Job Description

Posting number: 2026-01212

Department: Seattle Public Utilities

Division: Project Delivery & Engineering Branch

Job classification: Civil Engineer, Senior

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Engineering

Summary

Do you want to lead projects that make Seattle more sustainable and equitable city for every Seattle resident?

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking multiple Senior Project Managers (Sr Civil Engineer) to lead complex infrastructure projects within the Combined Sewer Overflow Reduction Program (CSO Program) that will reduce the overflow of sewage and polluted stormwater from entering Seattle waterways. This position will lead capital improvement projects through the following project lifecycle; options analysis, design, construction and close-out. Projects within the CSO Program will demand high level of technical expertise, regulatory awareness, and collaborative leadership across City departments and external partners.

You will be a part of SPU’ s CSO Program Management Division, a collaborative and forward-thinking team that’s responsible for protecting public health and the environment; it is required by a federal Consent Decree. The team will be leading multiple, concurrent projects that will implement a range of solutions to uplift neighborhoods, protect our waterways, and help Seattle adapt to a changing climate.

About Seattle Public Utilities: 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 1.5 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), checkout the:

• SPU Website
• SPU Workplace Expectations (Download PDF reader)
• 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 us?

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

Project Management & Coordination:

• Manage all phase of project delivery-initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing- ensuring projects are delivered in scope, on time, within budget, and to defined quality standards.
• Oversee the integrated project baselines for scope, schedule and cost development.
• Execute risk management practices consistent with PMBOK and AACE Total Cost Management (TCM) framework.
• Apply Earned Value Management (EVM), Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling, and cost forecasting to monitor project performance, identify variances, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Serve as a technical subject matter expert to provide strategic leadership aligned with SPU’s infrastructure priorities.
• Collaborate with Utility and City staff and lead diverse and multi-functional project teams, which include internal and external stakeholders.
• Monitor and control project team’s performance and communicate project-level status including schedule, budget, risk, quality and deliverables to ensure successful completion.
• Lead acquisition of environmental, inter-agency, and local permits and ensure projects comply with appropriate laws, permits, regulations and codes, as well as SPU’s protocols for managing projects.

Inter-agency Relations & Collaboration:

• Collaborate with cross-agency partners through clear, respectful communication and shared goals to ensure smooth coordination and successful project outcomes.
• Engage in good faith negotiations to find mutually acceptable solutions that advance overall public interests.
• Ensure timely and accurate technical responses and strengthen collaborative relationships with other agencies to identify needs, risks and mitigation.
• Navigate complex intergovernmental scenarios with technical engineering expertise.
• Support department goals in promoting diversity and social justice in keeping with City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Contract & Finance Management:

• Prepare, negotiate and amend contracts for major infrastructure projects.
• Track project scope, cost and schedule performance.
• Manage financial aspects to multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments.
• Ensure the accuracy and integrity of all billing processes and payment coordination.

*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 years’ professional civil engineering experience.

Education: Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology

Experience/Education Equivalency: A combination of education/experience/training which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class.

License, Certification and Other Requirements:

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.
• Current Washington State driver's license

Desired Qualifications:

• Project Management Experience: Experience managing complex civil engineering capital improvement projects with multiple stakeholders and organizations, including demonstrated proficiency in project management methodologies, tools, and best practices.
• Multi-Agency Collaboration: Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, across a variety of audiences, including utilities, regulatory agencies, or similar organizations.
• Contract Management: Experience with contract negotiations, amendments, and financial tracking for infrastructure projects.
• Technical Leadership: Experience leading engineering teams and coordinating with subject matter experts across water, wastewater, drainage, or similar utility systems.
• Communication & Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to engage in stakeholder discussions, resolve conflicts, build consensus among diverse groups, and find mutually acceptable solutions that broadly protect public interest.
• Financial Management: Experience with project budgeting, cost control, and financial reporting for infrastructure projects.
• Experience managing projects with complex regulatory and permitting requirements.
• Utility Operations Understanding: Knowledge of water, wastewater, drainage or similar utility system operations and maintenance requirements.

Supplemental information

Application Requirement(s): A full City of Seattle online application including resume, cover letter and supplemental questionnaire must be fully completed for consideration. Your cover letter should address your knowledge and experience related to the position. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Workplace Environment/Telework Expectations:

• This position requires 3 days of office and general working hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. City employees will have the option to work remotely two days a week. Individual schedules will be agreed upon by the employee and their supervisor.

The full salary range for this position is $74.99 - $87.31 per hour.

Benefits: 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

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.

If you have any questions, please contact Uma Suseelan at Uma.Suseelan@seattle.gov

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/