Stormwater Program Manager

Whatcom County, WA

$103K — $149K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, environmental science, public administration, or related field.
  • 5-7 years of relevant experience in project development and stormwater system management.
  • 2 years of supervisory experience leading teams and managing projects.
  • Knowledge of municipal stormwater permits and compliance, particularly in Washington State.
  • Strong communication skills, emphasizing public outreach and customer service.

Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage the Stormwater Division with a multidisciplinary team.
  • Oversee major stormwater capital projects, from design to permitting.
  • Ensure compliance with NPDES stormwater regulations.
  • Develop and prioritize watershed master plans to address community needs.
  • Foster partnerships with County agencies and community stakeholders.
  • Mentor and develop team members, promoting a collaborative work culture.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) with accruals based on years of service, up to 330 hours annually.
  • Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
  • Voluntary deferred compensation retirement plan with a county match.
  • $50,000 life insurance coverage for employees, with optional additional coverage.
Full Job Description
Salary: $8,579.00 - $12,456.00 Monthly
Location : Civic Center Building - 322 N Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Division: Stormwater
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Summary
is hiring a Stormwater Program Manager to lead the and ensure the effective delivery of services to stormwater utility ratepayers. This position will oversee the development and implementation of maintenance and capital programs that protect water quality, minimize flooding, and manage urban stormwater to support public health and the environment.

In this leadership role, you'll:

  • Lead the County's Stormwater Division, a multidisciplinary team of planners, engineers, and technicians.
  • Oversee major stormwater capital projects, including design, construction, permitting, and landowner agreements.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with NPDES stormwater requirements and promote environmental stewardship.
  • Identify, prioritize, and develop watershed master plans.
  • Build partnerships across the County, community, and partner agencies.
  • Mentor staff and champion a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and excellence.

Supervisor: Director, Public Works

Salary Range: Unrepresented - Range 12, $8,579.00 - $12,456.00 per month DOQ

Hiring rate depends on qualifications. This position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated salary range (apx. 3.8%) subject to satisfactory performance, in addition to any negotiated Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).

We are required by State Law to list the full salary range. As a public entity, we are required to make pay decisions based on experience, qualifications, and equity with other employees. Hiring rate typically is limited to entry to mid of the posted salary range, subject to required approvals.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will be a strategic and experienced leader with education in civil engineering, construction management, environmental science, public administration, or other related field. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience, including at least two years of supervisory experience.

Preferred candidates will have knowledge and experience managing civil engineering projects, municipal stormwater permits, and providing public services, preferably in Washington State. They will be a strong communicator, valuing public outreach and customer service, engaging with the community to create positive environmental outcomes that minimize flooding and improve water quality.

Supplemental Information

Benefits:
Whatcom County offers at no cost to employees, including:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family.
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.
Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks
  • Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
  • $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Additional
Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated(apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
Whatcom County offers at no cost toemployees, including:
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage for employees AND their family
  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 12 paid holidays annually. Prior related public service considered for setting accrual rate. Accrue up to 330 hours of PTO annually. Cash-out up to 40 hours over 330 maximum annually.

Employment YearAccrual - MonthAccrual - Year1st - 4th year18.00 hours5.4 Weeks5th - 9th year21.33 hours6.4 Weeks10th + year24.67 hours7.4 Weeks
  • Lifetime pension through the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), with joint contributions required from the employee and the County
  • Voluntary Deferred Compensation Retirement with County match
  • $50,000 Life Insurance coverage for employees
  • Voluntary Term Life Insurance and Personal Accident Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) available for health care and/or dependent care expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Additional
Subject to satisfactory performance this position receives annual pay increases to the next step in the associated (apx. 3.8%), in addition to any approved Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA).
01

Do you have a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, environmental science, public administration, project management, or a similar relevant field?
  • Yes
  • No

02

Do you have 5 years of recent progressively responsible experience related to project development and delivery, program planning, and stormwater system operation and maintenance?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have 2 years of supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

04

Do you have experience developing and leading teams, planning maintenance and capital programs, and managing construction contracts?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have a Washington State Professional Engineer's license, Certified Stormwater Manager, and/or Certified Project Manager?
  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

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