Utility Operations & Maintenance Division Director (Exec 3)

Utility Operations & Maintenance Division Director (Exec 3)

Salary

$164,868.48 - $272,087.28 Annually

Location

SPU Operation Control Center, 2700 Airport Way S., Seattle, WA

Job Type

Civil Service Exempt, Regular, Full-time

Job Number

2026-00867

Department

Seattle Public Utilities

Opening Date

08/03/2026

Closing Date

9/1/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits

Position Description

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a collaborative leader for its Utility Operations & Maintenance Division Director position. This position is responsible for a division of 95 professional and technical staff. The division operates and maintains much of SPUs infrastructure, including but not limited to drinking water pipes, pump stations, storage reservoirs and elevated tanks; drainage and wastewater pump stations and combined sewer overflow facilities; and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for drinking water and drainage and wastewater. The work is 24/7, including both around-the-clock system operations as well as emergency maintenance response. The division also includes the apprentice program, a two-year program that results in apprentices becoming Water Pipe Workers and Drainage and Wastewater Collection System Workers as part of SPUs workforce development program.

The Division is a multi-disciplinary team consisting of mechanics, electricians, machinists, pump station workers, storage maintenance crews, system operators, SCADA technicians, SCADA analysts, SCADA engineers, planner-schedulers, workforce development advisors, and administrators. This position reports to the Chief Operating Officer, Water Line of Business and Utility O&M Branch.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why join our team?

We know work isnt only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Job Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• The efficient and forward-looking operations and maintenance of SPUs drinking water pipes, pump stations, storage reservoirs and elevated tanks; drainage and wastewater pump stations; Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for drinking water and drainage and wastewater.
• Optimizing the delivery of drinking water from watersheds to 1.5 million people, ensuring adequate water quantity and pressure.
• Monitoring the drainage and wastewater system and identifying and resolving real-time issues that require attention.
• Providing reliable and efficient SCADA monitoring and control of the drinking water and drainage and wastewater systems.
• Producing accurate and timely analysis, data, reporting and technical guidance regarding the drinking water and drainage and wastewater systems to support efficient operations, regulatory compliance and system planning.
• Managing emergency responses to mitigate and quickly resolve public health and public safety protection issues and property impacts.
• Supporting Solid Waste with maintenance of the North and South Transfer Stations.
• Overseeing the apprenticeship program for Water Pipe Workers and Drainage and Wastewater Collection System Workers.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

Desired Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to create and foster a culture of empowerment and engagement through shared leadership (building a division leadership team where direct reports help co-lead the division).
• Experience managing a large operations and maintenance function with a diverse workforce in a unionized environment.
• Demonstrated success utilizing key performance indicators/metrics to assess performance and drive organizational improvements.
• Experience leading continuous performance improvement initiatives.
• Commitment to the City's Race and Social Justice initiative as well as our values of access, opportunity, and sustainability.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills in change management, team development, and service delivery excellence.
• Known for collaborative leadership, effective communication, and the ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Strong customer service orientation and advanced critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Qualifications

Experience: Eight (8) years increasingly responsible professional-level experience in a medium to large sized utility. Two (2) years supervisory experience is required.

Education: Bachelors degree in business or public administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Studies or a related field. If no degree, two (2) additional years of qualifying experience is required.

Certification/License: Washington State Distribution Manager IV certificate is desirable. A Washington State Wastewater Operator Certification is also desirable. Individuals eligible for certification through reciprocity will be considered.

Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification, professional and/or lived experience(s) will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.

Additional Information

Interview Process: Candidates who advance to the interview phase will be required to deliver a 10-minute presentation as part of their interview. The presentation topic will be provided to candidates in advance, allowing adequate time to prepare.

Workplace Environment: This position is fully in person, 5-days a week, as well as requirements to respond to 24/7 emergencies as needed. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The full salary range for this position is: $164,868.48 - $272,087.28 Annually

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: Dat Nguyen at dat.nguyen@seattle.gov.

How to Apply:

Fully complete the online application. We are not able to accept attachments such as resumes or cover letters, as part of a blind screening process used by the application software. Please include any relevant information from your resume and cover letter in the online application, instead of attaching them as separate files.

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle's Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.

More information about employee benefits is available on the Citys website at:

Benefits - Human Resources | seattle.gov

Employer City of Seattle

Address Seattle Municipal Tower

700 5th Avenue, Suite 5500

Seattle, Washington, 98104

Website http://www.seattle.gov/jobs