Planning and Public Works Maintenance Program Manager - Wastewater Treatment Plants

Why it's a great opportunity: The Chambers Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant is the 5^th largest wastewater treatment plant in the state that continues to expand for the people of Pierce County and is one of the most state of the art and complex anywhere. In this role you will oversee all maintenance activities related to general maintenance, modification for expansion work, contracts and contracted work, and maintenance planning. This scope will include replacements and upgrades in areas such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, biological, and other industrial areas of the plant. Work will be done on advanced membrane bioreactors (MBR), public water systems, pump stations, residential grinder pump stations, conveyance pipes, concrete structures, and facilities at three large campuses spanning Pierce County. The work you do here will ensure reliable wastewater treatment with a focus on water quality for the Puget Sound. 

Why it's a great department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.

How to be successful in the role: Your success will come from keeping these essential utilities working without issue. That will happen by effectively utilizing and building relationships with maintenance teams and supervisors, providing continuity between them, creating partnerships with other divisions, and effective maintenance planning. 

Your future in this role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.

Core daily responsibilities:

• Based on assets management systems, plan the annual maintenance program for a major area(s) of a Road, Utility or other divisions program. Oversee subordinate supervisors responsible for maintenance crews engaged in a wide variety of tasks. 
• Assign, plan, schedule, inspect, and evaluate work of subordinates; maintain work and personnel records; train new employees; enforce personnel rules; approve or deny use of sick leave, vacation leave, overtime and compensatory time; initiate disciplinary action; assist with the resolution of sensitive labor relations issues. 
• Prepare, monitor, and adjust emergency response plans. 
• Analyze operating procedures and devise the most efficient methods of accomplishing work. 
• Record work accomplished, fuel consumed, equipment mileage, accidents. 
• Develop, adjust and monitor plans, budgets, and schedules for anticipated work and equipment; authorize purchases within limits of authority; may monitor or control budget for assigned program. 
• Meet with the general public, public agencies or community organizations in order to promote or maintain favorable public relations. 
• Ensure staff is complying with applicable safety rules and regulations; review injury reports and recommend corrective actions; inspect work zones and facilities for safety compliance; monitor injury records for trends and recommend corrective actions; conduct periodic crew safety and training meetings. 
• Collaborate with internal staff to coordinate County-wide programs, establish program priorities and evaluate specific program requirements.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

• Related vocational training or education may substitute for up to two years of experience.
• Six years of progressively responsible work experience related to infrastructure maintenance which includes 2 years of lead or supervisory experience is required.
• A resume and cover letter are required for this position. 
• A valid driver’s license is required.

As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting "APPLY" above or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs. 
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title. 
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.  

Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position.Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style.

During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation.

Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews.

Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity.

Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service.

Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.