Transmission Section Manager

Posting number: 2026-01098

Department: Seattle Public Utilities

Division: Water Line of Business

Job classification: Manager3,Utils BU-P (SPU)

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Management, Maintenance, Utilities

Summary

Are you ready to lead a team that ensures Seattle's water systems flow seamlessly, efficiently, and reliably?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Transmission Section Manager (Mgr 3) to oversee the Water Transmission (WT) section of the Water Transmission and Distribution Maintenance Division. Crews reporting to this position include the Tolt Crew located in Duval, Cedar Headworks Crew and Cedar Pipeline Crew located at Lake Youngs. This position is responsible for business processes, budget, staffing, fleet, field practices, waterflow management and customer response related to the SPU drinking water transmission system.

We are looking for a proven leader with a strong background in managing operations, field practices, or maintenance programs in water systems, utilities, or a similar field. The ideal candidate will have experience managing teams, large budgets, and complex workflows. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions for infrastructure challenges are essential. Additionally, this role requires someone who can build collaborative relationships across diverse teams and stakeholders.

SPU is dedicated to providing world-class utility services to our residents, ensuring clean water, environmental stewardship, and infrastructure resilience. At SPU, you’ll play a vital role in serving Seattle’s communities and contribute to a legacy of service excellence.

If you are passionate about leading teams, driving operational excellence, and making a tangible impact on your community, we invite you to apply for this impactful leadership opportunity.

About Seattle Public Utilities: SPU is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.6 million customers in the region. SPU's work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations.

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), check out the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.

Why Join Our Team?

We know work isn't only about what you do it's also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family­ friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

Examples of duties

• Provide leadership and strategic direction in a structured and consistent approach to the installation, maintenance, and repair of water system infrastructure during scheduled and emergency work. Serve as a key member of the Division Leadership Team.

• Manage and supervise subordinate supervisors, with total direct and indirect supervision of 25 FTE’s involved in the installation, maintenance and repair of the City of Seattle’s Water Transmission and Distribution System.

• Manage budget(s) of substantial consequence to the City; has delegated authority with substantial discretion in allocating financial resources, including budget adjustments; fiscal management typically includes diverse responsibilities for contract management, dealing with and complying with multiple funding sources and requirements; develop and implement fiscal management strategies to maximize resources while achieving efficiencies.

• Provide technical guidance and strategic input regarding maintenance, repair, and operation of the water transmission system to assist the City and the community in making timely, effective, and efficient decisions regarding public health and access to a reliable water source.

• Account for monitoring and achieving performance metrics.

• Develop policy options and recommendations on highly visible or sensitive issues; develop recommended solutions to significant policy issues and implementation plans and provide authoritative recommendations of long-term impact to elected officials and executive decision makers.

• Serve as a technical subject matter experience (SME) or key contributor, involving independent technical decision making, typically requiring an advanced degree and/or license; supervise technical staff, providing highly visible or high impact service to the City and its customers.

• Represent the City on highly visible, sensitive and controversial issues before external constituencies; defuse troublesome issues related to City policies and procedures; manage and promote relationships with significant external constituencies; regularly facilitate public involvement processes for policy input to resolve issues and to achieve important City objectives.

• On an ongoing and consistently substantial basis, coordinate, integrate, and provide leadership for teams and other organized work groups with diverse representation across functional, departmental, and/or jurisdictional lines to achieve important outcomes.

Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Qualifications

Experience: Five (5) years of experience in a water distribution/transmission system, treatment plant, or other water related experience, including prior supervisory experience.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related field OR two (2) additional years of relevant experience.

License, Certification, and Other Requirements: Current Water Distribution Management III (WDM III) certification or ability to obtain WDM III within twelve (12) months of hire date.

Desired Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base
• Responsive, adept, and flexible in working under pressure and with changing priorities
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively at all organizational levels
• Leadership skills with a track record of team development and creating a strong work culture
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Experience leading teams successfully on drinking water infrastructure operations and maintenance work

Supplemental information

This position requires working in person at the office or field locations. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

How to apply:

• An online application including response to the supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration.
• Please DO NOT attach resumes and cover letters, as they will not be reviewed and may result in your application not being considered.

The full salary range for this position is: $129,247.20 - $193,849.92 annually.

For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact: John Lee at john.lee3@seattle.gov

This hiring process involves a background check of conviction and arrest records in compliance with Seattle’s Fair Chance Employment Ordinance, SMC 14.17. Applicants will be provided an opportunity to explain or correct background information.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits