Salary : $130,852.80 - $165,588.80 Annually
Location : 9601 SE 36th St, Mercer Island, WA
Job Type: Full time
Job Number: 00288
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 11/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt

Description

The Utilities Operations Manager coordinates and manages the operation of the Utilities Team in the Public Works Department. Work involves comprehensive planning for utilities and managing water quality programs for the City of Mercer Island.

Position is primarily focused on managing, coaching, and developing other people. Position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in specialized functions or business areas that can be used to implement policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the organization's business strategies.
Essential Job Functions

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.

• Leads and facilitates the Utilities Team; sets clear goals, direction, and annual work plan
• Performs comprehensive planning for utilities, including participating in rate studies
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Department
• Manages complex utility infrastructure and facilities within the water distribution and wastewater systems
• Responds to emerging priorities set by the City Manager or designee, Utility Board, and City Council
• Creates, implements, and ensures adherence to standard operating and safety procedures and manuals. Identifies improvements and implements new practices and procedures as needed.
• Involves team members in development of public work contracts; administers new and existing contracts
• Provides supervision in the field; sets and adheres to clear safety standards
• Manages administrative details; prepares reports and presentations; prepares budget with involvement of team members
• Coordinates construction of Capital Improvement Projects with Engineering Team
• Communicates with Community Planning and Development Department on issues related to utilities
• Participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary
• Represents the City in regional forums, such as the Seattle Public Utilities Operating Board, as a backup to the Public Works Director
• Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments from the general public per established standards and protocols; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints
• Maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
• Ensures adherence to all established City policies, procedures, and protocols
• May be required to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements
• When required, responds to Emergency Operations Center to support the City's response during an emergency and fulfills requested Incident Command System (ICS) role
• Performs other job functions as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems
• Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes recommendations regarding discipline and termination

Qualification Requirements

High school diploma; supplemented by six (6) years of directly related experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• Water Distribution Manager III or higher
• Cross Connection Control Specialist certification or ability to obtain within first year of employment
• Wastewater Operator Collection certification or higher
• Traffic Control Flagger certification within first year of employment
• Valid WA State Driver's License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire
• Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, 700 within first six months of employment and completion of NIMS ICS-300, 400 and 800 within the first 18 months of employment
• CPR and First Aid certification within first year of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of operation and repair of simple and complex equipment used in the course of work
• Knowledge of the technical requirements and operational standards of water and sewer systems
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal utilities
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting and strong skills in managing a budget
• Knowledge of principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce
• Skill in personnel management and experience managing under a union contract
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization-specific software, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands, and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Skill in developing, managing, and interpreting budgets, contracts, and fiscal and financial reports
• Ability to participate effectively in regional meetings
• Ability to make clear and effective presentations to the City Council and the public
• Ability to review construction plans, inspect and diagnose problems, read, and interpret codes, regulations, and instruction manuals
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations
• Ability to attend evening meetings
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals
• Ability to formulate, initiate, and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control
• Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to City leadership and/or all relevant parties
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program-related laws and regulations, and establish necessary work processes and procedures
• Ability to meet deadlines and set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives
• Ability to identify potential issues, modify processes, and resolve conflict as the need arises
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to commute independently to and from work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule (virtually or in person), including to community meetings and events

Working Conditions & Physical Abilities

Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort usually involving some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Usually involves some climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, walking, or standing. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Public Works teams operate in a smoke and drug-free work environment for their health, safety, and productivity, as well as that of their customers.
The City of Mercer Island strives to offer employees a comprehensive benefits package. Regular full-time and part-time employees (working 20 or more hours per week, or 30 or more hours per week for Thrift Shop employees) are eligible for insurance benefits beginning the first day of the month following the hire date.

Employee Benefits include:

• Five health plan options through Kaiser Permanente or Regence
• Two dental plans with Delta Dental or Willamette Dental
• A generous vision plan through VSP
• Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA VEBA)
• Long-term disability insurance through The Standard
• Life insurance through The Standard
• Retirement plans through Washington DRS
• Voluntary employee benefits

Details about benefits for non-represented employees can be found at Represented employee benefits are similar and outlined in their respective union contracts available at