Resource Stewardship Manager

Tacoma Power is seeking a Resource Stewardship Manager to lead the strategic stewardship of Natural Resources programs across multiple watersheds with a strong emphasis on fisheries and wildlife recovery, applied science, and fish passage in support of a balanced approach to hydroelectric generation. This role oversees a team of passionate and talented managers and professionals in Wildlife and Lands, Science and Research, and Water Resources programs and is responsible for regulatory outcomes associated with Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license implementation, including developing and implementing actionable strategies toward recovery and restoration for fish and wildlife, aligning with and supporting relicensing objectives.

This role is central to advancing recovery outcomes for fish and wildlife while supporting long-term stewardship commitments across Tacoma Power’s hydroelectric projects.

Reporting to the Assistant Section Manager for Natural Resources, this position operates at the intersection of science, policy, regulatory compliance, and public and tribal engagement. The Resource Stewardship Manager plays a visible leadership role both internally and externally, shaping policy direction, guiding compliance strategy, and representing Tacoma Power in complex and often high-stakes discussions. This role is at the forefront of internal policy development and compliance strategy, often leading or influencing cross-functional committees that shape how Natural Resources programs are implemented. The Resource Stewardship Manager inspires and leads highly complex multidisciplinary teams, directs high-impact technical work that directly influences outcomes in the communities we serve. This role also builds and maintains strong relationships with federal, state, tribal, and local partners that are critical to long-term stewardship and recovery outcomes. This role carries significant responsibility for balancing scientific integrity, regulatory compliance, stakeholder interests, and long-term license strategy.

Success in this role requires exceptional communication agility and an established foundation in regulated natural resources work, particularly in environments where policy, public engagement, and tribal partnerships intersect. This is the core of the role. This leader must be able to move seamlessly between audiences, presenting at a high level to the Public Utility Board and executive leadership, engaging meaningfully with tribal partners and regulatory agencies, and navigating detailed, and at times complex and controversial, technical discussions.

This role also spans multiple program areas. While no one is expected to be an expert in everything, strong candidates will bring deep expertise in one or more core areas, along with the ability to quickly build working knowledge across others. The ability to clearly direct and delegate work within programs, step into complex situations, learn quickly, and contribute with confidence is expected.

This is a senior leadership position for someone already fluent in regulated natural resources environments, comfortable leading experts and program managers, and prepared to make consequential decisions that shape critical relationships with our stakeholders and communities, operational outcomes, and long-term obligations for decades to come. This role requires sound judgment, adaptability, and a genuine engagement in the work. The selected candidate will be an exceptional steward of natural resources, ensuring a balance of reliable and affordable clean energy and a healthy environment for current and future generations.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Oversight of Wildlife and Lands, Science and Research, and Water Resources programs with accountability for recovery and restoration strategies and regulatory outcomes tied to Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license implementation and relicensing.
• Direct multidisciplinary teams responsible for applied science for fish passage, recovery and hatchery programs, land and habitat management, water resources, and compliance-driven program delivery.
• Set priorities and make trade-off decisions that balance regulatory obligations, scientific integrity, stakeholder interests, and long-term stewardship goals.

Regulatory and Technical Authority

• Serve as a senior technical leader in engagements with federal, state, tribal, and local partners, and provide direction to teams responsible for license compliance, negotiations, and ongoing regulatory strategy in close coordination with the FERC License Program Manager.
• Lead or delegate complex negotiations related to license terms, compliance strategies, and operational agreements.
• Provide clear direction on interpretation and implementation of license requirements across multiple river systems.
• Represent Tacoma Power in Board and public-facing discussions related to license compliance, excluding facility operations.
• Translate complex scientific and regulatory issues into clear, actionable direction that supports decision-making and effective negotiation.

People, Performance, and Culture

• Lead managers, supervisors, and technical experts through clear expectations, delegation, coaching, and accountability.
• Support recruitment, performance management, corrective action, and development across stewardship programs.
• Build durable teams grounded in a common vision with trust, professionalism, and pride in public service.

