Water & Wastewater Operations Manager (Program Specialist 5)

Description

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission  

Travel: This position will require extensive travel between parks, throughout the State Park system.

Washington State Parks is seeking an experienced and motivated Statewide Operations Water and Wastewater Manager to lead and oversee the operation, compliance, and long-term management of the agency’s water and wastewater systems across the state. In this highly visible and technical leadership role, you will serve as the agency’s subject matter expert (SME) for public water systems, wastewater systems, and cross-connection control programs. You will provide statewide technical direction, ensure regulatory compliance, support capital improvement planning, and help safeguard public health while supporting Washington State Parks’ mission to provide exceptional recreational and conservation experiences.

This role offers a unique opportunity to apply advanced technical expertise in support of public health, environmental stewardship, and outdoor recreation statewide. You’ll work across diverse landscapes and systems, collaborate with dedicated professionals, and play a critical role in protecting Washington’s parks and the visitors who enjoy them. 

Apply today and help ensure safe, reliable water and wastewater systems for Washington State Parks—now and for generations to come.

Duties

This position monitors compliance with state and local regulators through on-site inspections and visits, provides necessary training, and has routine communication with internal and external system affiliates.  

Some of the job duties include:

• Develop and implement agency-wide policies, standards, and best practices related to water and wastewater system operations, maintenance, and long-term management.
• Manage contracts for outsourced system operations by third party providers. 
• Perform routine inspections of MBR plants, LOSS systems, Lagoons, drain fields, and other wastewater systems and components. 
• Perform routine inspections of water drinking systems, coliform monitoring plans, reservoirs, water treatment systems, well heads, etc.  
• Maintains all required credentials and certifications in water and wastewater services as described herein 
  • Systems in Scope
    • Water Systems: All Class A TNC domestic water systems statewide, with and without treatment (e.g., chlorination, filtration).
    • Wastewater Systems:
      • 4 Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) systems
      • 1 Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system
      • Multiple Large On-Site Sewage Systems (LOSS)
      • Lagoon-based systems
      • Numerous small septic systems

• Independently operate a motor vehicle and travel to work sites to perform the essential functions of the position.

• Ensure Regulatory compliance with Department of Health (DOH), Department of Ecology (ECY), EPA, and local health jurisdiction requirements.
• Track and evaluate system performance using SCADA, monitoring data, and inspections.
• Develop and deliver training for staff on operations, maintenance, and compliance of water and wastewater systems.
• Provide technical reviews of engineering reports, designs, specifications, and construction documents for capital improvements.
• Participate in project scoping, prioritization, and planning for system upgrades and replacements.

Schedule: Four days per week, generally Monday through Thursday. Core work hours are typically 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Incumbent may be expected to adjust the work scheduled to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule will be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval. 

Work Setting: This position works in various work environments, including office, vehicles, and in a park or field setting to include indoor and outdoor work environments. Work tasks vary which require attending to various weather conditions including inclement weather, at heights, within confined spaces, and below grades.  Work is performed in all types of terrain and will require sitting, standing, bending, twisting and walking for long periods of time. Remote work is possible part time. 

Travel: This position will require extensive travel between parks, throughout the State Park system. Travel will be required for statewide meetings, training, or other field work. Travel will be necessary in all types of weather conditions and climates.  Overnight travel will occur regularly.  

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

At least four (4) years of experience in water/wastewater utility operations, including at least one (1) year in a technical lead role. 

Valid Driver’s License, unrestricted other than corrective lenses.

Must possess or be able to obtain Washington State certifications 

1. Water Distribution Manager (WDM) II or higher (or ability to obtain within 1 year)
2. Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Group II or higher (or ability to obtain within 1 year)
3. CCS Certification Cross Connections Specialist (or ability to obtain within 24 months)
4. Backflow Certification (or ability to obtain within 24 months)

Desirable:

• Experience with membrane treatment technologies, including MBR systems.
• Experience managing water and wastewater systems in rural or recreational settings.
• Strong working knowledge of Washington DOH, Ecology, and EPA regulations.
• Proficiency in SCADA systems, GIS, and asset management software.
• PE license in Civil or Environmental Engineering 
• Experience in wastewater collection and disposal 

Core Competencies:

Technical Water & Wastewater Systems Expertise - demonstrates advanced knowledge of water and wastewater system operations, including Class A TNC water systems, MBR and RBC treatment technologies, LOSS, lagoons, septic systems, and municipal connections. 

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management - ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations (DOH, Ecology, EPA, and local health jurisdictions). Proactively identifies compliance risks, prepares for inspections, manages corrective actions, and maintains accurate documentation to protect public health and minimize regulatory and operational risk.

Leadership & Program Management- provides statewide leadership and direction for water and wastewater programs. Develops and implements agency-wide policies, standards, and best practices.

Training, Communication & Workforce Development - develops and delivers training on system operations, maintenance, and compliance. Communicates clearly with field staff, leadership, regulators, and contractors. 

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving- applies logical and innovative approaches to design challenges and construction issues; conducts field investigations and adjusts designs or approaches as needed.

Take action to learn and grow- considering and incorporating new information and different perspectives.

Ability to take action to meet the needs of others- collaborating with others to overcome challenges and find solutions.

Supplemental Information

Only candidates who reflect the minimum qualifications on their NEOGOV profile will be considered. Failure to follow the application instructions below may lead to disqualification. To apply for this position, you will need to complete your profile which includes three professional references and attach:

• Letter of Interest specifically addressing the qualifications listed in this announcement.
• Current resume.

To take advantage of veteran preference, please do the following:

• Attach a copy of your DD214 (Member 4 long-form copy), NGB 22, or USDVA signed verification of service letter. 
• Please black out any PII (personally identifiable information) data such as social security numbers. Include your name as it appears on your application in careers.wa.gov. 
• For more information on Veteran's Preference and instructions on how to check your eligibility, click here.

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers to the application questions. Answers will be verified, and documentation may be required. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

This position is covered by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). Once the listed positions are filled, this recruitment announcement may also be used to fill additional positions for up to sixty (60) days. For more information:https://wfse.org/

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment.


About Parks: 

Want to join a great organization? State parks connect all Washingtonians to their diverse natural and cultural heritage and provide memorable recreational and educational experiences that enhance their lives, this is a mission like no other state agency. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages one of the largest, most diverse, and beautiful state parks systems in the country. The state park system is comprised of 124 state parks and properties covering over 138,000 acres throughout the state. The park system includes marine parks, heritage sites, historic parks, interpretive centers, retreat centers, ocean beaches and hundreds of miles of trails. The agency is also responsible for the state’s winter recreation program, boating safety and vessel pump out program and numerous contracted concession operations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission cares for Washington's most treasured lands, waters, and historic places. For more information on Washington State Parks, click here.

Diversity Policy Statement: 
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to build a workplace culture that is welcoming and inclusive in which all employees feel respected and empowered to bring their unique ideas to the agency. At State Parks, we believe that embracing diverse backgrounds and experiences is essential to growing a strong workforce. We encourage applicants underrepresented in natural resources and outdoor recreation fields to apply, including but not limited to women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), individuals with disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, disabled and Vietnam era veterans, persons over 40 years of age, and individuals who identify as a part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the human resources office at (360) 902-8565. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

 
For information about the recruitment process and qualifications, please contact Wendy Vandel at Wendy.Vandel@parks.wa.gov or (360) 902-8688.   



                                                                   

All applicants with a legal right to work in the United States are encouraged to apply.

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