Deputy Director of Public Works

City of Gaitherburg, MD•Gaithersburg, MD

45d•$155,000 - $170,000

About The Position

The City of Gaithersburg is seeking an experienced professional and collaborative team leader passionate about providing high-quality services to the community to assist in the administration, supervision, and overall direction of the Department of Public Works. The Deputy Director of Public Works is a highly responsible management role that assists in planning, organizing, and managing all Departmental operations, programs, and staff to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, and efficient public infrastructure and services. The Deputy Director serves as second-in-command within the Department, coordinating projects and providing strategic and operational leadership and oversight across the four divisions within the Department (Engineering Services, Environmental Services, Facilities & Capital Projects, and Operations) and serves as a department liaison with other City departments, outside agencies, and the community. The successful candidate will have demonstrated expertise in day-to-day public works management and be an approachable and effective communicator, with experience building and managing positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Deputy Director must have sound judgment and effective decision-making skills and be a creative and proactive problem-solver who is personable, responsive, and innovative and has strong strategic planning, organizational, and time management skills, They will have the ability to work well under pressure, dive into the details of a project while also considering the long-term strategic direction of the Department, and will multi-task with ease, shifting gears quickly to prioritize and balance workloads and resources to meet project demands. Candidates must be committed to cultivating a positive organizational culture, engaging with and gathering input from employees at all levels of the Department, managing performance in a constructive, accountability-oriented manner, and developing others through coaching and mentoring, assisting Department staff with finding their path and performing at their highest ability. They will model behavior expected throughout the organization, including mutual respect, accountability, commitment to high-quality work, and exemplary customer service. Starting salary for this position is negotiable within the anticipated target hiring range ($155,000 - $170,000) and will be offered at a level consistent with the experience and qualifications of the candidate. We provide comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life), paid time off, generous retirement contributions, health and wellness programs, tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans, training and professional growth opportunities, and excellent work/life balance. Residency within the City of Gaithersburg is not required.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, public administration, or related field; master's degree preferred.
At least 7 years of management experience in public works, engineering, infrastructure, or government services; , with at least five (5) years in a supervisory/management capacity.
Excellent leadership, interpersonal, analytical, problem-solving, presentation, and written and verbal communication skills and the demonstrated ability to effectively interact and collaborate with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
Experience in budget development and administration.
Multi-faceted organizational abilities with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects/programs and competing priorities concurrently.
Proven ability to fully engage in day-to-day operations as well as to step outside the box and think about the big picture.
Valid driver's license and safe driving record.
Or any acceptable equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to satisfactorily perform job duties.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications and licenses applicable to public works engineering and operations are highly desirable but no specific certifications or licenses are required
Experience working in local government and working with elected officials desirable.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director of Public Works in managing and overseeing all departmental divisions, programs, and personnel; serve as Acting Director in the absence of the Director.
Assist in developing and implementing departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards to ensure effective operations.
Plan, organize, and direct activities related to engineering, environmental services, facilities maintenance, capital projects, and field operations.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
Coordinate departmental activities with other City departments to ensure alignment with City-wide goals and initiatives.
Oversee the preparation, administration, and monitoring of major project and division operating and capital budgets; assist in forecasting and resource planning.
Provide leadership and guidance to division managers and staff regarding work priorities, training, performance, and discipline.
Promote workforce development, training, and performance evaluation to maintain a skilled and motivated team.
Participate and make recommendations in personnel matters.
Review, provide technical oversight of, and recommend approval of plans, specifications, contracts, and cost estimates related to public works projects.
Manage consultant and contractor selection, negotiations, and contract compliance for public works projects and professional services.
Develop and oversee long-range capital improvement and asset management programs for City infrastructure.
Ensure timely and professional response to resident service requests and complaints; maintain a customer-focused approach to service delivery.
Participate in preparation and presentation of reports, proposals, and recommendations to the City Manager, Mayor and City Council, and advisory bodies.
Serve as a member of the City's emergency management and snow operations teams; coordinate response and recovery activities as required.
Represent the department at public meetings, community events, and intergovernmental forums.
Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, teamwork, trust, and respect.
Provide outstanding service, pursue continuous improvement, and exceed expectations.

Benefits

comprehensive insurance benefits (medical, dental, vision, long-term care, life)
paid time off
generous retirement contributions
health and wellness programs
tools to assist with paying down student loan debt and managing student loans
training and professional growth opportunities
excellent work/life balance
Retirement Health Savings contribution (for non-participants in medical or dental plans)
CIGNA HealthCare Open Access Plan
Prescription Drug Plan
Wellness Initiatives
Sun Life Indemnity Plan
National Vision Administrators
401A - Employer contribution equivalent to 8% of employee's annual base salary; fully vested after 5 years
401K - Employer 3% matching contribution on the first 5% of employee's annual base salary contributed by the employee; fully vested after 5 years
401A Supplemental - Additional 5% employer contribution to eligible employees in the Public Works and Police Departments who have physically demanding jobs on a consistent basis; fully vested after 10 years
457-deferred compensation plan and Roth IRA (employee contributions only)
Vacation (12 - 24 days accrued annually; accrual rate based on years of service)
Sick Leave (13 days accrued annually; unlimited accrual)
Personal Leave (28 hours granted annually)
Family Care Leave (up to 8 weeks in rolling 12-month period for eligible employees) to care for newborn/newly adopted/newly placed child or family member
Holidays (11 holidays observed each year)
Volunteer Service (12 hours granted annually)
Jury duty, bereavement leave, military leave (as needed)
Long-Term Care Insurance (employer paid for base plan coverage); buy-up and spouse coverage available (employee paid)
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
Long-Term Disability & Workers' Compensation Insurance
Multilingual Stipend ($2,080 per year for eligible employees, paid biweekly)
Language Learning Program (through Babbel)
Housing Stipend (Up to $3,600 per year for eligible employees)
Tuition Assistance (Up to $5,250 per year eligible after 1 year of service)
Healthy Lifestyle Incentives
Employee Assistance Program
First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
Ongoing Training/Personal Development Programs
Credit Union
Recreation & Leisure Opportunities & Discounts
Direct Deposit (required)