Budget, Contracts, and Program Execution

• Lead Operations and Maintenance budget development and oversight for all programs within scope, and sponsor high-profile capital and non-capital projects. Direct consultant and contractor engagement, including scope development, oversight, and accountability for deliverables.
• Ensure stewardship programs are executed efficiently, balancing cost, compliance, quality, and transparency.

Integration, Strategy, and Long-Term Positioning

• Partner closely with the FERC License Program Manager to align compliance and licensing strategy, and integrate science, policy, and regulatory requirements to support both near-term obligations and long-term license positioning. Partner closely with the Operations Manager to align science, operations, and compliance in both day-to-day and long-term decision making.
• Support relicensing planning, stakeholder engagement, and development of tools and processes that position the organization for future obligations.
• Represent stewardship priorities within Natural Resources leadership and across Tacoma Power.
• Continuously evaluate and improve compliance processes to strengthen clarity, efficiency, and readiness for future relicensing.

Preferred Leadership Attributes

• Consistently applies sound judgment when navigating regulatory, financial, and reputational considerations in complex environments.
• Communicates complex scientific and regulatory matters effectively across audiences, from technical teams to executive leadership, the Board, and external partners.
• Establishes trust and credibility through transparency, consistency, and informed decision-making.

Minimum Education*
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a directly related field that supports leadership of complex, regulated programs.

Minimum Experience*
6 years of progressively responsible experience leading analytical, technical, or programmatic work related to Natural Resources, environmental programs, utilities, or regulated environments, including at least one year in a senior, lead, or supervisory role with accountability for people, programs, or outcomes.

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

The following knowledge, skills, and abilities are not required, but will support success in this role:

• Knowledge of managing Natural Resources, environmental, or utility programs within regulated environments, including interpretation and implementation of license or permit requirements.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams of scientists, analysts, and program managers while balancing regulatory compliance, scientific integrity, and organizational priorities.
• Skill in setting strategic direction, sequencing work, and making trade-off decisions in complex and often ambiguous conditions.
• Ability to oversee significant operational and capital budgets, consultant contracts, and external technical support with accountability for outcomes.
• Ability to represent an organization effectively in negotiations and technical discussions with federal, state, tribal, and local partners.

This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn!

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $67.84-$95.51

Annual Salary: $141,107.20- $198,660.80

Tacoma Power

Tacoma Power is a municipally owned public power utility that delivers nearly all of its energy from hydroelectric resources. Serving approximately 180,000 customers, we operate in a highly regulated environment where stewardship, regulatory credibility, and long-term planning are essential.

As one of three operating divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities, alongside Tacoma Water and Tacoma Rail, Tacoma Power offers leaders the opportunity to do consequential public work that directly impacts communities, infrastructure, and natural resources.

Learn more at:

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/
https://www.mytpu.org/
http://www.traveltacoma.com/

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The City of Tacoma values a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and the range of perspectives needed to do complex public work well. We believe strong outcomes are built by teams that bring different experiences, viewpoints, and approaches to problem-solving.

If your career path is not traditional but has prepared you to lead people, navigate complexity, and make sound decisions, we encourage you to apply.

The Community

Tacoma is a Pacific Northwest city with strong regional connectivity, located between Seattle and Olympia and home to one of the largest container ports in the country. The city supports critical infrastructure and public services while remaining closely connected to the natural environment that defines the region.

Tacoma offers a balance of professional opportunity and quality of life, with established neighborhoods, a growing urban core, access to higher education and cultural institutions, and year-round outdoor recreation.

Learn more about Tacoma at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by submitting an application along with a resume and cover letter by the posted closing date. Complete applications help ensure your experience and leadership background are fully considered.

Applicants whose experience most closely aligns with the role may be invited to participate in an interview process, which could include a practical, work-related exercise. Final appointment is subject to passing a background check.

Get Assistance

For questions about the application process or this job announcement, please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date.

For technical support using the NEOGOV system, applicant support is available at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma communicates primarily by email throughout the recruitment process. Applicants are encouraged to add tacoma.gov and governmentjobs.com to their safe sender list and to monitor junk folders to avoid missing important updates.