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Sustainability Program Manager

King County, WA • United States • Added on Aug 4, 2026
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This role acts as the primary sustainability subject matter expert within King County’s Solid Waste Division, specifically overseeing a capital project portfolio valued at over $500 million. You will guide the environmental integration of projects from initial design through to final construction, ensuring that every facility renovation or new build maximizes resource recovery and climate resilience. Your daily focus centers on embedding green building standards into the fabric of regional infrastructure.

The impact here is exceptionally high-stakes as you directly influence the County’s Zero Waste of Resources goals and Strategic Climate Action Plan. By optimizing waste diversion and energy efficiency in large-scale public works, you are helping to build a more equitable and circular economy for two million residents. This isn’t just about certification; it is about transforming public infrastructure into a model for social and environmental justice.

This suits someone who possesses a strong background in capital project delivery and green building rating systems who can navigate complex government structures. You should be an effective collaborator capable of translating technical sustainability metrics into actionable engineering and construction requirements.

Job FAQs

What are the main missions and responsibilities of this role?

As a Sustainability Program Manager, your core mission is to provide technical expertise on green building and sustainability for the Solid Waste Division’s capital projects. You will be deeply involved in the lifecycle of facility development, from reviewing design packages and project specifications to ensuring all work aligns with the County’s Green Building Ordinance. You will also take ownership of data collection and reporting using systems like PRISM to track environmental metrics. Beyond technical advisory, you are expected to develop policy recommendations and maintain standard operating procedures that help the division accelerate its progress toward zero-waste and carbon-reduction targets.

Key learning opportunities for this job

This position offers profound exposure to large-scale public infrastructure development, allowing you to learn how sustainability is integrated into multi-million dollar capital works. You will gain hands-on experience with diverse green building rating systems and the complexities of government procurement and contracting processes. Additionally, you will receive mentorship and training within a progressive government framework that prioritizes Equity and Social Justice (ESJ). This provides a unique chance to learn how to operationalize social equity goals alongside environmental targets, a skill set that is increasingly vital in modern ESG roles.

How does the ideal candidate look like (experience, skills)?

The ideal candidate brings at least two to three years of experience in project management and capital delivery, preferably within a public agency or government setting. You should have a solid grasp of technical research methods and the ability to analyze complex data sets to solve environmental problems. Technical knowledge of green building standards is essential, but equally important is the ability to manage ambiguity. You should be a professional who can maintain accountability in a dynamic team environment and who possesses the communication skills to present high-level sustainability strategies to diverse audiences, from engineers to community stakeholders.

Advice to stand out and make a successful application

To stand out, your application should clearly demonstrate your experience in cross-functional collaboration between sustainability goals and engineering realities. Highlight specific projects where you successfully influenced design or construction outcomes to meet environmental metrics. Since this role is currently open specifically to internal candidates, focus on your understanding of King County’s specific frameworks, such as the Strategic Climate Action Plan and the ACTIVATE values. Demonstrating a clear commitment to racial and social justice in your previous work will also be a significant advantage.

What aspects of the company's sustainability is this role likely to focus on?

The role focuses heavily on circular economy principles and resource recovery, specifically within the construction and demolition sector. You will be tasked with ensuring that regional transfer stations and landfills are designed to minimize waste and maximize the reuse of materials. There is also a significant emphasis on climate preparedness and energy efficiency. You will look for ways to reduce the carbon footprint of the County's operations through smart material selection, renewable energy integration, and innovative stormwater management practices across all division facilities.

What are the main challenges someone in this role might face?

One of the primary challenges is managing complexity within a highly regulated government environment. You will need to balance ambitious sustainability goals with strict budget constraints and the technical requirements of large-scale engineering projects. You may also face the challenge of institutional change. Moving a large organization toward innovative green building practices requires persistence and the ability to influence stakeholders who may be accustomed to traditional construction methods or are primarily focused on immediate operational efficiency.

How could a typical day look like for someone in this position?

A typical day involves a mix of technical review and strategic meetings. You might start your morning reviewing a design package for a new recycling station to ensure it meets water-saving requirements, followed by a meeting with the Capital Project Review Board to discuss upcoming RFP specifications. In the afternoon, you could be facilitating an ecocharrette for a renovation project or analyzing data in the PRISM system to prepare a progress report for the County Executive. Your day is likely to involve constant communication with project managers, engineers, and environmental specialists to keep various project milestones on track.

What are the opportunities for professional growth and development in this role?

King County is a massive employer with a strong commitment to professional development and internal mobility. Success in this role can lead to more senior strategic positions within the Department of Natural Resources and Parks or broader policy-making roles within the Executive’s office. Given the classification of this role as a Project/Program Manager III, there is a clear path toward leadership and management. You will also have the opportunity to become a recognized regional expert in public-sector green building, which carries significant weight in the sustainability industry.

The main stakeholders you might be interacting with

You will interact daily with Capital Project Managers and Engineers who are responsible for the physical delivery of facilities. You will also work closely with construction managers to ensure that sustainability designs are actually realized on-site during the build phase. Externally and across the department, you will engage with community groups and city agencies to ensure projects meet local needs. Internally, you will report into the Recycling and Environmental Services Section, collaborating with subject matter experts in equity, social justice, and climate policy.

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