Water Development Services Supervisor bei City of Tacoma, WA

About the Department

Are you a highly skilled and dynamic leader with a passion for customer experience and project management within the utility and development sector? Tacoma Water is seeking a Water Development Services Supervisor to lead a team responsible for the processing and coordinating of new water services and water main extensions for commercial and residential development projects, start to finish.

This is a critical, high-impact role where you will supervise daily operations over a team that is responsible for multiple phases of new water main extensions and new water services, such as estimates, contracts, customer communication, reporting, project closure, plus plan review and permit approval for private developments in the local jurisdictions. Additionally, you will serve as a key liaison between the external development community and internal teams, driving process improvements and ensuring an outstanding customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Operations Management

• Direct and provide oversight to a team of professional and technical staff (approx. 4 FTEs).
• Manage day-to-day operations for the Customer Paid for Work including water main extension (Private Contracts) program, and Time and Materials (T&M) Agreements, closely coordinate with Fixed Fee services.
• Ensure the team effectively educates customers on the Tacoma Municipal Code and Tacoma Water Customer Service Policy.
• Lead the New Development group, coordinating closely with developers, contractors, and Water Planning & Engineering staff, on plan review and permit approvals and management of water main extension program.
• Lead the Commercial Estimator group, managing the customer experience phases of new service work including estimating and invoicing.
• Represent Tacoma Water to outside agencies and collaborate with senior leadership. 

Project & Process Improvement

• Manage special projects related to New Services and Development Support, including developing project scopes, scheduling, organizing work, and monitoring progress.
• Work with consultants, contractors, and operations staff to execute continuous improvement projects that enhance staff efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Manage the Customer Paid for Work Fund, including tracking and reporting on deposits, taxes, and invoicing.
• Develop and track Level of Service metrics, such as final T&M and Private Contract billings.
• Apply industry best practices and project management methodologies to ensure successful project execution and communication.

Staff Development & Supervision

• Supervise staff performance through setting clear expectations, providing coaching, mentoring, and conducting regular performance reviews.
• Ensure all supervisory practices align with Tacoma’s policies, procedures, and labor agreements, resolving labor issues at the lowest possible level. Provide professional development opportunities for all direct reports and staff.

Technical Expertise

• Act as a subject matter expert on topics including New Services, Water Main Extensions, Acquisitions/Surcharges, Service Territory, the impact of housing density land use policy changes (e.g., Home in Tacoma), and the application of Tacoma Water Standards to jurisdictional development permits.

Position Duties

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in public or business administration or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible analytical and/or program coordination/management work in area related to assignment (planning and development) including 1 year prior at a senior, lead, and/or supervisory level

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

Other Qualifications

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.

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.

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.