Tacoma Water Operations Support Manager

Tacoma Water Operations Support Manager

Salary

$122,096.00 - $171,953.60 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

P1230-26A

Department

Water

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

Tacoma Water is seeking an experienced and collaborative Operations Support Manager to lead critical operational support functions for Maintenance & Construction. This position provides strategic leadership and oversight for warehouse operations and procurement, fleet maintenance management, mobile workforce management systems, budget administration, and operational support programs that enable field crews to safely and effectively maintain Tacoma Waters infrastructure.

This role oversees represented and non-represented staff, with 3 direct reports, while ensuring the people, equipment, materials, technology, and processes necessary for field operations are available, reliable, and aligned with Tacoma Waters mission. The Operations Support Manager plays a key role in sustaining efficient water system operations through effective operational planning, resource management, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise multiple operational support teams, providing coaching, performance management, workforce planning, employee development, and succession planning for represented and non-represented employees.
• Provide strategic oversight of warehouse operations, including procurement, inventory management, materials distribution, and warehouse safety to support construction and maintenance activities.
• Manage mobile workforce management programs, systems, and technologies, ensuring effective support, training, process improvement, and operational alignment for field employees and mobile work applications.
• Oversee fleet maintenance programs by monitoring vehicle and equipment performance, evaluating lifecycle needs, managing repair and replacement strategies, and ensuring fleet readiness for field operations.
• Develop, administer, and monitor operating and capital budgets; analyze expenditures and forecasts; prepare financial reports; and provide recommendations to support sound fiscal stewardship.
• Direct procurement and contract management activities, including preparation of solicitations, vendor coordination, equipment acquisitions, service contracts, and invoice approvals to support uninterrupted operations.
• Collaborate with Information Technology, Utility Technology Services, Financial Services, and other internal partners to implement operational improvements, resolve system issues, and support strategic initiatives.
• Identify operational risks and improvement opportunities, develop mitigation strategies, and participate in cross-functional teams, asset management initiatives, continuous improvement efforts, and organizational planning activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelors degree in construction management, engineering, environmental science or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

5 years of professional-level experience in the water industry, public works, or directly related utility industry, including 1 year prior at a supervisory level

• Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Washington State Drivers License required

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were 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.

Apply

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.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $58.70- $82.67

Annual Salary: $122,096.00- $171,953.60

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

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.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

Do you have an equivalent combination to a bachelors degree in construction management, engineering, environmental science or directly related field AND 5 years of professional-level experience in the water industry, public works, or directly related utility industry, including 1 year prior at a supervisory level? Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis.

• Yes
• No

02

Describe a time when you were responsible for supporting field operations through equipment, materials, fleet, technology, or logistical services. How did your work contribute to operational success?

03

Tell us about your experience managing budgets, contracts, or procurement activities. What was the scope of your responsibility, and how did you ensure effective stewardship of public or organizational resources?

04

Describe your experience managing supervisors or represented employees in a unionized work environment. How have you handled employee performance, coaching, or personnel issues?

05

One of the Citys Principles that guides us is Equity. Describe what equity means to you and describe any experience you have working with diverse groups of people.

06

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Professional organization
• Military organization
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• LinkedIn
• Tacoma Training & Education Program (TTEP)
• Indeed
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Careers in Government
• Government Jobs
• Outreach Event
• National Diversity Network
• African American Job Network
• Disability Job Network
• Asian Job Network
• Latino Job Network
• Retirement Job Network
• LGBT Job Network
• Veteran Job Network
• Other

07

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov