Senior Program Manager - Utilities

City-of-Tukwila; Tukwila (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tukwila is seeking a Civil Engineering leader to plan, coordinate, and direct the design and construction of the City's utilities infrastructure, floodplain management, and salmon habitat restoration projects. You will provide technical expertise to the Public Works Director, City Council, and external agencies regarding sewer, water, and surface water systems.

You will manage the six-year Capital Improvement Program, mentor project managers, and ensure adherence to APWA and WSDOT

Qualifications

• Principles and methods in Civil Engineering applicable to municipal utilities
• Knowledge of APWA Construction Specifications and WSDOT Local Agency Guidelines
• Contract administration and management experience
• Budgeting principles and cost control procedures
• Project monitoring techniques and reporting with strong documentation

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and direct design/construction of utilities infrastructure and floodplain management.
• Provide technical expertise to City leadership, departments, and stakeholders.
• Develop and manage six-year Capital Improvement Program delivery.
• Coach and supervise project managers to ensure team success.
• Ensure compliance with APWA/SWDOT guidelines and regulations.
• Coordinate with other departments and utility districts on long-term system plans.
• Support regulatory compliance with wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water rules.
• Contribute to updates of design standards and municipal code amendments.
• Support asset management and GIS mapping and records programs.
• Attend meetings representing the division and report on progress.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Engineering judgment

Strong written & verbal communication

Team leadership

Contract administration

Report writing

Multitasking

Education

ABET-accredited Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

About Tukwila:

The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station.

About Public Works Department:

The Public Works Department provides the foundation for high quality of life in Tukwila by protecting the health and safety of residents, visitors, and businesses. The Department is responsible for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of the City's essential transportation, water, sewer, and surface water infrastructure. Public Works also supports other divisions through the management and maintenance of the City's vehicles and facilities assets.

Position Description:

Under the general direction of the City Engineer, plan, coordinate, and direct the design and construction of the City’s utilities infrastructure, floodplain management, and salmon habitat restoration projects. Provide technical expertise to the Public Works Director, City Council, other agencies, developers, and residents regarding the condition and function of city-owned sewer, water, and surface water systems.

Specific duties include:

• In cooperation with other capital program managers and fiscal staff, develop and manage the delivery of the City’s six-year Capital Improvement Program.
• Manage and deliver projects and annual programs in accordance with the City’s Capital Project Management System.
• Coach, mentor, train, supervise, and monitor performance of assigned project managers to ensure team success.
• Ensure adherence to APWA Construction Specifications and WSDOT’s Local Agency Guidelines and Construction Manual.
• Coordinate with the Maintenance and Operations division to evaluate and make recommendations regarding utility system improvements and replacement priorities, exercising sound engineering judgement.
• Coordinate with the Department of Community Development and other utility districts to develop coordinated, long-term system plans to meet projected growth and regulatory requirements.
• Support the Department’s compliance with the State Department of Ecology wastewater and stormwater regulations.
• Support the Department’s compliance with the State Department of Health’s drinking water regulations.
• Support the City’s annual reporting requirements for utility system compliance.
• Contribute to updates to the City’s Infrastructure Design and Construction Standards manual and municipal code amendments.
• Support the department’s asset management and GIS programs to ensure accurate utility mapping and records management programs.

This position will remain open until filled with a first review of candidates on October 23, 2026.

Additional job responsibilities:

• Manages the design and/or construction of a program or division within the City's Capital Improvement Program which includes determining applicable codes, regulations and requirements; preparing and accepting plans, specifications, and criteria as required; developing and managing consultant contracts for services.
• Recommends division's annual budget and implements assigned budgeted work plans. Makes recommendations to the City Engineer regarding expenditures related to assigned division or program.
• Develops, recommends and establishes short and long range plans, goals, performance standards, policies and procedures to carry out the functions of the assigned projects, programs and/or activities.
• Attends a variety of meetings (Council, Boards, Commissions and other Agencies) to represent the City's interests. Presents information regarding assigned division or program.
• May provide direction, counseling, training and discipline for subordinate employees. May oversee the work of contractors and/or consultants.
• Provides progress reports, analyzes the effectiveness of the operations and activities of the division and recommends changes.
• Responds to concerns and issues; determines appropriate resolutions to maintain positive customer relations for the division.
• Reviews and approves requests regarding assigned projects.

Knowledge (position requirements at entry):

• Principles, practices and methods in field as applicable;
• Applicable laws, regulations and City policies affecting assigned field;
• General municipal operations and structure;
• Contract administration and management;
• Inventory and cost control procedures;
• Project monitoring techniques;
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; and
• Budgeting principles and processes.

Skills (position requirements at entry):

• Operating personal computers and utilizing computer applications and software;
• Conducting necessary research and compiling comprehensive reports;
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties;
• Working independently with little supervision;
• Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Making and implementing sound decisions and exercising judgment in solving complex problems;
• Guiding, directing and motivating employees;
• Arriving at cost estimates on complex projects;
• Preparing and interpreting plans and specifications;
• Developing and implementing programs, policies, and/or procedures to achieve specific goals and objectives; and
• Working effectively on several projects concurrently.

Training, Experience and Licensing Requirements (Position requirements at entry):

An ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field and six years related experience, including two or more years of supervisory responsibility and two or more years as a licensed professional civil engineer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide sufficient evidence of the successful performance of the essential elements of the job such as those listed above.

• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) within the State of Washington is required.
• A valid driver's license is required.

Physical activity/requirements:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, mobility, fingering, grasping, talking, seeing, hearing, and repetitive motions. Depending on job duties, this position may spend time in the field.

Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves. Qualified applicants with multicultural experience and/or backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Veteran's Preference: City of Tukwila follows the guidance given by the State of Washington regarding applying Veteran's Preference under provisions of RCW 73.16.010 and WAC 357.16.110 (2). Please attach a copy of your DD214 or NGB Form 22 to your online application if you are eligible to claim Veterans Preference. Character of service should reflect as being honorable. General discharge under Honorable Condition does not qualify. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to Human Resources, [e-mail].