Technical Engineering Supervisor - Water Resources Protection

Technical Engineering Supervisor – Water Resources Protection

Water resource protection in the City of Vancouver is essential to the prosperity of our community. Water protection policies and ordinances are in place to protect surface waters and our drinking water resources. Reducing the risk of degrading water quality by removing toxic pollutants before reaching surface and groundwater will improve water quality and protect fish, wildlife and human health through eliminating potential sources of contamination.

We're currently recruiting for a Technical Engineering Supervisor – Water Resources Protection. The primary responsibilities for the job are to oversee and manage programs in Surface Water Management specifically related to Water Resource Protection: Source Control, Erosion Control, Private Stormwater Facility Maintenance, Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination and Classified Facility Inspection. Supervise, plan and coordinate the activities of stormwater utility staff to implement compliance programs required by Local, State and Federal stormwater regulations.

This is a full-time, regular, non-union position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm. Open until filled. First review: July 21, 2026. At this time, this position is eligible for telework or hybrid schedule of 1-2 days of working from home after completion of probationary period. As with all routine telework positions, employees may be required to come into the office on occasion based on business needs. Telework may be subject to change at a future time. Currently, all employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the City cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Compensation philosophy: At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to paying our employees fairly, equitably, and competitively. City salaries are structured so that the midpoint of the salary range approximates the amount typically paid for the job in this geographic area. Candidates with experience supporting their ability to come in and hit the ground running may receive a starting salary around the midpoint of the listed salary range. Actual salary at offer is influenced by a host of factors, including a candidate's relevant experience, education, licensure, certifications, and internal equity. The higher end of the listed pay range indicates the salary growth potential of the position.

Essential Functions

• Manage programs for compliance with state and federal regulations as it relates to Water Resource Protection, Source Control, Erosion Prevention, and Private Stormwater Facility Maintenance. Responsibilities include setting program priorities, making compliance and enforcement decisions, developing standard operating procedures, and revising ordinances for compliance with new and updated requirements and best available science. Coordinate all program activities with other agencies and departments collaborate as needed.
• Direct and supervise staff within the water resources protection team. Conduct performance evaluations, coordinate training, work with employees to correct deficiencies, and implement hiring, discipline, and termination procedures. Recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Provide oversight to staff in inspection and enforcement related to program areas of responsibility. Establish and maintain procedures and supervise staff to ensure timely compliance with City, State, and Federal requirements and obligations.
• Hire and manage specialized consultant contracts: Prepare request for proposals and bids; review contract bids and project proposals; manage coordination and review of consultant's professional work and selection of the consultant or firm for the project.
• Coordinate with GIS and Engineering staff and oversee prioritization of Stormwater projects related to areas of responsibility.
• Assist manager in the preparation and tracking of Surface Water operating and capital budgets related to program areas of responsibility. Participate in the development and administration of assigned budget, forecast funds needed for additional staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; assist in the preparation of special budgets as needed for projects and programs.
• Develop staff reports, attend City Council meetings and present or testify as required for meetings or hearings.
• Assist manager with annual NPDES reporting and updating the Stormwater Management Program Plan.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Experience and Education

• Five (5) years of related experience in surface and stormwater, water or wastewater treatment, source water protection, or industrial discharge and operation, permitting, inspection and code enforcement
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in environmental science, environmental or civil engineering, water or natural resources

Computer Skills

• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Access.
• Ability to utilize specialty software for documenting inspections, permitting, etc. and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

• Possession of a valid driver's license
• Ability to obtain a Washington State approved Construction Erosion & Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) within 6 months

Knowledge

• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation
• Principles and practices of environmental science and engineering
• Principles and practices of stormwater management and operation/ maintenance activities
• Principles and practices of environmental protection
• Trends, technological changes and developments in regulation and science related to environmental protection and natural resource management
• Water quality and water resource data gathering and analytical tools, methods and protocols
• Research, analysis, and problem-solving methods
• Principles and practices of project/contract management
• Theory and principles of water resource protection
• Federal, state and local laws that pertain to: stormwater management and environmental protection
• Modern office procedures, methods and use of standard computer equipment and software

Abilities

• Plan, organize, and supervise the work of professional and technical staff
• Train and evaluate subordinate staff
• Ensure compliance with appropriate federal, state, and local rules, laws, and regulations
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals and desired outcomes
• Regularly exercise discretion and independent judgment
• Manage multiple projects and priorities
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver's Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive.
• Show the utmost respect for others, and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk. Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Responsible for ensuring a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Ensures supervised employee review of the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job-related safety concerns. Reports and appropriately escalates all safety issues and all injuries.

This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

The City of Vancouver is committed to advancing equity and creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We recognize that progress depends on more than just a verbal commitment; it depends on making meaningful organizational change. We developed and continue to develop strategies to enhance employee-centered programs, eliminate recruitment and advancement barriers, elevate employee understanding of DEI and cultural competency and build an inclusive and welcoming place to call work. We hope you'll consider joining us on the journey!

Safety: The City of Vancouver believes every employee plays a role in maintaining a safe workplace. The City of Vancouver promotes safety as a guiding principle and practice and accomplishes work by creating safe work environments, complying with safety and health policies and procedures and consistently seeking improvements that support operational excellence.

Diversity and Inclusion: At the City of Vancouver, we value and foster a workplace comprised of people with a range of different backgrounds, experiences and