Programming Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $171,609.96 - $225,827.04 Annually
Location : 6830 NE 185th St., Kenmore
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Engineering
Opening Date: 05/08/2026
FLSA: Exempt
Your application must be completed in detail. A resume will not substitute for a completed Northshore Utility District application form. Beginning with your present or most recent employment, list your work experience history. Limit your history to the last 10 years. Include any periods of self-employment, unemployment, U.S. military service, and any job-related volunteer experience.
Summary of Job Duties
Northshore Utility District in Kenmore, Washington is seeking an Engineering Director.
Pay Range: $171K - $225K DOE
Schedule: M-F 8:00am-4:30pm OR 9/80 schedule (M-Th 7:00am-4:30pm, Fri 7:00am-3:30pm with every other Friday off).
Northshore Utility District (NUD) is seeking an Engineering Director with minimum of 10 years' experience in construction project management or professional engineering experience or related field and 10 years direct experience of progressive supervisor/management experience. In this role, you will take on meaningful work that directly supports the growth and reliability of public infrastructure for the community we serve.
We offer competitive wages (75thpercentile of comparable agencies), and pay is based on experience.
At NUD, we prioritize work-life balance and long-term career stability. Our employees enjoy a flexible 9/80 work schedule, giving you every other Friday off, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision premiums for employees and families
• Participation in the Washington State Pension System
• 4% employer match on your deferred compensation
• $2,000/$4,000 employer funded HRA/VEBA annually (based on medical plan selection)
• Free parking
• AND MORE

This position is open until it is filled, the first review of applicants begins on May 22, 2026.
This position is a working director and is responsible for all Engineering Department activities and operations relating to the planning, design, and construction management of improvements to the District's water distribution and wastewater collection systems, District Headquarters, and the second Emergency Operations Center facilities. Improvements include capital improvements, developer extensions, major rehabilitation, and emergency response repair. Provide leadership and oversight to the entire department including staff supervision, coaching, mentoring, monitoring teams' performance, and goal setting. Responsible for supporting functions, such as contract administration, policy development, and document archival systems. Participates in the overall planning and management of the District as a member of the Management Team.
REPORTING DIRECTLY TO: General Manager
Examples of Duties

• Directly supervises, trains, motivates, plans, directs, coordinates, reviews, and evaluates work plans and work products of all department employees.
• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by welcoming and meeting the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.
• Create an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Resolve internal and external complaints, while maintaining positive relations.
• Prepare and conduct oral and written employee performance evaluations. With the ability to recognize superior job performance as well as deliver and implement correction in undesirable trends in performance consistent with establish District policies.
• Plan, prepare, monitor, and control capital budgets for utility engineering programs; monitor and present expenditures; prepare, review and process consultant and contractor payments in accordance with contract guidelines; review financial and performance data; present programmatic expenditure. requests.
• Provide technical expertise and respond to and answer questions; resolve conflicts; develop and revise department procedures, ordinances and other materials related to utility services and activities.
• Supervises the preparation of planning documents, design documents, design criteria, cost estimates, and engineering and feasibility reports for all District related public works projects.
• Direct all aspects of project management including strategic planning, managing pre-construction and construction activities, identify and track critical issues affecting schedules and related costs.
• Manages consultant selection and contract administration.
• Participates in management functions, such as policy development, planning, and employee relations.
• Responds to more complex inquiries concerning new development projects and existing District facilities.
• Prepares and presents documents and information to the Board of Commissioners.
• Develops and manages the annual department and capital budgets and makes recommendations for budget adjustments.
• Represents the District at local and regional meetings and events.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Reliable and regular attendance.
• Performs all other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Proficient in modern engineering techniques for the design and construction management of water distribution and sewage collection systems and building and site improvements.
• Proficient in reading, interpreting, reviewing, and writing engineering drawings legal descriptions.
• Substantial experience in managing large scale water and wastewater projects.
• Experience in overseeing civil, structural, mechanical and process work on large scale projects.
• Understanding of laws and regulations governing the operations of water & sewer districts.
• Working knowledge of employment laws and personnel procedures.
• Proficient in planning for and coordinating critical operations during emergencies.
• Ability to reliably travel to multiple job sites per week by a method that allows timely arrival. If driving a company vehicle, a valid driver's license may be necessary since no alternative method of transportation is available that reasonably matches time and cost.
• Working knowledge of the entire Microsoft Office Suite and other engineering software.
• Proficient modern management techniques for training, motivating, and leading employees.
• Proficient in planning, organizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Communication (written and oral, and interpersonal) skills as applied to interaction with co-workers, supervisor, the general public, etc.

