Projects Advisor *OPEN TO DEPARTMENT ONLY*

Snohomish County Facilities & Fleet is seeking a Project Advisor with a focus on building systems and electrical engineering. This role involves guiding the project team and electrical group on complex building system projects, compliance reporting, and risk management.

About the role

Assist and advise the Director in planning and coordinating special projects. Assume lead responsibility for assigned projects, providing coordination among departmental divisions and external entities, and managing work programs within the department.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and assume direct responsibility for strategic special projects requiring multi-disciplinary or multi-divisional coordination, including those needed to comply with federal, state, and local mandates for sustainability and energy conservation.
• Assume lead responsibility in planning and coordinating departmental activities; develop work plans, monitor progress against goals, and coordinate with other county departments.
• Review and analyze program objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards; recommend and implement improvements.
• Supervise and direct consultant and staff teams; evaluate performance and develop performance measures.
• Research and monitor county, state, and federal legislation relevant to the department; collect, analyze, and present data for future usage and cost forecasting.
• Develop short- and long-range plans and assist in annual budget preparation.
• Promote customer service and public relations through communication and outreach, including social media and coordination with external agencies.
• Represent the department at public meetings, hearings, and council sessions; serve as liaison to technical advisory committees and interest groups.
• Provide technical assistance and advise the director on resolving conflicts or problems; respond to inquiries or complaints.
• Direct the preparation of standard operating procedures, status reports, and comprehensive studies.
• Drive an inclusive organizational culture of continuous improvement through knowledge sharing, vocal advocacy, and hands-on leadership.
• Promote stakeholder relations and coordinate special programs with other divisions, county departments, and outside agencies.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a field directly related to the department’s work (e.g., electrical engineering, building systems).
• Four years of experience in work related to the specific requirements of the position, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Two years of supervisory or management experience may be required.
• In-depth knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations related to building systems.
• Practical experience applying principles of electricity, power distribution, programmable logic controls, and electronic systems (fire, life safety, access control, security, video, electrical, HVAC).
• Experience managing projects, overseeing complex building systems, and leading teams.
• Cross-functional knowledge of major building system operations.
• When assigned to Facilities and Fleet: knowledge of electrical systems, infrastructure, and applicable codes and standards (e.g., EL-01 certification); familiarity with energy management principles (e.g., Certified Energy Manager, Building Operator Certification).
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License may be required.

Skills

• Evaluate programs, policies, and procedures; analyze operations and resolve problems.
• Develop program plans and budgets; evaluate work accomplishments.
• Mediate and resolve planning issues involving opposing interest groups.
• Direct and lead professional and technical staff.
• Analyze and resolve work-related problems.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with management, staff, and the public.
• Communicate effectively with diverse cultural, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules, and regulations governing department operations.
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate data; present findings clearly.
• Work under pressure, meet deadlines, and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Listen, be flexible, and sensitive to the needs of others.

Benefits

Snohomish County offers a comprehensive benefits package for regular employees working at least 20 hours per week, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Retirement benefits.
• Basic Group Term Life Insurance/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D).
• Long Term Disability (LTD).
• Commuting benefits.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Partners for Health Employee Wellness Program.
• Paid leave and holidays.
• Voluntary benefits, including deferred compensation (457(b)), supplemental life insurance, and flexible spending accounts (FSA).

Regular full-time employees (35+ hours/week) pay monthly premiums for medical insurance; the County covers vision, dental, and basic life insurance. Regular part-time employees (20–34 hours/week) pay pro-rated premiums for medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance. Temporary, seasonal, and paid interns may be eligible for medical benefits under the ACA Employer Shared Responsibility Guide.

Schedule

The work is performed remotely or in an office environment with frequent field trips throughout the county for meetings and site visits. The employee may be required to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as necessary.

Reports to the Director, Deputy Director, or a Division Director/Manager. Work is performed with a high degree of independence and reviewed through conferences, periodic reports, and results obtained.