Deputy Director of Public Works - Capital Projects

City of Kirkland • Kirkland, WA

4d

About The Position

The City of Kirkland is seeking a Deputy Director of Public Works - Capital Projects to lead the Capital Projects Division, which is responsible for delivering an estimated $200 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The role combines engineering oversight with organizational leadership, project delivery, staff development, and engagement with executive leadership, elected officials, residents, and other stakeholders.

The Deputy Director leads division operations and activities, provides technical direction and oversight to program staff, consultants, and contractors, and reports to the Public Works Director. The position is an active member of the Public Works Leadership Team and works closely with other Public Works divisions. The role oversees infrastructure project development from planning and design through right-of-way acquisition, environmental review, permitting, construction, inspection, commissioning, and closeout. It also oversees the CIP, work plans, and annual operating budget; manages project budgets and funding; and guides continuous improvement, staff development, and coordination across the City.

The position serves as the City's registered professional engineer for review and approval of engineering drawings, final plans, and specifications. It represents the Division and Department to the public, community, elected officials, agencies, committees, and organizations. The role may assume project-development decision-making authority on behalf of the Public Works Director as assigned and may perform duties under the City's emergency response plan.

The position requires a bachelor's degree in civil or construction engineering or a related discipline, seven years of progressively responsible experience managing capital, engineering, or construction projects, including five years of supervisory experience, and registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering in Washington State. Equivalent combinations of relevant education and experience may be considered. A valid Washington State driver's license and ability to remain insurable are required.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a related discipline from an accredited college or university, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Seven years of progressively responsible experience managing capital, engineering, or construction projects in a related position, including five years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering with the Washington State Department of Licensing.
• Valid Washington State driver's license and ability to remain insurable under the City's insurance to operate motor vehicles.
• Comprehensive knowledge of management, administration, and budgeting sufficient to direct Public Works activities and make critical decisions.
• Knowledge of civil engineering and construction project management principles and practices, including planning, designing, inspecting, and constructing public works projects.
• Experience or knowledge in municipal budgeting and finance, utility rates, and internal and overhead rates.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and build a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and professional development.
• Ability to build credibility and trust with the public, elected officials, executive leadership, staff, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Ability to prioritize competing deadlines, schedules, and limited resources to ensure timely delivery of programs and projects.
• Advanced analytical, negotiation, customer relations, and written and verbal communication skills, including explaining rules, regulations, legal requirements, and policies.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and analyze technical or legal implications in decision-making, working with the City Attorney and Washington Cities Insurance Authority when necessary.
• Ability to attract, retain, motivate, and mentor a competent staff across diverse professional disciplines.
• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate plans and technical documents.
• Intermediate computer proficiency, including standard desktop applications and ability to learn specialized City software.
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal laws and regulations applicable to municipal public works activities.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of light work, including occasionally exerting up to 50 pounds of force and frequently exerting up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to attend meetings frequently held outside normal office hours, conduct occasional site visits, and travel locally in the Puget Sound area.

Responsibilities

• Hire, lead, manage, supervise, train, mentor, and coach Capital Projects Division staff, while setting performance expectations and ensuring accountability.
• Oversee division programs and projects, including development and implementation of the CIP, work plans, and annual operating budget.
• Identify and address project feasibility, schedule, and budget issues; assess risks and determine mitigations and contingencies.
• Oversee infrastructure project development, including design, right-of-way acquisition, environmental review, permitting, construction, inspection, commissioning, and closeout.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives and implement practices that improve project delivery, organizational performance, and service to the community.
• Evaluate organizational structure, staffing, roles, responsibilities, and work practices to improve effectiveness, accountability, workload distribution, and coordination.
• Manage complex project budgets, funding sources, and competing priorities while meeting owner and stakeholder objectives.
• Seek and prepare grant submissions and ensure grant compliance and administration.
• Oversee staff training and professional development.
• Serve as the City's registered professional engineer to review and approve engineering drawings, final plans, and specifications.
• Develop RFP bid specifications and RFQ scopes of work; select consultants, negotiate and execute agreements, and monitor consultant work and expenditures through technical guidance and deliverable review.
• Advise and guide comprehensive planning for Water and Wastewater Utilities, including infrastructure inventory and modeling, cost estimates, and improvement implementation recommendations.
• Lead interdepartmental and citywide project teams and ensure coordination, collaboration, and communication on CIP projects.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and regional agencies; address administrative, interagency, and community inquiries and complaints; and negotiate or resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Represent the Division and Department to the public, elected officials, agencies, committees, and organizations, including making presentations.
• Promote a positive, supportive, equitable, and respectful workplace, including strategies that advance the City's DEIB Roadmap.
• Represent the Capital Projects Division or City in legal proceedings as required and assume project-development decision-making responsibility for the Public Works Director as assigned.
• Attend professional meetings, conferences, and training; stay current with trends and innovations in capital projects.
• Perform assigned emergency response plan functions and other related duties.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation packages
• Benefits described by the City as unmatched by most other employers
• Discounted childcare rates through agreements with two local providers at 10 locations within 20 miles of Kirkland
• Training opportunities for career development and advancement
• Annual tool allowance after completing the probationary period

What This Job Offers

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