Assistant Director of Public Works (Capital Improvement Program)

Travis County • Austin, TX

11d • Hybrid

About The Position

Travis County's Transportation and Natural Resources (TNR) department is seeking to fill the Assistant Director of Public Works (Capital Improvement Program) position with an authentic and dynamic leader. The ideal candidate will be based in Travis County or surrounding region, or be open to relocating to the area. This position is eligible for remote/hybrid work, however, Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions and normal work schedules. The model candidate should have a proven track record of managing and directing the Capital Improvement Program of Public Works and ensuring consistent and effective execution of systems and processes that makes optimal use of department and organizational resources. This candidate will meet the ever-changing needs of a highly visible and complex department which oversees projects over $100 million a year. A total of six (6) Sr. Engineers (Project Managers) and a Project Management Consultant report to the Assistant Director, along with a team of four (4) Engineering Inspector Specialists. The position is ideal for a leader with innovation; one who establishes vision and direction, fosters and builds team confidence, and has the ability to motivate others to reach a common goal. To be successful in this position the ideal candidate must be proactive, embrace and lead change, and be people centric. Having the ability to lead with tenacity and diplomacy is essential in this role. Applicants that fit this profile and have a strong background in governmental public works and are innovative, collaborative leaders are strongly encouraged to apply. The Assistant Director of Public Works is a vital member of the TNR management team and will direct the development and implementation of the TNR Capital Improvement Program, which includes overseeing design, construction, inspection, and project management of projects over $100M a year. The Assistant Director manages the program development and implementation for complex capital projects including technical standards, service level, scopes, schedules and budgets; allocating staffing, resources and equipment; quality assurance and control; develops policy and procedures: professional service procurement and management; construction administration; construction inspection; personnel management; coordinate and works closely with department head, commissioners and outside agencies. This role will direct and supervise interdisciplinary groups of professional and technical staffs; monitor and oversee services/product deliveries for compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures and efficiently direct and manage the TNR Capital Improvement Program to achieve organization goals of enhancing transportation system, reducing traffic congestion, improving transportation safety, encouraging multi-modal transportation; building and maintaining public works infrastructures; and developing natural trails and parks. The position provides leadership and guidance to not only the CIP work group, but County Officials, Department Heads and Outside Agencies. To drive impact, the Assistant Public Works Director has to be a forward and critical thinker that operates with integrity, personal and team accountability, and functions as a leader in innovation. This job classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department and typically directs through subordinate managers and supervisors.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, AND seven (7) years of directly related, increasingly responsible senior level management experience, including four (4) years of mid- to senior level supervisory/management or project management experience; OR any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.
• Incumbents must be licensed to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. If licensed in another state, must acquire license reciprocity in the State of Texas within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Knowledge of standard management theory, principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations and guidelines.
• Knowledge of State, Federal, County and Local regulatory or administrative requirements and practices.
• Knowledge of principles and practices, programs, systems, methods and techniques of municipal public works, including planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance.
• Knowledge of technical, legal, financial and public relation problems involved in the conduct of a municipal public works program.
• Knowledge of principles of project management, including scheduling, estimating, contracts and budgeting.
• Knowledge of theory, principles, practices and methods of state and local public engineering, construction, street maintenance and contract administration.
• Knowledge of budgetary and fiscal process.
• Knowledge of supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Knowledge of online computer searches.
• Knowledge of computer equipment to include word processing, windows, spreadsheets, databases and a variety of software packages.
• Knowledge of business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.
• Skill in improving seamless customer service delivery.
• Skill in building and maintaining strong relationships with the community, employees and other agencies.
• Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex data and reports.
• Skill in contract compliance and dispute resolution.
• Skill in supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Skill in explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
• Skill in problem-solving and technical decision-making for developing effective solutions.
• Skill in work design, time management, facilitation and managing budgets.
• Skill in resolving leadership/management issues, including planning and managing teams.
• Skill in planning and coordinating work activities.
• Skill in researching, analyzing, compiling, preparing and presenting technical data/information and reports.
• Skill in problem-solving and decision-making.
• Skill in public speaking and content delivery.
• Skill in conflict resolution and community relations.
• Skill in both verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work independently or as a team member within a diverse organization.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize needs, develop and implement plans of action, and effectively direct programs.
• Ability to coach, mentor and motivate staff.
• Ability to perform technical research, calculations and computations, and prepare plans and reports.
• Ability to convey complex ideas and concepts verbally and in writing.
• Ability to plan, assign, supervise, train and review the work of professional, technical and support staff members.
• Ability to read and understand basic legal documents.
• Ability to interpret plans, specifications, standards, policies, procedures and regulatory codes.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions even where there is uncertainty.
• Ability to manage time well, work on a wide variety of tasks simultaneously, organize diverse activities, and produce timely and tangible results.
• Ability to anticipate future requirements, and research and analyze emerging programs.
• Ability to conduct and prepare feasibility studies.
• Ability to develop proposals including estimates for resource usage.
• Ability to respond to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the professional community.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced and stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Ability to make appropriate and effective public presentations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, developers, engineers, contractors, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Nice To Haves

