6 River Systems Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $136,281.39 - $172,744.42 Annually
Location : Seattle - Regional area, WA
Job Type: Career Service (Exec)
Job Number: 2026IG26952
Department: DNRP-Natural Resources & Parks
Division: WLRD -Water & Land Resources
Opening Date: 06/08/2026
Closing Date: 6/28/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: C1 : PROTEC17-DES, DLS, DNRP
Full- or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours/Week: 40 hours/week
Summary
Are you a collaborative leader and skilled manager of capital projects in floodplains or similar environments? Do you enjoy mentoring staff? Are you ready to grow your career as a Capital Project Manager in the exciting world of floodplain management? Look no further than the River and Floodplain Capital Unit within King County, Washington's Water and Land Resources Division. We are seeking standout professionals to join our team as a Capital Projects Supervisor and lead a dynamic and multi-disciplinary team delivering crucial capital projects that support public safety and healthy floodplains.
In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future career service Capital Project Manager IV positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six (6) months
About the Role:
The Capital Projects Supervisor (Capital Project Manager IV), located in the River and Floodplain Capital Unit within the Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD), will lead a team dedicated to the delivery of flood risk reduction projects that foster healthy rivers and resilient floodplain communities. Team priorities are focused in the Green River Basin and the individual in this position will become intimate with the Green River and the unique challenges of addressing flood risk reduction in this complex river system. The successful candidate will manage their team's project portfolio and support multiple complex and politically visible capital projects from initiation through implementation and closeout. In addition to working closely with staff throughout the River and Floodplain Capital Unit, this position will also require close coordination with the River and Floodplain Management Section and WLRD management as well as with Flood Control District staff and elected officials from King County and other jurisdictions.
As a leader in our organization, the individual in this position will provide guidance and mentorship to teams and individuals, help set performance metrics, work closely with project managers to create highly functioning teams, and set a tone of excellence and continuous learning where all team members are valued. This CPM IV position will also serve as a technical expert and support other programmatic activities within the River and Floodplain Management Program, including corridor planning efforts for the County's six major river systems, the inspection, maintenance and operation of the County's inventory of flood protection facilities, participation in the flood warning and flood patrol program, post-construction effectiveness monitoring, and coordination with Water Resource Inventory Area (WRIA) staff to implement salmon recovery plans. This position may also participate in key Department and County initiatives such as equity and social justice, climate change, organizational development, and process improvement committees.
This position follows a hybrid work model, blending remote and in-person work.
Why You Should Apply:
Mission-Driven: Our mission is clear - we're here to reduce flood risks and build community resilience while restoring natural river and floodplain processes and promoting equitable outcomes. We're forward-thinking and focused on addressing the challenges of climate change. You'll be a part of something greater, contributing to the well-being of King County's constituents and the environment.
Innovative Approaches: We are not just any team; we're a nationwide leader in floodplain management and innovation. You'll have the chance to use and apply cutting-edge technologies and tools (such as ArcGIS, AI, drone-collected imagery and LiDAR, project and portfolio management tools) to analyze and develop strategies aimed at reducing flood risks and enhance river and environmental conditions. Get ready to be at the forefront of creative problem-solving with diverse and multi-disciplinary teams of planners, ecologists, geologists, and engineers to shape the future of flood risk reduction in King County.
Exciting Challenges: Do you thrive on tackling complex challenges? You'll manage teams involved in planning, analysis, and design to find solutions that protect our communities. No two days will be the same as you work with diverse groups to make a real impact on the communities in King County. It's the perfect opportunity to put your skills to the test and expand your expertise.
Team Culture: We're not just a team; we are a tight knit community of river-focused professionals. The River and Floodplain Capital Unit works with the River and Floodplain Management Section to foster a collaborative and engaged professional environment. We believe in growth, both personally and professionally. Here, you'll find the support and camaraderie you need to thrive. You won't just have colleagues; you'll have friends and mentors who are passionate about what they do.
Career Development Potential: The sky's the limit. You will play a vital role in developing design solutions that will address improvements to river infrastructure in a way that is protective of the environment, protects capital investments, and better serves the public. You'll engage with tribes and project partners, ensuring the successful execution of flood risk reduction and habitat restoration initiatives. You will brief WLRD management and the King County Flood Control District on the status and progress of capital projects you manage. This position is your ticket to continuous learning, career growth, and making a real difference in your field.
If you're ready to take on a position that's more than just a job, King County's River and Floodplain Capital Unit is the place for you. Join us to shape the future for our floodplains and communities and grow both personally and professionally. Apply today and be a part of our passionate and innovative team!
About the Team:
The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) of King County is a nationwide leader in integrated floodplain management and developing and implementing innovative and science-based flood risk reduction strategies. The River and Floodplain Capital Unit implements a diverse work program to improve river and environmental conditions across King County's six major river systems (White, Green, Cedar, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, and Skykomish). These projects and programs reduce flood risks to the constituents of King County in a manner that restores river and floodplain processes, considers equitable outcomes and future conditions related to climate change, and provides a collaborative and engaged professional environment where staff can grow and thrive. The River and Floodplain Capital Unit ensures successful execution of flood risk reduction and habitat restoration initiatives, while fostering collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and regulatory compliance.
Who Are We?
The Water and Land Resources Division (WLRD) is at the forefront of King County's efforts to protect and restore clean water and healthy habitat and strengthen the resilience of communities, environment, and infrastructure in the face of climate change. We are a dedicated workforce of more than 450 supported by an annual budget of ~$280 million. WLRD has a strong track record of developing innovative strategies to protect working farms and forests, restore habitat, improve water quality, and provide county residents with equitable access to green space. We house the Land Conservation Initiative, which aims to preserve our last, most important lands. Our forestry and agricultural programs help individuals protect their lands and support local food production.We house four salmon recovery forums where we collaborate with scores of partners to plan, design, and build habitat projects. We partner with regional jurisdictions to help residents and businesses reduce the threats posed by production, use, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. We are the primary service provider to the King County Flood Control District, contributing to flood preparedness and constructing and maintaining facilities that restore rivers and reduce risk. Our one true local service to unincorporated King County is stormwater management, protecting water quality, reducing flooding, and building and maintaining facilities. Finally, we provide regional science and laboratory services to an array of customers, maintaining high-quality data sets used to assess water quality and habitat trends, and provide Best Available Science to inform decision making. In two words, we are a watershed utility.
Commitment To Equity and Social Justice:King County, named after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., is a diverse and vibrant community that represents cultures from around the world. Our True North is to create a welcoming community where everyone can thrive. We prioritize equity, racial and social justice, making it a foundational and daily expectation for all employees. As a Capital Projects Supervisor, you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at .
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Water and Land Resource Division of King County Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP). Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, , and growth opportunities.
Job Duties
What You Will Be Doing:

