Engineering Manager - Surface Water Management

Description Summary

Why it's a great opportunity: This is an exceptional moment to join Pierce County’s Surface Water Management Division (SWM) within the Planning and Public Works Department (PPW). SWM is advancing some of the most meaningful multi-benefit watershed projects in the region – work that reduces flooding, restores salmon habitat, improves water quality, and strengthens community resilience. As an Engineering Manager with this team, you will help lead this momentum by guiding the prioritization, design, and implementation of a diverse portfolio of capital projects.

• Oversee a team of 20+ engineers, planners, and biologists delivering everything from large floodplain restoration and levee setback projects to water quality projects and passage barrier removals.
• The Clear Creek Habitat Restoration Project, a flagship effort beginning construction next year, will create new flood storage and vital off-channel habitat in the Lower Puyallup, exemplifying the type of high-impact work your team will help bring to life.
• Three supervisors will manage day-to-day project execution with you providing technical oversight as well as collaboration across Pierce County divisions.
• You will focus on capital delivery strategy, project prioritization, and funding in partnership with SWM’s Strategy team.
• As part of SWM’s four-person management team, you will help shape the long-term direction of the division – advancing projects that protect communities, support salmon recovery, and improve watershed health across Pierce County.

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!

How to be successful in the role

Success in this role comes from combining your technical expertise with your ability to lead people, build partnerships, and navigate complex natural systems. You will use your knowledge of river processes, geomorphology, and flood infrastructure to advance multi-year levee setback and floodplain restoration projects, accelerate the prioritization and replacement of fish passage barriers, and oversee implementation of high priority water quality improvement projects.

• Apply your project management experience to oversee complex capital projects, ensuring high-quality design, permitting, and construction will meet the Division’s goals.
• Your collaboration skills will be essential as you work across SWM to integrate water quality, flooding, and habitat objectives into cohesive, multi-benefit projects.
• Strong communication and coordination with other Pierce County divisions will help align timelines, resources, and community needs for complicated, high-visibility efforts.
• Finally, you will thrive by appreciating the nuanced nature of floodplain work – balancing the needs of residents, municipalities, tribes, and natural resources while advancing projects that improve safety, restore habitat, and support long-term watershed resilience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Eight years of progressively responsible work experience /or postsecondary education in the field of civil engineering OR
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or closely related field
• Five or more years of supervisory or management experience is required.
• This position requires certification as a Professional Engineer by the State of Washington or the ability to obtain such registration within six months of employment.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Supplemental Information

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. This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

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.