Water Resources Manager: Lead Utilities & Stormwater

Thurston County; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 8,600 - 11,000; Full time

Job summary

Thurston County Public Works Department in Olympia, WA, seeks a Water Resources Manager to lead the Water Resources Division, including Stormwater and Water & Sewer Utilities. You will plan budgets, supervise staff, and build partnerships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders.

The role requires strategic direction, program development, and oversight of complex utility operations, reporting to the Public Works Director. Excellent leadership and compliance skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Natural Resources, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Five years of management-level experience in storm water or utility operations with at least three years of supervisory experience.
• Budget development, utility rates setting/administration, and grant management knowledge.
• Proficient with PC software for word processing, research, data analysis, information retrieval, and tracking.
• Valid Washington state driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Directs department operations to achieve goals within budgeted funds and available personnel.
• Monitors hiring, training, scheduling, and assignment of employees; collaborates with HR on employee relations.
• Creates short and long-range development plans, including project timelines and staffing needs.
• Develops and oversees operating and capital budgets, expenditure controls, revenue tracking, and grant compliance.
• Coordinates division operations with other divisions and outside agencies as required.
• Develops, implements, and administers utility rate programs including rates, rebates, and billing adjustments.
• Oversees Water & Sewer Utilities and Stormwater Operations, including inspections, asset management, and 24-hour response.
• Manages Drainage Design/Erosion Control Manual and serves as Drainage Manual Administrator.
• Represents the County with professional and interagency groups to share plans and coordinate services.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder communication

Public administration knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Urban or Regional Planning, Natural Resources, Civil or Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, or related field

Job description

Thurston County Public Works Department in Olympia, WA, seeks a Water Resources Manager to lead the Water Resources Division, including Stormwater and Water & Sewer Utilities. You will plan budgets, supervise staff, and build partnerships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders.

The role requires strategic direction, program development, and oversight of complex utility operations, reporting to the Public Works Director. Excellent leadership and compliance skills are essential.