• Provide direct supervision, technical oversight, and quality control to an interdisciplinary team for the implementation of river and floodplain management capital improvement projects. Supervisory duties include hiring, performance management, career development, coaching and mentoring, and fostering a work culture where staff feel valued and not overallocated.
• Direct personnel in the planning, design, and construction of river and floodplain management projects, including revetment, levee, floodwall or floodplain reconnection capital projects. Provide and/or direct technical and quality engineering review of capital improvement projects to apply accepted design and engineering standards.
• Ensure compliance with the WLR Project Management Manual in terms of project charters and planning, alternatives analysis, preliminary and final design, permitting, acquisition, construction, and closeout.
• Assist in the development and implementation of workflow processes to ensure consistency in implementation and effective delivery of capital projects. Oversee and supervise the preparation, review and approval of design and construction contract documents.
• Proactively apply principles of Equity and Social Justice to build and maintain relationships with other jurisdictions, governmental agencies, tribes, community members, and other interested parties through effective communication and outreach efforts as needed to plan and implement capital projects.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the Capital Section and River and Floodplain Management Program to participate in the development of annual capital improvement projects and budgets, including estimating costs, assigning work, and setting priorities.
• Manage complex, sensitive, and politically visible issues that may require regular coordination with WLRD senior management, the King County Flood Control District, and County elected officials.
• Participate in flood warning and emergency response programs and activities, including the Flood Warning Center, flood patrols, and post-flood inspections.

Experience, Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills
Qualifications You Bring:

• Bachelors in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resources, environmental science, natural resource management, urban/regional planning, or any combination of education and experience that clearly demonstrates the ability and skills to perform the core work duties of the position.
• Demonstrated experience managing the work of others, including assigning and scheduling work, reviewing products, and providing training and oversight.
• Demonstrated experience as a supervisor, project representative, or project manager of a large-scale public works contract or complex, multiple public works contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to work within an organization to address policy, process, and people related dynamics.

Competencies You Bring:

• Collaborates: Building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.
• Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
• Drives Engagement: Creating a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.
• Instills Trust: Gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• Ensures Accountability: Holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.
• Manages Complexity: Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems.
• Being Resilient: Rebounding from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations.

It Would Be Great if You Also Bring:

• A Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Washington, or the ability to obtain the license within one year of hire.
• Master of Science in civil engineering, environmental engineering, water resources, environmental science, natural resource management, urban/regional planning, communications, public administration or closely related field.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of ...