Transmission Division Manager, Environmental Services

National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA); Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 214,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma seeks a Transmission Division Manager in its Environment and Public Works Department to lead the operation and maintenance of the sewer and stormwater transmission systems and ensure reliable service.

The role requires strong leadership, safety and regulatory compliance focus, and the ability to build inclusive, high-performing teams while engaging diverse stakeholders to advance city priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, public administration or directly related field.
• 7 years of experience in one or more fields of environmental sciences including 1 year prior at supervisory level.
• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operation, maintenance, and reliability of approximately 1,400 miles of sanitary sewer and stormwater collections systems.
• Lead a comprehensive safety and regulatory compliance program that maintains compliance with federal, state, and local requirements while minimizing accidents and risk.
• Develop and lead a high-performing workforce by building cohesive, inclusive, and accountable teams; providing clear direction and delegating effectively.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders by delivering clear, timely, and audience-appropriate communications; building trust across all levels.
• Drive organizational performance and continuous improvement by aligning operations with the department's mission and city priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Community engagement

Environmental laws

Change management

Performance metrics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, public administration

Job description

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

The City of Tacoma is recruiting for a Transmission Division Manager in our Environment and Public Works Department. The Transmission Division Manager provides strategic leadership and oversight for the operation and maintenance of the City’s sewer and surface water transmission systems, and collection of infrastructure. We are seeking candidates with strong leadership abilities, a collaborative mindset, and a proven track record of providing customer-focused services in a team-oriented setting. We recognize that leadership experience is gained in many ways and applicants with paid or volunteer experience with transferrable skills in supervision, coordination, or customer-focused work are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities For The Positions Include The Following

• Provide strategic leadership for utility operations by overseeing the operation, maintenance, and reliability of approximately 1,400 miles of sanitary sewer and stormwater collections systems, ensuring safe, efficient, and uninterrupted service.
• Lead a comprehensive safety and regulatory compliance program that maintains compliance with federal, state, and local requirements while fostering a culture that minimizes accidents, injuries, liability, and operational risk.
• Develop and lead a high-performing workforce by building cohesive, inclusive, and accountable teams; providing clear direction, delegating effectively, removing barriers, and leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve organizational goals.
• Communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders by delivering clear, timely, and audience-appropriate communications, navigating complex organizational issues, and building trust across all levels of the organization, Department, and the City’s strategic direction and goals.
• Drive organizational performance and continuous improvement by establishing a performance-based culture, aligning operations with the Environment and Public Works Department’s mission, the City’s strategic priorities, and long-term operational objectives.

Our ideal candidates will exemplify the following traits and competencies

• Service-Driven Decision Making Makes timely and practical operational decisions that support employees, protect the public, and maintain reliable stormwater and sewer collection systems.
• Directs Work Sets clear expectations, aligns teams, assigns responsibilities, and ensures accountability.
• Ensures Accountability Holds self and others responsible for performance, safety, compliance, and service standards.
• Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement Promotes high performance by applying best practices, coaching staff, and using tools such as root cause analysis and standard operating procedures to ensure consistent, compliant, and efficient operations.
• Safety Leadership Builds and maintains safe work environments through strong safety practices, hazard awareness, and proactive responses to physical and psychological safety needs within high-risk operational settings.
• Builds Effective Teams Creates high performing, collaborative, engaged workgroups across diverse roles and backgrounds.
• Values Differences Demonstrates inclusive leadership, recognizes strengths in diverse perspectives, and fosters an equitable workplace culture.
• Communicates Effectively Shares information clearly, listens actively, provides constructive feedback, and navigates sensitive conversations with professionalism.

The Principles That Guide Us

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service. The Environment and Public Works Department believes that everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, public administration or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

7 years of experience in one or more fields of environmental sciences including 1 year prior at the supervisory level

• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

Licensing, Certifications And Other Requirements

Washington State Driver's License

Knowledge & Skills

Knowledge

• Local government organization, operations, policies, and objectives.
• Community engagement.
• Environmental laws and regulations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Relevant labor laws and practices.
• Change management strategies and techniques.
• Performance management and metrics.

Skills

• Ability to work independently with little direction.
• Proficient in use of all office equipment including personal computers and related software applications.
• Ability to assign and review work of others; and plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Promote and maintain a culturally diverse work force and take appropriate pro-active steps to provide employees with a work environment free of harassment, intimidation, hostility, and coercion based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, and family status.
• Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, cost effective and on time.
• Ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and make effective decisions quickly during stressful situations.
• Set and communicate clear expectations for staff, follow through and establish accountability for all.
• Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex regulations, laws, codes, and policies related to environmental protection, climate action and government processes.
• Prepare and maintain various personnel and work-related records and reports; prepare the annual division budget; forecast personnel requirements and authorize purchases within established guidelines.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video! View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: $72.91 - $102.66

Annual Salary: $151,652.80 - $213,512.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma