Engineering Project Manager, Senior

Job Description:

Engineering Project Manager, Senior

Description

Position Description

Are you an experienced project manager with a passion for large-scale projects that truly make a difference? Are you ready to lead high-impact initiatives that enhance power production systems and ensure the longevity of the Pacific Northwest's renewable hydroelectric resources? If so, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity!

Tacoma Power is seeking a dynamic and skilled Senior Project Manager to join our Power Generation Project Delivery Team and lead our Hydroelectric Modernization Program. This position plays a lead role in upgrading aging infrastructure-including hydro turbines, generators, and major auxiliary systems across Tacoma Power’s hydro fleet.

In this role, you’ll take the lead on essential modernization efforts such as the overhaul of Cushman Number Two Powerhouse Units 31 and 32. You'll also be responsible for developing and implementing a long-range capital plan to prioritize future hydro fleet modernization needs and ensure the long-term reliability of Tacoma Power’s power production assets and supporting systems.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine your technical expertise with a passion for environmental stewardship, all while driving innovation in sustainable energy. If you're ready to make a lasting impact and take your project management career to the next level, we want to hear from you!

This position is responsible for coordinating all phases of hydro power construction projects from feasibility, alternative analysis, planning, design, and permitting through construction and project closeout, which includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Identify engage and partner with team members and stakeholders across multiple work groups and divisions of Tacoma Public Utilities and develop project scope, schedule, budget, and risks.
• Implement project management tools such as responsible, accountable, consult, and inform matrix, risk register, progress reporting, cash flow, charters, and Project Management Plans.
• Build and lead project teams through feasibility studies, alternative analysis, development of design criteria, solicitation development and other aspects of construction projects.
• Coordinate and obtain project related permits (i.e. Regulatory, Building, SEPA, JARPA, Shoreline Management and other various permits specific to the local jurisdiction).
• Drive procurement efforts by working closely with Purchasing, Legal, and the Risk Office to craft contract terms, negotiate agreements, recommend awards, and manage contracts through their lifecycle.
• Oversee construction progress including writing and reviewing change orders, settling contractor disputes, processing contractor and consultant payments, and overseeing the work of construction inspectors and coordinators.
• Develop routine reports and project key performance indicators to ensure projects meet performance goals and document project artifacts for communicating to management and stakeholders for situational awareness and any follow up action.
• Proactively identify and remove obstacles, escalating concerns as appropriate.
• Manage stakeholders, sponsors, teams, and resource managers by understanding needs, establishing expectations and follow through.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*
Bachelor's degree in project management, civil engineering, construction management, or directly related field.

Minimum Experience*
5 years of progressively responsible professional capital construction project management experience.

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements
Washington State Driver's License

*Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Knowledge & Skills

Desirable:

• Project Management Certificate (PMP)
• Experience working on projects related to hydroelectric turbine generators or similar infrastructure
• Experience with alternative project delivery methods such as Progressive Design Build, Design Build, and Early Contractor Involvement
• Experience in facilitating and decision-making amongst stakeholders
• Ability to prepare and present effective oral communications for professional and general public use
• Supervisory experience
• Public sector or utility experience
• Knowledge of various project management tools/ software packages, MS Office Suite, and scheduling software (such as MS Project or Primavera)

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We’re committed to eliminating racial and other disparities and actively seek candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences.

We believe diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our innovation and collective success. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission-even if you don’t meet 100% of the qualifications-we encourage you to apply. We value transferrable skills and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Pay Details:

Annual Salary: $127,420.80 - $179,400.00

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

Application Process
This recruitment is being managed by Kye Merritt, if you would like to be notified of similar opportunities or stay connected with things going on at Tacoma Public Utilities and the City of Tacoma, connect with me on LinkedIn !

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a resume and cover letter that includes how your background, experience, and training align with this position. Applications without the required materials may not be considered.

Application Deadline
Submit your application by the closing date listed on the job posting.

Assistance
For questions about the job announcement or application process, contact Human Resources at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. on the job closing date.

For technical support with the NEOGOV system, call 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.

Important Communication Notice
The City of Tacoma primarily communicates via email. Please ensure emails from @tacoma.gov and @governmentjobs.com are added to your safe senders list. Check your junk/spam folders to avoid missing updates.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 9/2/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$127,420.80 - $179,400.00 Annually