• Has strong customer service skills.
• Has experience reviewing the work of others.
• Is an effective communicator.
• Is a relationship builder.
• Is results-oriented.
• Is timely.
• Is collaborative.
• Is objective.
• Is resilient.
• Ability to successfully manage competing demands and priorities, empower and motivate diverse teams with varying skill sets, all while striving to deliver services in an efficient and quality manner.

Responsibilities

• Direct, execute and manage the TNR Capital Improvement Program for multiple projects totaling over $100M every year.
• Plan, organize, review and evaluate the activities, functions and operations of the program group as well as the General Engineering Consultant and Program Management Consultant firms.
• Communicate with other departments and agencies.
• Manage resources to ensure the completion of projects on schedule and under budget.
• Supervise professional and technical staff, setting performance expectations, evaluate performance results and implement improvement measures.
• Monitor project progress and resolve obstacles.
• Prepare program status and performance reports.
• Review alignment with County priorities and community expectations.
• Determine professional, technical services and procurement requirements and confer with and advise staff on technical and management issues.
• Coordinates and works closely with officials, department heads, multiple outside suppliers, other County staff and outside agencies.
• May negotiate with private professional consultant firms for outsourcing work.
• Develops, manages, and controls division’s work programs, schedules, budgets, and personnel.
• Plans future budgetary requirements for the Program.
• Purchases, monitors, and maintains fixed assets common to the Program.
• Evaluates and reports on Program performance.
• Prepares process analyses and uses statistical process controls to continually improve quality of processes and output.
• Monitors and oversees that services delivered are in compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations and applicable standards and procedures established by the State, Commissioners Court and the department.
• Develops and monitors policies and operating procedures related to the Program.
• Implements, communicates, and effectively utilizes department policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with other division directors, departments, agencies, and organizations to accomplish division/department goals and objectives.
• Negotiates and oversees service contracts and supplemental agreements and services assuring financial integrity.
• Analyzes division program initiatives, determines strategies, prioritizes implementation, and ensures high quality delivery through appropriate tracking and feedback processes.
• Defines, prioritizes, schedules, and monitors multiple operations projects, developing and maintaining comprehensive project plans/schedules.
• Reviews and analyzes annual contract deliverables.
• Develops project resource strategies, allocating budget, staff, and tools necessary for implementation of projects.
• Reports metrics and service deliverables to ensure quality and satisfaction.
• Prepares and delivers briefings, program updates, and formal presentations to the Commissioners Court, and acts as a subject matter expert during Commissioner Court sessions, answering inquiries, and advocating departmental initiatives.
• Serves as liaison with State and Federal authorities and other Local organizations to ensure coordination.
• Serves as key liaison between Public Works Director, County Executive, Commissioners Court, and operations staff.
• Works with peers from across the County on common issues and develops relationships with professional organizations, peer groups and industry trade groups to stay current on best practices.
• Represents the County by attending meetings, community meetings, seminars, conferences, and professional association meetings.

Benefits

• Retirement plan in the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS) with a 2.25:1 match ($2.25 for every $1 an employee deposits), and an 8 year vesting schedule.
• Paid Parental Leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager