Josh Drummond

About Josh Drummond

With over 30 years in construction operations, water and waste water distribution systems, and civil infrastructure, I turn complex challenges into reliable, cost-effective solutions. Currently as Operations Manager at King County Water District #90, I lead a team of eight in managing preventive maintenance, emergency repairs, large-scale pipeline replacements, and a $3M operating budget—while slashing non-revenue water loss from 16% to 5% through modern metering, leak detection, and innovative practices.My career spans public utilities, private contractors big and small, and major New Zealand projects, where I rescued delayed multimillion-dollar pipeline and drainage projects, including post-earthquake rebuilds in Christchurch. I\'ve consistently delivered projects on time and under budget by overseeing cross-functional teams, subcontractors, engineers, and stakeholders; conducting rigorous inspections and audits; interpreting blueprints; and enforcing strict compliance with DOH, EPA, DOE, OSHA, AWWA, and local standards.What sets me apart is a bold, transformational leadership style—not for the weak of heart. I\'m not afraid to challenge the status quo or take on big government overreach when regulations, like certain EPA mandates, unnecessarily explode costs for public utilities and burden ratepayers. I believe there\'s always opportunity in change: I\'ve successfully advocated for legislative wins like House Bill 1621 to expand in-house capabilities for special purpose districts, revitalized stalled tech implementations, shifted to earthquake-resilient infrastructure, brought inspections in-house to boost revenue and cut costs, championed sustainability, and uncovered hidden savings like contractor overpayments. I\'m ready to fight for practical, community-focused solutions that prioritize affordability, efficiency, and resilience over unchecked bureaucracy.Certified Water Distribution Manager 4 (Washington), Water Treatment Operator 3, OSHA 30, Confined Space/Fall Arrest, and proficient in SCADA, CMMS, Microsoft Office, and blueprint analysis—I build high-performing teams, foster safety cultures, and deliver measurable value in regulated environments.I\'m passionate about resilient water systems that support communities without excessive burdens. If you\'re in water utilities, construction management, infrastructure, or seeking a tenacious leader who challenges ineffective policies and drives real progress, let\'s connect.

Experience

1. Operations Manager

   King County Water District

   Jan 2018 — Present · Renton, WA, US

   Hire, train, manage, and develop a total of eight field and office employees to support water district program and operations, including preventative maintenance, repairs, and water distribution system replacements.• Manage and coordinate activities for new facility and/or large pipeline replacement projects with a $3M operating budget to maintain quality control of all work and ensure optimal performance.• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, including DOH, EPA, DOE, OSHA, AWWA, and KCWD90 construction standards.• Read and utilized blueprints and drawings to ensure alignment of progress against client goals. • Conduct on-site inspections to monitor progress and resolve job site conflicts. • Diagnose and perform tests to identify and troubleshoot issues in compliance with safety standards.• Maintain and complete all documentation, including system and equipment activity logs and records.

Education

• Renton Technical College

  Associate's degree, Construction Management

  2010 — 2012

Skills

• Construction
• Instrumentation
• Project Planning
• Heavy Equipment
• Negotiation
• Contract Negotiation
• Concrete
• Construction Safety
• Pumps
• Blueprint Reading
• Budgets
• Customer Service
• New Business Development
• Inspection
• Gis
• Water Treatment
• Materials
• Preventive Maintenance
• Environmental Awareness
• Supervisory Skills
• Commissioning
• Construction Management
• Civil Engineering
• Management
• Contractors
• Maintenance & Repair
• Communication
• Factory
• Procurement
• Surveying
• Project Control
• Stormwater Management
• Leadership
• Cost Management
• Wastewater Treatment
• Sewer
• Business Development
• Water Quality
• Drainage
• Piping