WASHINGTON GENERAL MANAGER $150,000 - $200,000. Plus Excellent Benefits. Apply by March 25, 2018 (open until filled)

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1 WASHINGTON GENERAL MANAGER $150,000 - $200,000 Plus Excellent Benefits Apply by March 25, 2018 (open until filled)

2 WHY APPLY? Located about 20 miles northeast of Seattle on the Eastside of Lake Washington, Woodinville Water District serves an area that is home to roughly 50,000 residents and some of Washington s top wineries and multiple craft breweries. With easy access to local highways and the Eastside technology areas, the Woodinville area lets residents enjoy the advantages and convenience of being near several major metropolitan centers including Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Everett while maintaining the livability of all that is great about small town life. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced and innovative management professional looking to make a difference in an active and growing community. If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity with a district which is a leader in the industry and in a family oriented organization, this is the right position for you! The District is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds. THE COMMUNITY Located in the heart of the Sammamish River Valley near the King-Snohomish county line, the area was named for Ira and Susan Woodin, early settlers who arrived in Woodinville in Like other nearby towns, Woodinville began as a logging community, became a farming center, and then developed into a suburb of Seattle after World War II. The City of Woodinville incorporated in 1993 and comprises about 30% of the District service area. The District is home to many public parks, multipurpose sports fields, a variety of paved and unpaved walking, biking and equestrian trails, and local rivers and lakes which allow residents of all ages to enjoy a variety of recreational opportunities, including picnicking, recreational sports, horseback riding, golf, fishing, and kayaking. Other local attractions include the Chateau Ste. Michelle s summer concert series, which has hosted live performances for some of the best artists in jazz, rock, blues and contemporary music including James Taylor, The Beach Boys, Stevie Wonder, John Legend, and Sarah McLachlan, along with a variety of local farms and markets that provide locally grown produce and products. The area also supports a passionate gardening community supported by excellent local nurseries. Woodinville Water District extends well beyond the City to serve residential areas, retail centers and restaurants, and commercial and business services. The wine tourist district draws more than half a million visitors annually to its 140 wineries, including Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery and Columbia Winery, and related wine tourism facilities such as Willows Lodge & The Herbfarm Restaurant. 2

3 THE DISTRICT The Woodinville Water District, formerly King County Water District No. 104, is a municipal corporation of King County, Washington established in 1959, which officially became the Woodinville Water District in In 1969, the District started providing sewer service to a small portion of customers and thus became a water and sewer district, but has chosen to keep its name as Woodinville Water District. Woodinville Water District is a regional agency which has a footprint in four cities: Redmond, Kirkland, Bothell, and Woodinville as well as large portions in unincorporated King County. The District purchases all its water supply from the City of Seattle for distribution to its customers, with the majority of the water coming from the Tolt River Reservoir, and occasionally from the Cedar River Reservoir. The District also provides sewer collection services, and contracts with King County for regional transmission and treatment services. From 1963 to the present, the District has grown to an area of approximately 30 square miles. The Woodinville Water District presently is the tenth largest water and sewer district in King County, serving approximately 14,350 water customers and just over 3,000 sewer customers. In the first year of operation the District served 14 million gallons of water. In 1973 annual consumption was 243 million gallons. Currently, the District sells roughly 1.5 billion gallons of water annually. The District maintains over 295 miles of water main ranging in size from 4-16 inches, 8 steel reservoirs, 43 pressure reducing stations, five water and two sewer pump stations, and other related facilities. The District expects some continued expansion of facilities as growth continues, but has also developed a capital reinvestment strategy to sustain its infrastructure. The District is an active regional participant on important topics such as conservation, resiliency, supply planning, water resource protection, and emergency preparedness. THE POSITION Working under the direction and authority of the Board of Commissioners, the General Manager manages and directs the overall operation of the District to ensure compliance with State statues, District goals and policies, and applicable governmental regulations. The General Manager has three key areas of responsibility: 1. Running the District The GM is responsible for leading the management of Operations and Maintenance, Engineering and Planning, Finance, IT, Customer Service, Administration and Public Information. A management team spanning these areas reports directly to the GM. 2. Strategic Planning and Leadership The GM leads the culture of the District and provides guidance on strategic objectives and approaches. The GM champions strategic initiatives and provides staff with tools and support necessary to successfully implement them. The GM also engages in regional forums on utility-related issues. The organization of the District includes an elected five-member Board of Commissioners, supported by a General Manager and staff of thirty-four employees, operating on a 2017 operation and maintenance budget of $20 million, and a capital budget of roughly $6 million. There is no labor representation of District employees. 3

