Assistant Planning Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

• Open until filled
• Best to apply by: May 17, 2026
• Include both a resume and a letter of interest

• Application screening: By 3rd week of May
• If selected, preliminary interview: 4th week of May
• If selected, Interview: 1st or 2nd week of June

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented person to join the Engineering Team as a Capital Planning Manager.

LOTT is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are a leader in treatment performance and treat wastewater to high standards for wastewater treatment facilities on Puget Sound. We are always testing new technologies and working to improve our processes and outcomes. Working for LOTT can be personally rewarding and a great way to make an impact in the community we serve.

The Capital Planning Manager plays a key role in shaping the future of LOTT’s infrastructure. They develop the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), the roadmap for maintaining, improving, and expanding treatment and conveyance systems. They prepare annual and long-range planning reports, collect and analyze treatment plant data, lead feasibility studies, and coordinate the details that make new capacity projects possible. The Capital Planning Manager also leads the prioritization process for capital projects and recommends funding strategies that align with LOTT’s strategic goals.

Our Engineering Team is a highly motivated, collaborative group, with high standards and a strong work ethic. We are proud of the work we do building and operating reliable and high-quality infrastructure. LOTT’s Culture of Excellence is built around core values of: Collaboration, Taking Responsibility, Fostering Belonging, Solving Problems, Being Innovative, and Ensuring High Standards.

Position Description: Under general direction of the Engineering Director, the Capital Planning Manager is responsible for the development of LOTT’s Capital Improvement Plan. This requires developing annual and long-range planning reports and analyzing feasibility assessments, reports, and other information as necessary to coordinate the development of capital projects. The Capital Planning Manager leads the prioritization of all capital projects and recommends funding required to maintain, improve, and expand LOTT’s treatment and conveyance systems to meet LOTT’s strategic planning goals. The Capital Planning Manager exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment to assist in the development of long-range goals, strategies, and annual work plans within assigned program areas.

Typical duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work in support of the Capital Management Group, ensuring all aspects of capacity management, asset management, and capital and facility planning are discussed, evaluated, and implemented;
• Manage LOTT capacity planning efforts;
• Coordinate and conduct Business Case Evaluations (BCE) as required for capital projects;
• Provide leadership for the Capital Projects Planning Process (CP3) team, ensuring that ideas and project proposals are vetted through this group as appropriate;
• Prepare and present project progress reports and recommendations to the Senior Leadership team, the Executive Director, the Technical Sub-Committee, and the LOTT Board of Directors;
• Prepare project staff reports, resolutions, motions, proposed contracts, and other presentations for Board of Directors consideration;
• Meet with partner jurisdictions on a regular basis to ensure LOTT planning efforts are consistent with our partner jurisdictions’ future needs;
• Represent LOTT at various meetings, hearings, and on planning committees, ensuring that LOTT’s interests are represented;
• Work with consultants, division directors, and staff to:
  • Lead the development of annual and long-range planning documents, reports, and schedules required for LOTT’s capital planning;
  • Participate as part of the Asset Management Core Team in refinement of procedures for collection, documentation, and analysis of asset data including value, criticality, condition, and operating expenses for all LOTT assets;
  • Integrate asset management financial needs with broader planning and annual budget processes;
  • Ensure that asset management decisions are based on evaluations of alternatives that account for equipment criticality and full life-cycle costs;
  • Participate in development of and updates to project and program budgets; and
  • Gather, manage, and analyze data in support of efficient and effective resource allocation to Capital Improvements Projects.
• Assist in fostering a team environment within the Engineering Division;
• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.

The Capital Planning Manager works primarily in an office setting but must work in all areas of LOTT facilities in order to perform project management planning assessments and obtain information from LOTT staff, consultants, and contractors. The ability to climb stairs and navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces both indoors and outdoors is required. The Capital Planning Manager may be exposed to health and safety conditions including toxic, corrosive, and combustible fumes and chemicals, high voltage equipment, and raw sewage.

This position does not supervise others.

Knowledge of:

• Long-range planning with intergovernmental agencies;
• Land use and zoning requirements;
• Project management methods and practices;
• Asset Management Program implementation;
• Financial aspects of strategic asset management including capital acquisition, asset registers, valuation, depreciation, asset economic life, and life-cycle costing; and
• Engineering principles associated with wastewater treatment, water reclamation, water treatment, or similar industrial process facilities and equipment.

Skills:

• Data analysis and utility planning;
• Excellent writing, speaking and conducting study sessions, briefings, staff training, and public presentations to clearly convey complex information to diverse audiences;
• Meeting planning and facilitation;
• Proficient with computer software, including Word, Excel, GIS, Access, PowerPoint, MS Project, and Outlook; and
• Writing, troubleshooting, and optimizing SQL (Structured Query Language) queries for use in dashboards, financial models, and capital project analysis.

Ability to:

• Analyze, organize, manage, and communicate large quantities of detailed information and data from multiple sources;
• Develop cost/benefit analyses or business case evaluations to prioritize equipment replacement and repair;
• Read and apply technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics;
• Develop and implement standardized processes and formats for documentation of equipment operation and maintenance;
• Prepare and present analytical and technical reports; and
• Facilitate sensitive and controversial issues with multiple parties reflecting diverse interests.

Education/Experience:

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree with major emphasis in planning, civil engineering, environmental studies, public or utility administration, or related field; five or more years professional experience in planning and research related to land use, wastewater or water utilities, civil engineering, environmental issues, conservation, or other work directly related to utility planning and development; or a combination of education, training, and experience which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of the position.

Desirable Qualifications:

Knowledge of wastewater treatment, water quality, ecology, and/or related sciences. Professional experience with government agencies, utilities, and/or environmental organizations.

Additional Requirements: Must participate in LOTT’s Health and Safety Program.