Tacoma Water Superintendent

Responsibilities

The Superintendent will provide strategic leadership and oversight in the following areas:

Utility Management and Operations

Lead Tacoma Water’s senior leadership team, ensuring cost-effective, compliant, and high-quality operations. Drive innovation and modernization in service delivery. Oversee watershed management, treatment processes, transmission and distribution systems, and wholesale water operations, including the RWSS.

Policy Development/Industry Leadership

Develop and present policy recommendations to the Director of Utilities, Public Utility Board, and City Council. Represent Tacoma Water with elected officials, regulators, customers, and industry stakeholders. Advocate for the organization’s interests and contribute to strategic initiatives related to environmental protection, climate change, asset management, resource protection, and infrastructure financing.

Planning and Strategy

Lead the development and implementation of Tacoma Water’s strategic plan, aligning it with the TPU Strategic Plan and Public Utility Board guiding principles. Analyze industry trends and ensure accountability for resource management and performance measurement.

People Management/Staff Development/Labor Management

Foster a positive and inclusive work environment. Hire, develop, and retain a high-performing workforce. Build and manage productive relationships with labor unions.

Customer/Community Relations

Ensure excellent customer service and maintain strong relationships with customers, residents, business groups, tribes, and other stakeholders. Promote public awareness and understanding of Tacoma Water’s programs and services.

Financial Management

Oversee the division’s financial performance, ensuring long-term stability and predictable rates for customers. Lead budget preparation, rate setting, and financial planning.

Risk Management and Regulatory Compliance

Establish systems and processes to promote safety, minimize liability, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Intergovernmental Relationships

Cultivate strong relationships with key stakeholders at the federal, state, and local levels.

Interdepartmental Cooperation and Teamwork

Foster collaboration with TPU and City of Tacoma shared service providers and departments to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Key Attributes

Extensive Water Utility Expertise

The ideal candidate has a substantial track record of success in leading and managing water utility operations, ideally within a large and complex system similar to Tacoma Water. This includes experience in areas such as water treatment, transmission and distribution, watershed management, regulatory compliance, and wholesale water operations. Experience with regional water supply systems and partnerships is highly desirable.

Strategic and Innovative Thinker

This individual is a strategic thinker who can anticipate future challenges and opportunities facing the water industry. They possess a demonstrated ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer service, and ensure long-term financial sustainability.

Policy Acumen and Stakeholder Engagement

The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of water policy and regulatory frameworks at the local, state, and federal levels. They are skilled at building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, regulators, customers, community groups, tribes, and industry partners. They can effectively represent Tacoma Water’s interests and advocate for sound water policy.

Exceptional Leadership and People Management Skills

This individual is a highly effective leader who can inspire and motivate teams to achieve exceptional results. They have a proven ability to build and manage high-performing teams, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and effectively manage labor relations. They prioritize employee development and create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Financial Management Expertise

The ideal candidate possesses strong financial management skills, including experience in budget development, rate setting, financial planning, and cost control. They understand the importance of balancing financial sustainability with affordable rates for customers.

Commitment to Customer Experience and Community Engagement

This individual is deeply committed to providing excellent customer experience and engaging with the community. They understand the importance of transparency, communication, and responsiveness in building public trust and support.

Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills

The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills. They can effectively communicate complex technical and policy issues to a variety of audiences, including elected officials, the public, and industry professionals.

Ethical and Collaborative Approach

This individual operates with the highest ethical standards and fosters a collaborative and transparent approach to leadership. They are committed to building strong partnerships and working effectively with other City departments and regional stakeholders.

Education & Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor’s Degree in business or public administration, engineering or related field.

Minimum Experience*

12 years including prior supervisory and managerial experience.

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

Desired Qualifications

• 10 years total experience managing a major section of a similarly sized water utility or a water utility serving greater than 50,000 services with a proven track record of leadership and success.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage effective teams and foster positive labor relations.

Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements

• Washington State Water Distribution Manager 4 or ability to obtain within one year
• Washington Professional Engineer License desired
• Valid Washington State driver’s license or ability to obtain

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Reference checks will be conducted on final candidates. Appointment is subject to passing a background check and to confirmation by the Tacoma Public Utilities Board as required pursuant to the City Charter Section 4.21.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $196,664.00 – $276,889.60.

The City offers a comprehensive total rewards package with one of the best pension packages in the market. For complete details, please explore the City of Tacoma Benefits Guide and Tacoma Employee’s Retirement System website.

Why move to Tacoma?

Tacoma is a growing city nestled in the south Puget Sound, home to a vibrant and creative community with breathtaking views and endless outdoor adventures. To learn what makes our incredible city so special, visit South Sound Proud.