The Surface Water Management (SWM) Division, within the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to manage key surface water programs and groups of highly talented staff and supervisors. 

About the SWM Planning Manager position

The SWM Planning Manager position oversees a wide range of key surface water programs in SWM, including the floodplain program, lakes program, salmon recovery planning program, salmon restoration capital projects, marine resources program, habitat monitoring program, GIS, native plant program, noxious weed program, river gaging, flood warning, and others. The combined annual program budget that is overseen by the Planning Manager is roughly $25.8 million in 2026. Successful candidates will therefore have a proven track record of managing multiple programs, overseeing large budgets, and implementing complex projects. 

This position also oversees three supervisors that lead three different SWM groups with a total of 47.5 staff and 3-5 seasonal staff, as well as a WCC crew of six. Successful candidates will have experience supervising and managing larger groups of staff and creating a positive work environment for their teams. 

The programs under the Planning Manager position also involve a high degree of collaboration with numerous partners to be successful. As a result, the Planning Manager needs to have strong collaboration skills and the ability to establish and maintain strong partnerships with tribes, stakeholder groups, elected officials, citizens, government agencies, SWM staff, and other County departments. 

The successful candidate will have strong communication skills and will be able to positively contribute to the overall management of the stormwater utility. The successful candidate will also have qualities in alignment with SWM's core values of providing and demonstrating high quality service, leadership, stewardship, accountability, respect, and integrity.

This position reports directly to the Surface Water Utility Director and is part of the DCNR leadership team. 

Minimum Qualifications

 

     Bachelor's degree in business or public administration, engineering, hydrology, science or related field; AND, five (5) years of professional experience in surface water, storm water, hydrology and/or water resource management, which includes four (4) years of supervisory experience; OR, any equivalent combination of training and or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.  Must pass job related tests.