4 3. Board Interaction The GM has primary responsibility for Board communication and implementation of Board direction. The GM serves as liaison between Board and District staff and leads implementation of the Board s policy and strategic decisions in support of the District s mission. Further detail on the GM duties and responsibilities is available in the related job description. CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES 1. Board Collaboration and Learning The Board seated one new member as a result of the election in November. The new Board is energetic and committed to providing good guidance to the General Manager. Fostering learning and collaboration within the new group is essential. 2. Developing Technology The District has functioning GIS and AMI systems, and continues to integrate these tools into system planning and operational activities. Given the technologically savvy community we serve, the District is also working to improve customer portals for data access, bill paying and communications, while maintaining system and data security and integrity. 3. High Growth Area The Woodinville Water District is located in a high growth area of development, particularly within incorporated portions of its service area. The new General Manager will be in charge of keeping pace with the demands of development activity while sustaining the ongoing activities of the District. 4. Optimizing Staff Resources The District has enjoyed the benefits of a dedicated and well-trained staff, with little turnover and substantial in-house advancement. Respecting and utilizing this tremendous resource is a primary objective of the Board and expectation of the GM. IDEAL CANDIDATE Education and Experience: A Bachelor s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or a related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the supervision or management of a water and sewer district or public utility is required. Experience in the General Manager position is preferred. Professional accreditation such as a P.E. license or Water District Manager 4 certificate are also desirable but not a requirement of the position. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of management principles and practices, along with current and progressive industry methods as applied to government processes and public works. Experience with financial management and the development of budgets, plans and forecasts, and understanding public debt such as the issuance of revenue bonds. Knowledge of local, state and federal regulations and mandates affecting the operation of municipal entities, including water-sewer districts. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with staff, commissioners and the general public, including the ability to skillfully collaborate with the public, media, consultants, employees, Commissioners, and other agencies. Experience in making effective presentations to diverse audiences and facilitating good policy discussion and action. Demonstrated skill in recommending changes to policies, procedures and practices, and the ability to make decisions concerning work assignments, staffing priorities, objectives, and operational procedures. Clear understanding of the appropriate roles of the Board and management as related to conducting District business. Knowledge of appropriate management behavior and supervisory duties, including thoughtful and considerate communications with a diverse and dedicated workforce. 4

5 Ability to effectively work with and utilize expert resources including legal, HR, engineering, IT and planning. Demonstrated negotiation experience and the ability to protect District interests with developers, regulatory agencies and other regional players. Ideal candidates will demonstrate visionary leadership, have the ability to listen, and have progressive knowledge of advancements in the industry and workplace. The successful candidate will be a team builder who support managers without micro-managing, encourage a good career track, support succession planning, and support a flexible work environment for District employees. The ability to successfully operate in a political environment and understand the interests of public and private stakeholders. Candidates may possess any combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates their ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be committed to excellent customer service. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS $150,000 - $200,000 DOQ Medical / Dental / Vision Life insurance Four weeks vacation Sick leave 12 paid holidays (10 scheduled, 2 personal) PERS VEBA medical savings plan Employee assistance program Tuition assistance/reimbursement 457 deferred compensation plan with employer match Wellness program Employer sponsored and funded training Please visit: Woodinville Water District is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by March 25, 2018 (first review, open until filled). Applications, supplemental questions, resumes and cover letters will only be accepted electronically. To apply online, go to and click on "submit your application" and follow the directions provided. Resumes, cover letters and supplemental questions can be uploaded once you have logged in NE Gilman Blvd., Ste 310 Issaquah, WA Prothman. All Rights Reserved. 5