What are the responsibilities and job description for the Tacoma Water Construction Operations Manager position at Tacoma Public Utilities?
Position Description
This posting will be used to fill two openings.
Tacoma Water is seeking a collaborative and experienced leader to manage two Construction Operations workgroups within the Maintenance & Construction section. This position plays a key role in supporting Tacoma Water’s mission by ensuring the proper installation of new services and distribution assets, as well as safe and effective connections to the water system. Time will be spent working from both the Tacoma Public Utilities building and the McMillin Service Center in Puyallup.
The Construction Operations Manager plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs water system construction operations while implementing programs, policies, procedures, and training that support safe, efficient, and effective operations. This position oversees teams responsible for heavy construction activities, one- and two-person hand crew operations, system troubleshooting, utility locating, and customer support functions.
The ideal candidate will bring proven operational leadership, experience managing represented workgroups, a commitment to safety, and the ability to collaborate across divisions and partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, environmental science or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
5 years of professional-level experience in the water industry, public works, or directly related utility industry, including 1 year prior at a supervisory level
Washington State Driver's License required
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Apply
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $58.70- $82.67
Annual Salary: $122,096.00- $171,953.60
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
This posting will be used to fill two openings.
Tacoma Water is seeking a collaborative and experienced leader to manage two Construction Operations workgroups within the Maintenance & Construction section. This position plays a key role in supporting Tacoma Water’s mission by ensuring the proper installation of new services and distribution assets, as well as safe and effective connections to the water system. Time will be spent working from both the Tacoma Public Utilities building and the McMillin Service Center in Puyallup.
The Construction Operations Manager plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs water system construction operations while implementing programs, policies, procedures, and training that support safe, efficient, and effective operations. This position oversees teams responsible for heavy construction activities, one- and two-person hand crew operations, system troubleshooting, utility locating, and customer support functions.
The ideal candidate will bring proven operational leadership, experience managing represented workgroups, a commitment to safety, and the ability to collaborate across divisions and partner agencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee daily operations for two Distribution Construction workgroups, including 2 direct reports and approximately 25 personnel.
- Ensure construction and maintenance activities comply with applicable regulations, industry standards, safety requirements, and Tacoma Water asset management practices.
- Plan and coordinate staffing, schedules, equipment, materials, and resources to support operational and capital work.
- Foster a meaningful culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Support employee recruitment, onboarding, coaching, performance management, and workforce development initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal teams, outside agencies, contractors, and local jurisdictions to support construction and operational priorities.
- Manage workgroup budgets, expenditures, forecasting, and reporting activities.
- Support long-term workforce sustainability, succession planning, and strategic initiatives.
- Participate in cross-functional teams, process improvement efforts, and apprenticeship program support.
Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, environmental science or directly related field
Minimum Experience*
5 years of professional-level experience in the water industry, public works, or directly related utility industry, including 1 year prior at a supervisory level
- Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis
Washington State Driver's License required
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.
The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.
Apply
Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay Details:
Hourly Rate: $58.70- $82.67
Annual Salary: $122,096.00- $171,953.60
Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma
Get Assistance
For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
For technical difficulties using the NEOGOV system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.
Communication with the City of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
Salary : $59 - $83