Tacoma Water Construction Operations Manager

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

• 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.

Qualifications

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

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
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.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 6/1/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Tacoma

• 253-591-5400

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