Stormwater Program Manager

Whatcom County; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 8,600 - 12,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

PTO & Holidays

Lifetime Pension (PERS)

Deferred Compensation

Life Insurance $50k

FSA

EAP

Job summary

Whatcom County Public Works is seeking a Stormwater Program Manager to lead the Stormwater Division and deliver maintenance and capital programs that protect water quality and reduce flooding for ratepayers.

You will oversee regulatory compliance, watershed planning, and cross‑department collaboration, mentoring staff while advancing public health and environmental goals for Whatcom County, WA.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience, including at least two years of supervisory experience.
• Prefer experience managing civil engineering projects and municipal stormwater permits.
• Strong communicator with public outreach and customer service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Stormwater Division, a multidisciplinary team.
• Oversee major stormwater capital projects from design to landowner agreements.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with NPDES requirements.
• Identify and develop watershed master plans.
• Build partnerships across the County and with partner agencies.
• Mentor staff and foster teamwork and excellence.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Communications

Public outreach

Education

Civil/Environmental Engineering

Construction Management

Environmental Science

Public Administration

Job description

Lead the Future of Stormwater Management in Whatcom County!

Whatcom County Public Works Department is hiring a Stormwater Program Manager to lead the Stormwater Division and ensure the effective delivery of services to stormwater utility ratepayers. This position will oversee the development and implementation of maintenance and capital programs that protect water quality, minimize flooding, and manage urban stormwater to support public health and the environment.

Make an impact where infrastructure, environment, and community meet. Join Whatcom County Public Works as Stormwater Program Manager!

For more information see the job description and our Stormwater Division webpage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the County’s Stormwater Division, a multidisciplinary team of planners, engineers, and technicians.
• Oversee major stormwater capital projects, including design, construction, permitting, and landowner agreements.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with NPDES stormwater requirements and promote environmental stewardship.
• Identify, prioritize, and develop watershed master plans.
• Build partnerships across the County, community, and partner agencies.
• Mentor staff and champion a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and excellence.

Supervisor: Director, Public Works

Salary

Unrepresented - Range 12, $8,579.00 - $12,456.00 per month DOQ

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be a strategic and experienced leader with education in civil engineering, construction management, environmental science, public administration, or other related field. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, including at least two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred candidates will have knowledge and experience managing civil engineering projects, municipal stormwater permits, and providing public services, preferably in Washington State. They will be a strong communicator, valuing public outreach and customer service, engaging with the community to create positive environmental outcomes that minimize flooding and improve water quality.

Benefits

Whatcom County offers excellent benefits at no cost to employees, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family.
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.
• 1st – 4th year: 18.00 hours, 5.4 Weeks
• 5th – 9th year: 21.33 hours, 6.4 Weeks
• 10th + year: 24.67 hours, 7.4 Weeks
• Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
• $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
• Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Additional benefit information

Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

Location

Whatcom County, WA is truly special and a great place to call home!