Operations Director

Cascade Water Alliance (Cascade) is seeking an Operations Director to oversee operations and maintenance (O&M) of complex and unique infrastructure, including former hydropower facilities built in 1911 that have been converted into a system currently being operated and maintained for potential future water supply. This key position oversees operations and maintenance of Cascade’s assets, including the White River Lake Tapps Reservoir facilities and Bellevue-Issaquah Pipeline (BIP), and may have additional O&M responsibilities for future assets. Current facilities include the Lake Tapps Reservoir, the Powerhouse, eight miles of concrete flumes, pipes, open channels and basins, a fish screen facility, and a seven-mile 24” water pipeline. The successful candidate will have a passion for work in a team environment, closely collaborating with a small team of experienced professionals for successful operation and maintenance of Cascade’s critical infrastructure.

• Oversee the performance of the O&M services contractor at the White River Lake Tapps Reservoir facilities and two Cascade member agencies currently contracted to operate and maintain the BIP.
• Ensure operational parameters regarding the Lake Tapps Reservoir and the White River instream flow requirements and other obligations stipulated in Cascade’s water rights and agreements are met.
• Ensure all O&M work meets safety requirements.
• Ensure all appropriate agencies are coordinated with and approvals are received prior to performing O&M work.
• Coordinate and collaborate with a diverse range of entities, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Muckleshoot and Puyallup Tribes, National Marine Fisheries Service, the Lake Tapps Community Council, counties, and other governmental entities.
• Respond to Lake Tapps Reservoir homeowner complaints and issues regarding O&M activities that impact reservoir homeowners.
• Work closely with other Cascade staff to select an O&M services contractor to start in 2027.
• Operate the boat on the Lake Tapps Reservoir for surveys and tours.
• Collaborate on the dikes management program including monitoring, annual inspection, maintenance and repair implementation, emergency action planning, and regulatory reporting to the state Dam Safety Office.
• Coordinate with the Director of Land Use on response to, and mitigation of, vandalism, trespass, and other illegal activities on the White River Lake Tapps Reservoir project.
• Lead and coordinate with other Cascade staff and others on emergency management and implement recommendations from the Emergency Action Plan and BIP Flushing Plan.
• Coordinate and collaborate with engineering staff on repair, replacement, and rehabilitation of Cascade assets.
• Coordinate and collaborate with engineering staff to develop preventive maintenance strategies and lead implementation of those strategies.
• Coordinate and collaborate with engineering staff on master facilities planning, condition assessments, and 10- and 20-year master Capital Improvement Plans (CIP).
• Partner with finance, engineering, and other staff to develop, implement, and monitor the O&M and CIP budgets.

• Five years of supervisory experience directing maintenance/operations crew staff required.
• Two years of college level course work in Waterworks, Water Management, or equivalent Water Resource classes required.
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may substitute for the two requirements above.
• Certification by Washington State as a Water Distribution Manager 4 preferred.
• Current State of Washington driver’s license required.
• Demonstrate the ability to obtain a Washington State Boater Education Card within the first 9 months of hire.
• The ability to perform the job in-person both in the field (most often at the White River Lake Tapps Reservoir facilities) and in the Bellevue office as required. The position is a hybrid position with both in-person and remote work. Emergencies arise that require work during nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

• Knowledge of operations and maintenance of water diversion and conveyance infrastructure such as canals, flumes, fish screen facilities, penstocks and pipelines, dikes, storage facilities, and other water appurtenances.
• Knowledge of operations and maintenance of drinking water transmission and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements.
• Ability to respond to customer and public inquiries and complaints. Good communication skills.
• Strategic planning and collaboration skills, specifically in the development of Strategic Plans, CIPs, and O&M plans.
• Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience with administering and monitoring budgets and approving expenditures.
• Ability to understand and implement the Incident Command System.
• Knowledge of protocols and procedures associated with hazardous spill response.
• Proficiency with industry standard software packages including Microsoft products, asset management, SCADA software and GIS.

This is a full-time position with an annual salary range of $158,565 – $240,968.

Cascade offers an industry leading package of benefits to employees and their dependents including paid time-off, insurance (medical, dental, vision, life, disability), retirement plans (401a, 457), and tax advantaged saving options (FSA, HRA Veba, PPO, DCAP). Cascade contributes 7% and employees contribute 4% to their 401a retirement plan. Additionally, as a replacement to the contribution to Social Security, employees contribute 6.2% of their annual salary and Cascade contributes 6.2% up to the Social Security limit established by the Internal Revenue Services to employees’ 401a plans.

Email your resume and cover letter to Chris Paulucci at contact@cascadewater.org by 5PM, September 5, 2025. Applications received by this date will be given first consideration. This position will remain open until filled.

Cascade Water Alliance is a municipal corporation comprised of seven member agencies that collaborate to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for its members’ approximately 400,000 residents in King County. Established in 1999, Cascade’s members include five cities (Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond, and Tukwila) and two water and sewer districts (Sammamish Plateau Water and Skyway Water and Sewer District). Cascade’s mission is to provide safe, clean, and reliable water to its members in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible way through regional leadership and strong relationships.

Cascade’s small team of water utility professionals and its Board of Directors pride themselves on their collaborative and innovative approaches to tackling local and regional issues related to drinking water. Cascade’s long-term goal is to create a lasting legacy by exemplifying a model for regional cooperation and effective public resource management.