Deputy Public Works Director/Assistant City Engineer

City of Tukwila•Tukwila, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Tukwila is seeking an experienced, dedicated, and forward-thinking Deputy Public Works Director / Assistant City Engineer to join our leadership team. Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, this position provides high level management, strategic direction, and operational leadership to the Engineering Division, including the capital improvement and environmental compliance programs. The Deputy Director leads a team of engineers, inspectors, project managers, and supervisors; ensures high-quality project delivery; strengthens staff capabilities through coaching and professional development; and ensures compliance with City, state, and federal regulations. This position also serves as the Acting Public Works Director in the Director’s absence, providing continuity of leadership and decision-making for the Department. This is an exceptional opportunity for a leader committed to public service, organizational improvement, and developing an empowered and skilled engineering workforce. The City of Tukwila is 9.6 square miles of opportunity and a dynamic place to work. The population is over 22,000 at night and up to 150,000+ during the day. Tukwila shares borders with the Cities of Seattle, Renton, SeaTac, Burien, and Kent. Its central location lies in the heart of the Puget Sound region, sitting 12 miles south of downtown Seattle, 17miles north of downtown Tacoma, and just east of SeaTac Airport. It is easily accessed by I-5 and I-405 or via either of Tukwila's two train stations, the Sounder Station or the Sound Transit Light Rail Station. Our Mission: To provide superior services that support a safe, inviting, healthy environment for our residents, businesses and guests. Our Values: Caring – We support the diverse community we serve with compassion, empathy and kindness. Professional – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards and act with integrity and transparency. We are respectful and courteous with all. Responsive – We are timely and effective in the delivery of great customer service. We continually strive to find innovative ways to improve. Public Works provides the foundation for high quality of life in Tukwila by protecting the health and safety of residents, visitors, and businesses. The Department is responsible for design, construction, operations, and maintenance of the City's essential transportation, water, sewer, and surface water infrastructure. Public Works also supports other divisions through the management and maintenance of the City's vehicles and facilities assets. Under the general guidance and direction of a Department Director, performs a variety of managerial, supervisory, professional, and administrative work in planning, organizing and coordinating the overall activities of the Engineering Division which includes public street, water, sewer, storm drainage, bridge and miscellaneous public projects; engineering studies and reports; and maintenance of all public plans, maps, and as-builts. This role provides critical leadership to our three engineering teams spanning utilities, transportation, and environmental compliance. Crucially, this position serves as Acting Department Director in the Director's absence.

Requirements

ABET accredited Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field and Seven years of engineering experience including five years of supervisory responsibility Or an equivalent combination of education and experience to provide sufficient evidence of the successful performance of the essential elements of the job such as those listed above.
Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) within the State of Washington; If registered in another state, must obtain Washington State registration within six (6) months of hire.
A valid driver's license.
Principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and equipment related to the field
General municipal operations and structure
Applicable codes, laws, City ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations
Budgeting principles and processes
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
Guiding, directing and motivating employees
Ability to evaluate highly complex technical reports
Exercising sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions
Establishing and maintaining working relationships with City personnel, outside agencies, and the general public
Communicating effectively, both orally and in writing
Developing and implementing programs, policies, and/or procedures to achieve specific goals and objectives
Ability to use ERSI ArcMap software

Nice To Haves

Project Management Professional certification
Local government knowledge and experience
Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Process Improvement training

Responsibilities

Plans, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates Engineering Division operations; implements policies, procedures, programs, and directives.
Leads long-range planning, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts for departmental and citywide goals.
Oversees engineering design, project development, and construction of public infrastructure including streets, water, sewer, stormwater, flood control structures, and bridges.
Reviews scopes, plans, specifications, reports, and design documents; ensures compliance with City, state, and federal codes and standards.
Guides the development and implementation of the City’s long-range Capital Improvement Program.
Oversees preparation, management, and forecasting of the division budget; allocates resources and identifies equipment and program needs.
Coordinates with other departments, elected officials, regional agencies, and external partners; negotiates and resolves complex and sensitive issues.
Represents the City at governmental meetings, committees, commissions, and public events.
Administers state and federal grants and special funding for capital projects.
Develops ordinances, policies, methodologies, and engineering standards; serves as subject-matter expert and dispute resolution authority for construction and engineering issues.
Provides coaching, mentoring, training, performance evaluation, and discipline for subordinate employees; builds staff capability and supports career development.
Reviews and recommends approval or denial of infrastructure plans, permits, development proposals, franchise agreements, and other engineering-related submissions.
Supports emergency operations related to infrastructure and utilities; assists with post-event restoration programs.
Serves as Acting Public Works Director during the Director’s absence.