Published date: January 21, 2026
Job Title: Utility Engineering Manager (2025 Salary)
Organization: City of Lacey
Address: 420 College St SE, Lacey, Washington
Job Website Link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/laceywa/jobs/5195115/utility-engineering-manager-2025-salary?sort=PostingDate%7CDescending&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Short Description:
BASIC PURPOSE
Reporting to the Water Resources Manager, under limited supervision, the Utility Engineering Manager is responsible for design and project management of Public Works utilities capital improvement projects (e.g. potable water, reclaimed water, and wastewater). This position is responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, reviewing and performing advanced level professional engineering assignments such as work surrounding utility capital projects; supervising and coaching section staff; managing the Work-in-Progress (WIP) Board process, and development and delivery of public works utility projects; and serving as a liaison to the Engineering and Operations Divisions.
May act as the Water Resources Manager in their absence.
Please note: The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.
First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for February 3, 2026.
*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*
Job Category: Engineering Manager
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary and Benefits Information: $10,413.07 – $13,329.59 Monthly + Benefits
Full Description:
BASIC PURPOSE
Reporting to the Water Resources Manager, under limited supervision, the Utility Engineering Manager is responsible for design and project management of Public Works utilities capital improvement projects (e.g. potable water, reclaimed water, and wastewater). This position is responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, reviewing and performing advanced level professional engineering assignments such as work surrounding utility capital projects; supervising and coaching section staff; managing the Work-in-Progress (WIP) Board process, and development and delivery of public works utility projects; and serving as a liaison to the Engineering and Operations Divisions.
May act as the Water Resources Manager in their absence.
Please note: The Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time.
First round interviews are tentatively scheduled for February 3, 2026.
*This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.*
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
These duties include but are not limited to the following:
Leadership, Development and Coaching
Manages the effective use of Water Resources utility engineering and project management staff resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service.
Supervises, coaches, trains and mentors section staff regarding water, reclaimed water, and wastewater utility work. Schedules, assigns and monitors workloads to ensure timely completion of projects, and approves monthly timesheets.
Assigns duties and responsibilities, hires, trains, coaches, motivates, directs, evaluates performance, and confronts and resolves performance problems, including performance counseling, handling grievances, discipline, and recommendations to terminate when appropriate.
Facilitates problem solving in the division and encourages a high degree of communication within the section and with other sections, divisions, and departments affected or impacted by section work.
Leads by example, maintaining high standards of behavior and performance. Assists with the development of goals, priorities and work programs for the section.
Takes initiative in recommending changes in work methods, policies, and procedures to improve levels of service delivery and improve overall operating efficiencies.
Utility Projects Oversight
Oversees the management of all utility capital projects such as conducting engineering studies and designs on existing and new pump stations, potable water supply wells, storage reservoirs, and stormwater facilities.
Leads Work-in-Progress (WIP) and monthly stakeholder meetings.
Coordinates and assists in selecting and managing engineering consulting firm(s).
Responsible for the quality, accuracy, and timely completion of utility capital projects, and for the performance of division project managers and engineers and engineering consulting teams.
Updates Water Resource Manager and others on capital projects and reports critical project components.
Updates the Public Works Director and Water Resource Manager on the overall cost and schedule of utility projects committed to annually when pulled from multi-year Utility Comprehensive Plans and multi-year Utility Rate Studies.
Coordinates with Engineering and Operations supervisors and staff, as well as the Public Affairs’ staff, to provide construction and project informational releases, and other public informational displays and media relating to engineering practice and policy. Assists the public by responding to citizen inquiries regarding project related matters.
Facilitates effective and timely communication between Water Resources, Engineering and Operations staff on utility projects. Evaluates and provides recommendations on the utility portions of projects from other departments to the Water Resource Manager.
May occasionally serve as the Project Manager/Engineer on assigned Public Works utility projects, primarily projects where the engineering design work is contracted out, where higher level communications will benefit the project, and where Council and community interest are high. Determines the appropriate design and methodology for completion of projects.
Responds to public requests for assistance on issues relating to water utility services which require engineering analysis and/or administrative action. Contacts property owners to collect data, solicit support, or inform residents in regards to assigned projects.
Creates and oversees implementation of plans that will help the organization meet goals required for estimated service delivery requirements.
Utility Operations Oversight
Coordinates as a key team member with Engineering and Operation supervisors and staff to monitor and analyze the utility systems for deficiencies and makes recommendations for improvements in design and operation.
Uses computer to review SCADA (Supervisory and Control Data) and analyze facilities information to optimize system operations and meet regulatory requirements.
Provides leadership, oversight, and analysis to determine appropriate facilities settings and coordinates with project managers on facilities startup for utility projects.
Conducts plan review and inspection of utility construction projects (private and public) for conformance to all guidelines and specifications, including national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permits.
Assesses and makes determinations on the adequacy of fire flow for new and redevelopment projects as well as the effects of utility capital projects (e.g. transmission mains) on fire flows.
May develop plans, specifications, and estimates and perform system modeling for municipal infrastructure projects, with a focus on water, wastewater, and reclaimed water projects. The position may also work on transportation related projects, facilities, park improvements, and other miscellaneous projects related to utilities.
Budget Management:
Ensures projects stay within budget and on schedule and are designed, administered, and constructed to Federal, State, and City standards and requirements.
Coordinates with the Utility Capital Program Manager on the development of funding packages for Public Works projects.
Assists with preparation of the division budget with the objective of achieving and/or maintaining a cost-effective level of operations for public services.
Oversees staff contributions to the yearly utility capital improvement budget proposal including identifying internal and external stakeholder needs and determining projects to be pulled for work, providing project documentation (e.g. budget spreadsheets, WIP Board) and determining staffing resources and budget estimates.
Directs budget meetings with stakeholders to identify projects, project scope, and prioritization.
Other duties as assigned:
Prepares reports and presentations pertaining to assigned projects. Makes presentations to City officials, community groups, contractors, and citizens.
May perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent AND six (6) years of progressively responsible professional engineering and public administrative experience in public works construction improvement projects and water and wastewater delivery systems. Must have a minimum of three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrent.
OR
A Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent AND four (4) years of progressively responsible professional engineering and public administrative experience in public works construction improvement projects and water and wastewater delivery systems. Must have a minimum of three (3) years of lead or supervisory experience which may have been obtained concurrent.
*May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above requirements.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Water Distribution Manager Certification III or IV Certification.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington or equivalent license in another state and the ability to obtain a Washington State Professional Engineer license within six (6) months of hire.
Must pass a thorough background investigation and successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Must be attentive to job safety considerations and follows all required safety policies, procedures and techniques.
Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire, and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier.
Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be complete as required by the Immigration and Reform and Control Act.
Emergency Management (NIMS/FEMA) certifications must be obtained within one (1) year of employment.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Principles and techniques of management and supervision including: work plan design, scheduling, supervision, training, coaching, employee relations, performance evaluation, and employee development.
Supervising in a unionized environment.
Extensive knowledge related to the administration of Public Works systems, civil engineering design, construction principles and practices, and City utilities. Knowledge of methods, practices, and techniques of the maintenance, repair, and operation of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
Advanced administrative principles, practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or in a project team.
Extensive knowledge of public administration principles, practices, methods, procedures, and techniques. Knowledge of effective management, supervisory, organizational principles and practices and the ability to incorporate those into leadership behaviors.
Working knowledge of computers and their applications as they pertain to this position.
Skill in:
Presenting on complex topics to large and diverse audiences.
Managing the diverse work activities of division in a manner conducive to proficient performance, high morale, and division effectiveness.
Demonstrating the expected standards of behavior and performance for employees.
English language usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
The principles of business letter writing.
Demonstrated experience with the principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
Resolving complex problems and mediating or facilitating cooperation among conflicting parties.
Ability to:
Communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive, effective, and professional manner; both orally and in writing.
Effectively troubleshoot and resolve issues related to project planning, coordination, timeliness and delivery of construction projects, and utility management.
Effectively supervise staff and direct successful completion of utility projects.
Effectively present complicated information, project plans and budgeting in a clear, straightforward manner.
Independently analyze a variety of administrative, environmental, and civic problems as they relate to assigned projects and to make sound recommendations as to their solution. Considers advantages and disadvantages of proposals and offers statistical data, supportable documentation, and/or engineering or financial analysis to support recommendations.
Accurately prepare and/or direct the preparation of project budgets, supporting analysis, and reports and develops a recommendation as to an appropriate course of action.
Perceive when non-routine activities are required and offers to help without needing to be asked.
Make efforts to modify workload to assist with emergent problems, assignments, or projects whenever feasible.
Effectively manage and coordinate assigned design projects and effectively manage project staff.
Provide professional and progressive expertise and coaching to assisting staff.
Work independently and make appropriate decisions regarding work methods and assignments.
Work from written and/or oral instructions and the ability to interpret engineering plans, surveys notes, and legal descriptions.
Manage and prioritize multiple projects, completing assigned work quickly and accurately under stress when it is necessary to comply with a deadline.
Ensure clear and concise preparation of written contract specifications.