Experience/Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field preferred but not required; supplemented by ten (10) years of progressive supervisory/management experience of staff larger than five or more; ten (10) years of experience in construction Project management or professional engineering experience or related field.
Licensing Requirements:

• Current Washington State Professional Civil Engineering Registration preferred not required.
• Ability to travel to job sites as needed by a means that ensures timely arrival. If the duties of the position require operating a motor vehicle where no reasonable alternative transportation method exists, possession of a valid Washington State driver's license (and acceptable driving record) will be required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Most work is performed indoors in an office environment; however, field work is required. This may include outdoor activities in varying weather conditions and visits to active construction sites. Site visits may involve walking long distances, standing for extended periods, navigating uneven ground, mud, gravel or other rough construction terrain. This position may occasionally require entering underground vaults, or other confined spaces. Traveling to project sites is necessary and may require transportation by a method that ensures timely arrival, depending on the project, driving may be required where no reasonable alternative exists. This position may require availability for evening, night, or weekend in response to emergencies or project demands. Physical requirements included sufficient mobility, balance, and coordination to move safely through active construction zones, along with the ability to perform tasks that involve fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions. The role may involve carrying or exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally to move or carry objects.
Medical, Dental, & Vision
Employees have various medical plan options to choose from - either managed care plans or preferred provider plans. The Employer pays 100% of the premium costs for employees & their eligible dependents for most plan options.
HRA/VEBA
Employees who have completed their Trial Service Period will receive an employer contribution into their HRA/VEBA account. The contributions equal $2,000 for employee medical coverage and $4,000 for employee plus eligible dependent.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Save money in taxes by using the Flexible Spending Accounts to pay for eligible health care or dependent care expenses on a pre-tax basis.
Retirement Plans

• Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS)
  • As a public employer, most of our employees are eligible for retirement benefits administered by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. Employees have two plans to choose from.
• Deferred Compensation 457 (b) and Roth plan.
  • Optional deferred compensation plan allows eligible employees to contribute to their account through payroll deductions. The Employer matches up to 4% contributions into your selected plan.

Paid Time Off / Work Schedule

• We offer a competitive time off program that includes vacation based on years of service, 8 hours/month accrued sick leave, and 13 paid holiday.
• We offer two schedules for our employees. Your traditional Monday - Friday 8:00am -4:30pm or a 9/80 schedule to foster a healthy work life balance.

Term & Accident Insurance
Employer paid and optional term life and accident insurance help protect against financial hardship in the event of serious injury or death.
Employee Assistance Program
Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available via a 24-hour hotline. The EAP provides no-cost, confidential assistance for a variety of personal and professional issues, including stress, financial challenges, work-related issues, or marital and family counseling.
Training & Development
We have a rich history of training and development for our employees. We encourage our employees to realize their full potential and offer a variety of ways to advance their careers through internal, external, and on-the-job training opportunities, as well as tuition reimbursement and mentorship.
01
Do you have at least 10 years of experience in construction project management or professional engineering experience?

• Yes
• No

02
Do you have 10 years of progressive supervisory/management experience of staff larger than five or more?

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have experience in water and wastewater industry?

• Yes
• No

Required Question