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Division Manager, Environmental Services

Salary

$147,243.20 - $207,313.60 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

P0570-25

Department

Environmental Services

Opening Date

10/24/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

Position Description

The City of Tacoma is excited to recruit for the position of Environmental Services Science Division Manager.

**This position will post continuously until filled, first consideration of applications will be 11/21/25.

The Division Manager provides leadership and direction for the Environmental Services' Laboratory, Environmental Programs Group, Environmental Compliance Group, and Urban Forestry Group under the collective organization of the Science Division (SD).

The SD Division Manager is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the SD sections to effectively, and efficiently, provide services internally to the ES Department, other City Departments, and external partners. This cross-departmental position coordinates inter[1]departmental policies, plans, projects, and programs that may have significant scope, public impact, and high visibility and value to the City of Tacoma.

The Science Division and the SD Division Manager support key focus areas of the Tacoma Strategic Plan and the Environmental Services Strategic Plan promoting “everything we do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound leaving a better Tacoma for all” by sustaining and improving Tacoma’s natural environment and growing and enhancing the vitality of Tacoma’s neighborhoods.

Key responsibilities for the position include the following:

+ Plan, direct, and control the operations of the SD in accordance with policies and goals of the City and the Environmental Services (ES) Department.

+ Prepare and maintain personnel and work-related records and reports.

+ Prepare the annual work plan and budget for the SD and monitor expenditures.

+ Forecast resource requirements and authorizes purchases within City guidelines, direct the preparation, coordination and/or authorization of various communications concerning the SD when necessary.

+ Select, recruit, train, mentor, supervise and evaluate the performance of personnel in the SD

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds, skill sets and lived experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

+ Office and outdoor environment subject to occasional travel.

+ Occasional evening and nighttime work to meet schedules and project deadlines and attend public meetings.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental sciences, business, public administration or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

7 years of experience in one or more fields of environmental sciences including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

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

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Washington State Driver's License

Knowledge & Skills

KNOWLEDGE:

+ Climate issues and sustainability practices.

+ Local government organization, operations, policies, and objectives.

+ Community engagement.

+ Environmental laws and regulations.

+ Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

+ Relevant labor laws and practices.

+ Change management strategies and techniques.

+ Performance management and metrics.

SKILLS:

+ Ability to work independently with little direction.

+ Proficient in use of all office equipment including personal computers and related software applications.

+ Ability to assign and review work of others; and plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.

+ Promote and maintain a culturally diverse work force and take appropriate pro-active steps to provide employees with a work environment free of harassment, intimidation, hostility, and coercion based on race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, and family status.

+ Effectively organize multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, cost effective and on time.

+ Ability to adapt to an ever-changing work environment and make effective decisions quickly during stressful situations.

+ Set and communicate clear expectations for staff, follow through and establish accountability for all.

+ Ability to interpret, apply, and explain complex regulations, laws, codes, and policies related to environmental protection, climate action and government processes.

+ Prepare and maintain various personnel and work-related records and reports; prepare the annual division budget; forecast personnel requirements and authorize purchases within established guidelines.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

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 we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives 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

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $70.79 - $99.67

Annual Salary: $147,243.20 - $207,313.60

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma (https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits/)

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 age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 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.

01

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application.

I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

+ Yes

+ No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

+ High school or equivalent

+ Associate's degree

+ Bachelor's degree

+ Master's degree

+ None

03

Which best describes your level of experience:

+ 0-7 years experience in natural resources, environmental sciences, policy, engineering, public or business administration.

+ 7-9 years experience in natural resources, environmental sciences, policy, engineering, public or business administration.

+ 9-11 years experience in natural resources, environmental sciences, policy, engineering, public or business administration.

+ 11 or more years experience in natural resources, environmental sciences, policy, engineering, public or business administration.

04

Please describe your management experience as it relates to service in the areas of policy development and implementation of environmental protection, climate action, or government, or administration. If you have experience that may be comparable, please detail and explain. If you have no relevant experience type N/A.

05

Please describe what you consider to be your greatest professional accomplishment and explain why you selected this success.

06

What challenges do you believe the industry will be facing in the near and long term which may affect our region’s ability to adapt to an ever-changing regulatory environment related to discharge permits and water quality throughout the Puget Sound? How would you respond to those challenges? If you did research on the City of Tacoma, please address present environmental issues.

07

Please describe your experience with community members to implement change or important projects.

08

What steps have you taken to create and sustain a work environment that is inclusive, supportive, respectful, and values differing perspectives and experiences? Give a specific example and explain how you measure the success of this objective?

09

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

+ Job Interest Card notification

+ Internet search

+ Professional organization

+ Community organization

+ Military organization

+ Union job posting

+ City of Tacoma employee

+ Online job board posting

+ Word of mouth

+ Other

10

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you.

Required Question

Employer

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.tacoma.gov

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