In addition to the current opening, this recruitment may be used to establish a pool of qualified candidates to fill future Water Quality Planner/Project Manager IV positions throughout the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) over the next six (6) months.
Are you an experienced environmental scientist who is equally passionate about developing people and advancing science? King County is seeking a collaborative leader to oversee one of the nation's most respected freshwater lake monitoring programs. In this role, you'll lead a team of scientists conducting research and monitoring that directly informs environmental policy, public health, and the protection of some of the Pacific Northwest's most iconic lakes. If you're excited about combining technical expertise with people leadership to make a lasting impact on our region, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As the Lakes Program Supervisor, you will lead King County's long-term water quality monitoring program for Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, and Lake Union while supervising a team of approximately 4–6 environmental scientists. You'll provide strategic direction for scientific studies, oversee daily program operations, mentor and develop staff, and ensure the collection and analysis of high-quality environmental data.
This role combines scientific leadership with people management. You'll guide the design of monitoring programs and applied research, support data-driven decision making, and collaborate with regional partners—including Public Health, the Wastewater Treatment Division, the University of Washington, and other scientific organizations—to better understand and protect our freshwater ecosystems. Your work will help shape environmental policy, improve public health, and ensure King County's lakes remain healthy for future generations.
About the Team
The Science Section provides the scientific foundation that helps King County protect water quality, restore habitat, and make informed environmental decisions. Our team leads applied research, manages long-term environmental monitoring programs, delivers technical expertise, and supports evidence-based policies that benefit people, salmon, and orca.
We value scientific excellence, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Our work influences major public investments and regional environmental initiatives while advancing equity and environmental justice. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives strengthen our science and improve outcomes for the communities we serve.
Commitment to Equity, Racial 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
Lakes Program Supervisor (Water Quality Planner/Project Manager IV), you will actively apply these principles in all aspects of your work. Learn more about our commitment at http://www.kingcounty.gov/equity.
Apply now for a rewarding career at the Department of Natural Resources & Parks (DNRP) of King County. Join our talented workforce in protecting and restoring the natural environment and promoting more resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities. Enjoy training, comprehensive benefits, and growth opportunities.
Working Conditions:
-
Remote and Onsite Work Details: The Science Section works in a hybrid model, with days in the office as well as telecommuting. The ratio of remote to onsite work will be dependent on business needs and is subject to change. The primary onsite location is King Street Center, 201 S. Jackson St, Seattle, WA 98104. Other work locations are at project sites and other site locations near the rivers of King County.
-
Remote Work Location Requirement: Employees must reside in Washington state and within a reasonable distance to their King County worksite to respond to workplace reporting requirements. King County has a robust collection of tools and resources to support working remotely. The individual selected for this opportunity will join an innovative and progressive team that is redefining how we work as we transition to the department's hybrid environment. Employees will be provided with a County-issued laptop and must maintain a home workspace with an internet connection where they can reliably perform work and remain available and responsive during scheduled work hours.
-
Work Schedule: This full-time position will work a 40-hour work week. This position is exempt from the overtime provision of the Fair Labor Standard Act (FLSA) and is not overtime eligible.
-
Union Representation: This position is represented by Teamsters Local 117.
-
Necessary Special Requirements:
-
The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical.
-
Physical Requirement: This position requires the ability to conduct physical site inspections and evaluations, including in times of inclement weather conditions. There is often a need to walk on uneven terrain, for extended periods of time. Field conditions include brushy, forested environments, river, stream and wetland corridors, and slippery, uneven surfaces and adverse outdoor weather conditions. Work tasks also may include carrying equipment up to 50lbs and in-water situations involving wading and the use of rafts. Ability to work long hours outside conducting field work and occasionally in inclement weather is necessary.
Application and Selection Process:
We welcome applications from all qualified applicants. We value diversity, diverse perspectives and life experience and encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.
Application materials will be screened for clarity, completeness and alignment with the experience, qualifications, knowledge, and skills essential for this role to determine which candidates may be invited to participate in one or more panel interviews. The final candidate will be required to successfully pass a pre-employment physical. Please ensure that your application materials clearly detail how your skills and experience meet the minimum qualifications outlined in this posting.
Applications without the following required materials may not be considered for this position.
To apply, submit a:
-
Complete Online Application with responses to supplemental questions.
-
Resume.
Note: Additional documents won't be considered during minimum qualification screening.
Who to Contact: For more information regarding this recruitment, please contact Jamie Jensen-Young at 206-263-8779 or [email protected].
Discover More About the Water Land & Resources Division: Visit our website.
Discover More About DNRP: Visit our website, explore an interactive map of our recent accomplishments and check us out at Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, YouTube and Keeping King County Green News.
Sign up for Job Alerts to be notified of additional career opportunities with King County. Select the Natural Resources category for DNRP opportunities and explore other categories of interest.
Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers. Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.
Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles-we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+, people living with disabilities, and veterans.
King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer: No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.
To Apply
If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.
