Capital Readiness Project Manager (PPM IV)

The Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is seeking an energetic and motivated Capital Readiness Program Manager candidate for our Capital Readiness Program within the Capital Strategy, Quality, and Standards (SQS) unit.

WTD’s Capital Program has grown significantly over the last 30 years and is expected to nearly triple in size over the next decade to keep pace with population growth, increasing regulatory requirements, and aging infrastructure. Change, growth, innovation, and continuous improvement have always been central to WTD’s culture. As we expand our Capital Program, learning from past experiences, driving innovation, and maximizing efficiency remain core organizational values.

Nearly all WTD projects are mission critical and directly aligned to protect public health and the environment by collecting and cleaning wastewater while recovering valuable resources for a thriving Puget Sound region. However, near-term demands are outpacing available resources. As responsible stewards of ratepayer funds, our Capital Program is prioritizing efficient deployment of increased staffing, new project delivery methods, and process enhancements. Our current efforts to improve, streamline, and standardize capital delivery processes and have been collectively referred to as ‘Capital Readiness’.

About the Role:

The Capital Readiness Project Manager will drive and innovate efforts to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of capital project delivery. The current team has conducted some foundational work in this area, which the Program Manager will further advance in support of a Capital Readiness Strategic Plan. The Capital Readiness Project Manager will be responsible for the following duties:

• Lead the development of the Capital Readiness Strategic Plan and workplan, including establishing a prioritization framework
• Develop and socialize policy, process, and tool standardization to address capital delivery challenges
• Implement project and program efficiency initiatives, including cost containment and shorter project phase cycle times with equitable outcomes
• Collaborate with SQS Unit training staff, contribute to, and socialize training programs that support needed capital readiness change and skill development

Desired outcomes of this role are the following:

• Clearly defined capital delivery roles and responsibilities
• Accountable capital delivery staff who are equipped with the tools needed to succeed in their roles
• Seamless project and program transition to Operations and Maintenance (O&M), including increased staff understanding of plant operations and improved O&M satisfaction with capital delivery

About the Team:

WTD is the employer of choice for passionate multi-disciplinary professionals dedicated to ensuring clean water in the Puget Sound for generations to come. With over 1,000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is a leader in environmental stewardship. Success for us means honoring our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We partner with regulatory agencies to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We are accountable to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents. Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment, but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you thrive in a collaborative environment and want to make a difference, join us in furthering our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

The SQS Unit, within the Project Planning and Delivery section of WTD, is dedicated to maximizing capital delivery efficiency, equity, and quality through strategic planning, standardization, workforce development, and partnering with Operations and Maintenance. Our team embraces a culture of collaboration, innovation, and service to the agency. We pride ourselves on our professional ethics and finding solutions for tough problems.

Join our team dedicated to ensuring clean water for generations to come! With about 1000 employees engaged in planning, designing, building, and operating treatment facilities, our agency is at the forefront of environmental stewardship. Success for us means upholding our legacy while promising future generations a pristine environment.

We partner with regulatory agencies to reduce harmful waste discharge and actively educate the public and businesses on water quality protection. We prioritize accountability to our ratepayers and operate a well-managed agency that services over 2.3 million King County residents. Our regional wastewater treatment system not only sustains a healthy environment but also fuels economic development, fostering prosperity in our region. If you're passionate about making a difference and thrive in a collaborative environment, join us in our mission to safeguard our precious water resources.

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 Capital Readiness 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.

• Conduct strategic planning, root cause analyses, and process mapping; report findings and trends.
• Develop and manage work plans, set priorities, and formulate strategies to ensure quality and standards in capital delivery; seek guidance and approval on specific items and efforts.
• Implement a structured change management approach; communicate changes with clarity and transparency.
• Standardize policies, processes, and procedures for projects and acrossprograms
• Partner with the training team, influence training program design, and ensure capital delivery staff are equipped with necessary tools to successfully adopt changes.
• Translate and distill complex technical concepts into clear, concise, and user-friendly language for diverse audiences.
• Lead through influence by adapting to diverse audiences, inspiring others, building trust and credibility, fostering collaboration and teamwork, and a strong focus on achieving outcomes.
• Contribute to various capital delivery strategy, quality, and standards initiatives including conducting contracting equity and outreach.

• 5 years or more of experience in process improvement and change management, including developing frameworks for standardization or similar systems.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in capital project management, capital programs implementation, or a closely related role.
• Working knowledge of project management processes and principles, including familiarity with the Project Management Institute's (PMI) Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience preparing presentations, facilitating workshops and trainings, writing reports and memos, and conducting program evaluations.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse project stakeholders, including senior management, multi-disciplinary staff, and consultants.
• Skilled in conflict resolution, negotiation, and emotional self-awareness.
• Demonstrated proficiency in data analysis methods and use of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel), SharePoint, and database management systems.

• Manages Complexity:Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Cultivates Innovation: Creating new and better ways for the organization to be successful.
• Strategic Mindset: Seeing ahead to future possibilities and translating them into breakthrough strategies.
• 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.

• Experience with wastewater utilities, public works, infrastructure, design, construction, project control systems, mechanical systems, and/or asset replacement or equivalent.

Working Conditions:

• Work Location:The Capital Readiness 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) - Wastewater Treatment Division.

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 one or more panel interviews.

Anticipated Timeline for this recruitment: (subject to change)

• Technical assessment/interview: Virtual starting week of May 18

• Panel interviews: Virtual, week of June 1st

To apply, submit a:

• Complete Application
• Resume
• Cover Letter

Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Mark Workinger at Mworkinger@kingcounty.gov.

Discover More About the Wastewater Treatment Division:Visit our website and check us out atFacebook,X (formerly Twitter),Instagram,YouTubeand ourWTD Blog.

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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 teamdedicated 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

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