Washington County, Oregon — The Clean Water Services (CWS) Board of Directors has launched a national recruitment for a General Manager to lead the regional sewer and stormwater utility and its approximately 500 employees. The application and position requirements are available at raftelis.com. Candidates are encouraged to apply by February 16, 2026.
The CWS General Manager provides executive leadership for all operations, working closely with the CWS Board, staff, and 12 partner cities to protect ratepayer investment in the infrastructure and workforce needed to provide essential services to over 610,000 people in the Tualatin River Watershed.
“Choosing the top executive leader at Clean Water Services is among the highest responsibilities of the CWS Board,” Director Pam Treece said. “We are committed to finding a dedicated public servant who will inspire community confidence and build upon the utility’s history as an innovative industry leader that has safeguarded our health and environment in one of the nation’s most complex watersheds for over half a century.”
To meet community expectations, long-term sustainability goals, and increasingly strict environmental regulations while continuing to keep rates among the lowest in the region, the Board has set several multiyear priorities for the new General Manager, including:
- A focus on high-quality, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective essential services.
- Visible leadership, transparent communication, and consistent engagement to convey CWS’ mission, impact, and service value to employees, partners, and ratepayers.
- A strong and stable organizational structure and core business functions, aligning roles, systems, and services to effectively support current operations and future needs.
- A culture that empowers employees, strengthens organizational excellence, and develops leaders while preparing the next generation of essential services professionals.
- Strong and productive collaboration with the Board and intergovernmental partners to ensure effective governance and clear decision-making.
- A clear financial strategy that prioritizes fiscal discipline, sustainability, affordability, and value for ratepayers.
- Continued leadership in innovation and science that advances practical solutions to improve the environment and overall organizational performance.
CWS offers a competitive benefits package, including a salary based on the national market for similar positions and a candidate’s education and experience. The annual salary range for the General Manager position is $260,000 – $350,000, with an anticipated hiring range of $290,000 – $330,000.
CWS is working with Raftelis, a management consulting firm for local governments and utilities, to conduct the General Manager recruitment.
Information about CWS leadership and department structure is available on the CWS website.
Clean Water Services is a county services district organized under Oregon Revised Statute 451. CWS works with Washington County and 12 partner cities to provide sewer and stormwater services in the urban areas of the Tualatin River Watershed to more than 610,000 customers and businesses. The conveyance and treatment of wastewater by CWS produces billions of gallons of clean water that are returned to the sensitive Tualatin River. CWS employs more than 450 people, who are committed to successful, uninterrupted operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year that protect public health and the environment. The CWS Board of Directors is made up of elected officials who also serve as Washington County Commissioners.
