Engineering Program Manager - Water

Salary Range 10,844.00 - 16,266.00 Job Summary The City of Vancouver is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to help lead Washingtons third-largest municipal water system. Serving approximately 280,000 residents across a 72-square-mile service area, the utility delivers groundwater-sourced drinking water through nine well fields producing an average of 27 million gallons daily. The Water Engineering Division provides leadership in the planning, design, operation, and maintenance of the Citys water production, treatment, and distribution systems, while supporting regulatory compliance and asset management initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to lead critical infrastructure and capital improvement projects tied to the Citys Comprehensive Water System Plan update and help shape the future of a growing regional water utility.

The primary responsibilities for the job are to plan, direct, manage, supervise, and coordinate the programs and activities of Water Engineering within the Public Works Department through participation in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities. This role ensures effective management of the drinking water utility and compliance with water production, treatment, and distribution regulations. Key responsibilities include overseeing engineering budgets, program planning and capital improvement programs, advising the Utilities Engineering Manager, Public Works Director, and other Public Works managements as well as supervising staff responsible for capital improvement projects, developer water system approvals, water system plan implementation, and grants management.

This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm.

At this time, this position is eligible for a hybrid schedule of telework for up to two days per work week. As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion based on business needs. Telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently, all employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the City cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Open until filled. First review - June 18, 2026.

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range. Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidates relevant experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position. Job Details

Essential Functions:

• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of water utility service delivery methods and procedures; plan, direct, coordinate, and review the work plan; assess and monitor staff workload, assign work projects and programs; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures; identify opportunities for improvement and review recommendations with Public Works management and Director
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; Define and coordinate training and career development for staff; Conduct annual performance evaluations; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures. conduct corrective actions as needed; Engage with upper management and HR involvement is necessary.
• Prepare and implement long range planning for Public Works systems including the Water System Plan and necessary improvement for the Water utility to ensure needs are met and that State and Federal requirements are fulfilled. Identify and determine the scope of technical studies needed and the level of planning required to support and inform management of the City's Water Utility.
• Manage and participate in the development and administration of the annual budget, including capital improvement funding; develop a forecast to plan for additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; direct and implement adjustments as necessary. Identify, determine, and prioritize budget items.
• Review and approve engineering plans and specifications, design, environmental documents, reports and studies including site evaluations; review development engineering plans, ensuring they meet Federal State and local regulations.
• Develop interlocal agreements with surrounding agencies relating to the provision of drinking water
• Coordinate work with water operations and assist with operational and maintenance related issues as well as water quality issues.
• Coordinate work with other city departments and divisions (Community Development, Fire, City Managers office, Procurement, Construction, Transportation, IT, Law), other local water utilities, local agencies and municipalities, state Department of Health and Department of Ecology.
• Hire consultants and manage consultants and consultant contracts.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned .

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Five (5) years of professional utility engineering experience (drinking water experience preferred); and two years experience managing and supervising staff. Experience in the public sector or entities of similar complexity is preferred.
• Equivalent to a Bachelors Degree in civil engineering or related field Bachelor's Degree
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Washington State
• Drivers license

Knowledge

• Principles and practices of modern civil engineering and water utility management
• Principles and practices relating to the supervision of public employees, both union and non-union
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws that pertain to: providing water to the 3rd largest customer base in Washington
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Facilitate work team in solving problems and developing service provisions
• Effectively manage and supervise professional and technical staff
• Select, coach, supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Analyze, interpret and apply City policies and procedures
• Prepare and administer budgets
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient water engineering services
• Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations
• Identify problems or issues and develop effective solutions
• Define short-and long-term goals and corresponding services and timelines to affect their implementation
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouvers Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Always provide a high level of customer service
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Responsible for ensuring a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Ensures supervised employee review of the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job-related safety concerns. Reports and appropriately escalates all safety issues and all injuries.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract .

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope youll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and cultures. We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team is key to innovation, effectiveness and a positive culture. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The City of Vancouver is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that extends equal opportunity to all individuals, regardless of their race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability sexual orientation or gender identity. Employment decisions will be made to further the principle of equal employment opportunity and to comply with state, federal and local laws. We affirm through this policy statement our continuing commitment to the principles of equity and nondiscrimination.

Veterans Preference: Under Washington law, qualified veterans may be eligible for Veterans preference when applying for City of Vancouver positions. Honorably discharged Veterans, their surviving spouses or spouses of honorably discharged Veterans with a permanent and total service-connected disability who would like to be considered for a Veterans preference for this job should provide the qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

ADA Accommodation: Accommodations will be considered for applicants or candidates with a qualifying disability that prevents them from participating in this process. Accommodations will be made where the City can reasonably provide them without imposing an undue hardship on the business or compromising the integrity of the recruitment process. An applicant with any disability who believes that they need an accommodation should contact Human Resources: call ... or email hrfront1@cityofvancouver.us

Job Posting End Date Open Until Filled