Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III

Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III

This opportunity is open to current King County employees. We are not accepting external applications at this time. King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) Environmental and Community Services Section (ECSS) is seeking up to two (2) qualified candidates for the role of Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III to support complex projects that protect and enhance water quality. This position will act as a subject matter expert representing water quality permitting issues on capital projects during design and implementation. This is a great opportunity to play a critical role in upholding King County's values of responsible environmental stewardship while supporting projects that deliver essential public infrastructure to communities. The Water Quality team is a high-performing, dynamic group of professionals who provide expertise on the development and execution of water quality management for construction of capital improvement projects. This senior-level position will offer opportunities to apply and enhance technical skills related to construction site water management and erosion and sediment controls, and will also provide water quality compliance oversight on WTD construction projects, all in a collaborative environment.

About the Role This senior-level position will use technical expertise in water quality principles to support a wide range of capital projects and programs during all phases of project delivery. As a Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III, this position will independently manage a diverse project portfolio to ensure Ecology's Construction Stormwater General Permit (CSWGP), King County Industrial Waste (KCIW) permits, and local municipality stormwater and sanitary sewer permits are acquired in an efficient and timely manner. This position will oversee and coordinate the development of project strategies for temporary erosion and sediment control and site water management with consultant and county project teams. Work includes performing Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) functions during construction to ensure water quality requirements are met. The Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III will independently support capital projects and programs by serving as a construction water quality subject matter expert on projects with complex or significant environmental impacts. This role includes opportunities to apply stormwater and dewatering site water management expertise to project design and implementation in collaboration with Environmental Planners, Mitigation-Monitoring staff, Construction Management staff, and other project team members. The WQPPM III will also support program development by collaborating with other team members on contract scopes of work, facility program planning, and program goals. This position provides a career growth opportunity for candidates with broad expertise in stormwater management and temporary erosion and sediment control principles and practices, surface water quality requirements for construction, hazardous spill and emergency response procedures, CSWGP and KCIW permit compliance, contract management, construction processes, and knowledge of environmental regulations such as the federal Clean Water Act, the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES), and the Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

About the Team WTD's mission is to protect public health and the environment by collecting and cleaning wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a thriving Puget Sound. 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 flourish. WTD's Environmental and Community Services Section has over 110 employees supporting the growth and strategic development of the largest capital program in King County, with projects and programs stretching across 2,200 square miles and serving a population of over two million people. ECSS integrates permitting, environmental review, ecological protection and mitigation/restoration, real estate acquisition and management, and community engagement. Within ECSS, the Environmental Services Unit provides subject matter expertise in environmental review, environmental permitting and regulatory compliance strategy, cultural resources protection, and environmental mitigation. ECSS is committed to WTD's core values of environmental stewardship, quality of service, and financial accountability. Our team members are empowered to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, learn and grow from each other, and create innovative solutions to various challenges. Our commitment to equity, racial, and social justice, consistent with King County's values, makes our teams stronger and allows us to serve King County residents more effectively, especially related to environmental determinants of equity. 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 Water Quality Planner/Project Manager III, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at

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.

What You Will Be Doing Serve as a water quality subject matter expert for complex, high-risk capital and operating projects involving decisions where guidelines or procedures may not exist and therefore may need to be developed by this position and/or use critical thinking to overcome challenges. Provide technical expertise on construction site water management and sediment/erosion control during design and implementation for complex capital projects and programs. Conduct weekly construction site inspections of temporary erosion and sediment controls (TESC) and water quality permit compliance. Develop scopes of work for consultant support of capital projects. Coordinate with Washington Department of Ecology, King County Industrial Waste, and local jurisdictions to resolve construction challenges and ensure projects meet surface water quality and sanitary sewer requirements. Support other Water Quality and Mitigation and Monitoring staff as needed.

Qualifications You Bring Extensive knowledge of water quality principles including competency within any of the following fields of study: environmental engineering or planning, geology, hydrology, water resource management, environmental monitoring, environmental permitting and related fields. At least five years of experience conducting construction inspections with responsibilities for compliance with Construction Stormwater General Permit and King County Industrial Waste permits. Excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to convey complex technical information effectively to multiple audiences, including multi-disciplinary project teams, contractors, organizational leadership, regulatory agencies, and diverse interested parties. Ability to analyze and summarize complex data and information to inform project planning and construction implementation. Excellent technical writing skills including the ability to provide editorial review and preparation of environmental planning documents and scopes of work. Experience working with construction contract specifications and contractors to ensure water management plans conform with permitted conditions and plans. Knowledge of dewatering processes, permit implications, and procedures for managing dewatering discharges. Knowledge of critical area protections and restoration principles.

Competencies You Bring Action Oriented: Taking on new opportunities and tough challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy, and enthusiasm. 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. Decision Quality: Making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward. Required Licenses/Certifications: A valid Washington State Driver's License (ability to travel to work sites not served by public transportation). Certified Erosion Control and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) It Would Be Great if You Also Bring ISA Certified Arborist Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC) Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan preparation, such as Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD) Physical Requirements: Outdoor work in uneven terrain will be an essential function of the position; work outdoors will typically be no more than 3 hours at a time. This will be dependent on project schedules and construction activities and will occur year-round. Workplace Exposures: Exposure to onsite construction noise during weekly inspections.

Working Conditions Work Location: The Environmental and Community Services 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 business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson, Seattle, Washington 98104. Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace 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 full-time position works a 40-hour work week. 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 represented by Technical Employees Association (TEA).

Application and Selection Process: We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. 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 a technical assessment and one or more panel interviews. Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment (dates subject to change): Panel Interview: virtual interview - mid to late July 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. Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact