Special Project Manager

Job Description:

Special Project Manager

Description

Summary

This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time.

About the Role:
The King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is seeking an enthusiastic, strategic thinking, agile, and collaborative leader to manage and advise complex infrastructure programs and projects out of the Director’s Office. We need a proven politically savvy utility leader who will leverage their team building, project management and contracting expertise and experience to strategically resolve challenges that are as technically complex as they are critical to the quality of life of the communities we serve.

The Director’s Office is continually required to work on unanticipated projects through budget provisos, elected officials, interactions with MWPAAC partners, addressing strategic needs, coordinating policy issues, special interest groups, Community Based Organizations (CBO) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO) requests, etc. These unanticipated projects can be complex, of long duration, and/or needing stakeholder interaction and require the incumbent in this position to plan, strategize, and organize the work, direct team members, manage schedule and budget, develop reports, and close out the work. Innovative and collaborative approaches to improve the speed and efficiency of managing unanticipated, or politically sensitive projects will be an exciting challenge for this position. These are typically not traditional capital projects and require both politically savvy and the ability to strategically resolve challenges.

Our regional wastewater treatment system has a big job to do. Not only does it operate around the clock to sustain a healthy environment, but this vital infrastructure also supports economic development that enables our region to thrive. You will have the unique opportunity to work across all wastewater workgroups and lines of business to help shape how we as a utility adapt and respond to changing regulations and build infrastructure for future generations. You will be a key part of one of King County’s largest, most complex utilities with a variety of interesting, challenging, and critical projects.

Provide expertise in managing politically sensitive, inter-governmental, strategic, regulatory, and confidential projects/programs for the Wastewater Treatment Division’s Director’s Office. Manage projects/programs that will likely be subject to substantial scrutiny of elected officials, citizens, community-based organizations and special interest groups, etc. Projects/programs will have multiple diverse stakeholders with differing and potentially conflicting desired outcomes.

The initial primary body of work will be to serve as project manager, on behalf of the WTD’s Director’s Office, to implement the clean-up remedy for the Upper Reach of the Lower Duwamish Waterway (LDW). The clean-up of the Upper, Middle and Lower Reaches of the Waterway is a collaborative effort of the Lower Duwamish Waterway Group (LDWG) - a public-private partnership between The Boeing Company, the City of Seattle, and King County - committed to advancing the EPA-led cleanup of the Lower Duwamish. About LDWG - Lower Duwamish Waterway Group

• LDWG is committed to advancing EPA-led cleanup of contaminated sediments in the LDW, working with Ecology, who is leading efforts to control sources of contamination from areas upland of the waterway.
• Cleanup will enhance the health of the LDW for tribes and community members, support a more thriving economy, and provide a healthier habitat for fish and wildlife.

This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.

About the Team:
The Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is dedicated to safeguarding water quality and public health in the central Puget Sound region. Our primary mission is to provide high-quality treatment to wastewater collected from local sewer agencies. With a workforce of about 1000 employees and multiple facilities, we serve a population of 2 million people. Our goal is to ensure clean water for the present and future generations, preserving the natural beauty of our environment. We are committed to accountability, both to our ratepayers and to operating as a well-managed agency.
At WTD, we firmly believe in the principles of equity and social justice. We recognize the value of diverse perspectives and life experiences within our workforce and strive to foster a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. We provide equitable services to all residents and businesses across King County, promoting fairness and equal access for all. Join our team at WTD and contribute to our mission of protecting water quality, upholding our commitment to equity, and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for our community.
Commitment to Equity, Racial and Social Justice:
King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Special Project Manager , you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity .

Apply now for a rewarding career at the Wastewater Treatment Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits , and growth opportunities.

Job Duties

What You Will Be Doing :

• Determine scope and issues, ensuring project/programs are aligned with County strategies, initiatives, and Wastewater Treatment Division mission, vision, values, and goals. Set priorities. Monitor and document progress.
• Develop short-term plans to establish service or to mitigate major issues and develop timelines for implementation. Draft long-range plans to ensure programs remains in compliance with all relevant State, Federal, local and King County requirements and regulations.
• Manage and control day-to-day activities, issues, risks, quality, and budget. Lead matrixed staff.
• Prepare and give presentations to internal and external audiences on progress, current status and responses to identified issues.
• Maintain open, continuous communication with citizen groups and other interested parties to mitigate negative exposure and report progress.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills

Qualifications You Bring:

• Advanced knowledge of strategic planning principles and practices; advanced analytical and conceptual skills.
• Advanced knowledge and skill in managing highly visible and politically sensitive projects; skill in organizing, planning and execution.
• Knowledge and skill in managing projects for a large organization with diverse business operations, strategic information requirements and priorities.
• Skill in effectively communicating orally and in writing, including making formal presentations to groups and committees, influencing decision-makers in a political environment, and working with the media and the public.
• Skill in problem-solving, conflict resolution, negotiating and decision making.
• Skill in handling multiple competing priorities.
• Skill in managing and leading multi-discipline work teams; skill in working with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Competencies You Bring :

• Manages Complexity - Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Decision Quality - Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.
• Strategic Mindset - Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• Collaborates - Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Manages Ambiguity - Operating effectively, even when things are not certain, or the way forward is not clear.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• Experience with project management within a complex operating utility or government infrastructure.
• Experience partnering with other governmental agencies, jurisdictions, regulators, tribes and/or community groups.
• Regulatory strategic ability including regulatory interpretation, compliance risk assessment, negotiation, interaction with regulators and experience crafting and implementing regulatory mechanisms.

Supplemental Information

Work Condition:

• Work Details: The WTD Director's Office team works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting.The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on the business needs and is subject to change.The primary onsite location is the collaboration space at King Street Center - 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104, additional onsite locations may include: West Point Treatment Plant, 1400 Discovery Park Blvd. Seattle, South Treatment Plant 1200 Monster Road S.W., Renton, Brightwater Treatment Plant 22505 State Route 9 S.E., Woodinville.
  
• Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington State and be within a reasonable distance to King County worksites to meet onsite reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
  
• Work Schedule: This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
  
• Union Representation: This position is not represented by a Union
  

Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified internal King County employees only. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment : (subject to change )

• Technical Interview: Virtual interview will be held in February 2026
  
• P anel interview: Virtual interviews will be held in late February into March 2026
  

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Responses to the supplemental questions

Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.

W ho to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Diana Eberly at diana.eberly@kingcounty.gov

Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division: Visit our website and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , YouTube , and the WTD Blog .

Discover More About DNRP: Visit our DNRP website , explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , LinkedIn , TikTok , Instagram , YouTube and Keeping King County Green News .

Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.

Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.
Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North" , we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer
No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

King County offers a highly-competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs:

• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents
• Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependents
• Retirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation plan
• Transportation program and ORCA transit pass
• 12paid holidays each year plus twopersonal holidays
• Generous vacation and paid sick leave
• Paid parental,family and medical, and volunteer leaves
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness programs
• Onsite activity centers
• Employee Giving Program
• Employee assistance programs
• Flexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on position
• Training and career development programs

For additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page .

This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails.

NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position.Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.

For inquiries about the specifics of this position, please contact the recruiter identified on this job posting.

Closing Date/Time: 2/3/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$149,842.99 - $189,934.58 Annually