a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering along with significant utility engineering experience.

Qualifications

• Five years of professional utility engineering experience, preferably with drinking water.
• Two years of experience managing and supervising staff.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and evaluate efficiency of water utility service delivery.
• Plan and direct work assignments for the team.
• Prepare and administer the annual budget for the water utility.

Skills

Utility engineering experience

Public sector experience

Management skills

Knowledge of civil engineering

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary Range: $10,844.00 – $16,266.00

Job Summary

The City of Vancouver is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead Washington’s third‑largest municipal water system. The utility serves approximately 280,000 residents across a 72‑square‑mile service area and delivers groundwater‑sourced drinking water through nine well fields, producing an average of 27million gallons daily. The role provides leadership in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the City’s water production, treatment, and distribution systems, and supports regulatory compliance and asset management initiatives. It offers the opportunity to manage critical infrastructure and capital improvement projects tied to the City’s Comprehensive Water System Plan and to shape the future of a growing regional water utility.

• Full‑time, regular, exempt position; schedule Monday‑Friday 8a.m. to 5p.m., with up to two days of telework per week.
• Must reside in Oregon or Washington; telework support from other locations is not available.

Essential Functions

• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of water utility service delivery methods and procedures.
• Plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan; assess and monitor staff workload, assign projects and programs.
• Review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures; identify opportunities for improvement and present recommendations to Public Works management and the Director.
• Select, coach, motivate, and evaluate personnel; conduct annual performance evaluations and implement discipline and termination procedures as needed.
• Engage with upper management and HR regarding personnel matters.
• Prepare and implement long‑range planning for Public Works systems, including the Water System Plan and necessary improvements to meet State and Federal requirements.
• Identify and determine the scope of technical studies needed to support management of the City’s Water Utility.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the annual budget, including capital improvement funding; develop forecasts; monitor and approve expenditures; adjust as necessary.
• Identify, determine, and prioritize budget items.
• Review and approve engineering plans, specifications, designs, environmental documents, reports, and studies; review development engineering plans to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations.
• Develop interlocal agreements with surrounding agencies related to the provision of drinking water.
• Coordinate with water operations staff to address operational, maintenance, and water quality issues.
• Coordinate with other city departments and divisions (Community Development, Fire, City Manager’s Office, Procurement, Construction, Transportation, IT, Law) and external partners, including state agencies.
• Hire consultants and manage consultant contracts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Five (5) years of professional utility engineering experience (drinking water experience preferred); and two (2) years of experience managing and supervising staff.
• Experience in the public sector or entities of similar complexity is preferred.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering or a related field; combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office software.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State.
• Driver’s license.
• Knowledge of modern civil engineering and water utility management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of supervision practices for both union and non‑union public employees.
• Understanding of pertinent federal, state, and local laws related to water provision for Washington’s third‑largest customer base.
• Familiarity with modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Abilities

• Facilitate team problem‑solving and service development.
• Effectively manage and supervise professional and technical staff.
• Analyze, interpret, and apply City policies and procedures.
• Prepare and administer budgets and recommend goals, objectives, and practices for effective water engineering services.
• Interpret and apply relevant federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Identify problems or issues and develop effective solutions.
• Define short‑ and long‑term goals and timelines for implementation.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software.
• Act consistently with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles.
• Act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees.
• Provide high‑level customer service and maintain a positive image.
• Develop and maintain collaborative, respectful working relationships with team members and stakeholders.
• Commit to valuing differences among people and promoting inclusiveness.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle; recognize and report unsafe conditions.
• Ensure a safe workplace in compliance with policies, procedures, and regulations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal, and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans’ Preference

Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans’ preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses, or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service‑connected disability may be considered for Veterans’ preference for this job, provided they supply the necessary documents during the application process.

ADA Accommodation

Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. If an applicant requires an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 360‑487‑8417 or [e-mail].