Deputy Public Works Director

City of Vancouver • Park, KS

51d

About The Position

We are seeking a Deputy Public Works Director with extensive knowledge in public works operations, including transportation engineering, utility systems, construction management, environmental services, and business services. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in strategic planning, financial management, project management, and regulatory compliance, with at least ten years of progressively responsible experience, including five years in senior leadership. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field is required, with a preference for advanced degrees and relevant certifications. The Deputy Public Works Director is a crucial leadership role designed to support the Public Works Director in managing a diverse team of nearly 400 staff across six divisions: Transportation Engineering (roads, pavement management, sidewalks, traffic), Utility Engineering (water, wastewater, surface water), Construction Services (capital and development), Business Services (finance, utility billing, GIS, asset management), Operations and Maintenance (streets, water, wastewater, fleet, grounds/cemetery, greenways/sensitive lands), and Environmental Services (solid waste, urban forestry, water resources education center). This position involves overseeing the effective operation and coordination of these divisions, ensuring the quality and efficiency of public works services and infrastructure. The Deputy Public Works Director will collaborate closely with the Public Works Director to drive strategic initiatives, manage complex projects, and uphold the City's commitment to reliable and sustainable public works solutions. This is a full-time, regular, exempt position. The schedule for this position is M-F, 8am to 5pm. Open until filled. First review date - December 19, 2025.

Requirements

• A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public works management, with at least 4 years in a senior leadership role.
• Equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field is required
• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license
• Extensive knowledge of public works functions, including transportation engineering, utility systems, construction management, environmental services, and business services
• Strong understanding of strategic planning processes and the ability to align departmental initiatives with the City's long-term goals
• Proficiency in budget development, financial oversight, and asset management, with an emphasis on maintaining fiscal responsibility
• Comprehensive knowledge of managing large-scale infrastructure projects, ensuring successful delivery from inception to completion
• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local regulations related to public works, environmental standards, and safety requirements
• Pertinent federal, state and local law that pertain to: transportation, public finance, solid waste/recycling/hazardous waste, urban forestry, airport, and utility education
• Contract negotiation and management of multi-million dollar contract
• Systems and practices for delivering municipal services and activities within Public Works.
• Utility rate setting and public budgeting/administration practices
• Contract development, management, and evaluation strategies
• Public relations, marketing and promotional practices
• Building and maintaining effective partnerships with other agencies and non-profit organizations.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs, policies and operational needs
• Principles of leadership, supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Modern office equipment including computers
• Proven ability to lead and manage large, multidisciplinary teams, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the capability to effectively present information to City officials, staff, and the public
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, enabling the resolution of complex issues and the implementation of effective solutions
• Ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including other City departments, government agencies, and community organizations
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and department needs, with the capacity to reassess and realign supervisory responsibilities as required
• Ability to make informed, strategic decisions that enhance departmental performance and contribute to the City's public works objectives
• Skill in coordinating staff training, writing performance appraisals, and implementing disciplinary measures to ensure a high-performing team.
• Manage, direct and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, technical and clerical personnel
• Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction in the assigned divisions within Public Works
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for assigned divisions within Public Works
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City Council, community groups, other agencies, and the general public
• Prepare and present material to City Council, other agencies, the general public and internal staff
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports
• Interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques.
• Ensure program compliance with Federal, State and local rules, laws and regulations
• Operate and use modern office equipment including a personal computer and appropriate computer programs
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Always provide a high level of customer service
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance
• Demonstrate a commitment to valuing differences among people and to being inclusive. Show the utmost respect for others and act as a team player.
• Promote safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work by focusing on safe practices and complying with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Recognize unsafe conditions which may be hazardous to an employee or to the public.
• Works in safe and responsible manner; not putting self or others at risk.
• Complies with applicable policies and procedures including but not limited to using personal protective equipment, observing warning signs, learning about potential hazards, and reporting all unsafe conditions.
• Responsible for ensuring a safe workplace in compliance with applicable policies, procedures and regulations. Ensures supervised employee review of the City Core Accident Prevention Plan, relevant safety policies and procedures, and training on illness and injury response and specific job-related safety concerns. Reports and appropriately escalates all safety issues and all injuries.
• This position is subject to successful completion of a pre-employment reference check, a basic criminal background check, and a driving abstract.

Nice To Haves

• A master's degree and relevant professional certifications are preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the Public Works Director to develop and implement strategic plans, policies, and programs to meet the city's infrastructure needs. Provide leadership in the planning, organization, and execution of public works projects to ensure they align with the city's vision, purpose, and goals.
• Project Management: Oversee the planning, design, and construction of public works projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Coordinate with engineering and construction teams to ensure projects adhere to relevant regulations and codes.
• Team Management: Supervise and lead a team of professionals in various public works disciplines, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Provide mentorship, coaching, and professional development opportunities for staff.
• Budget Oversight: Assist in the development and management of the public works department budget. Monitor expenditures, identify cost-saving opportunities, and ensure responsible use of resources.
• Community Engagement: Act as a liaison between the public works department and the community, addressing concerns, providing information, and promoting transparency. Participate in public meetings, hearings, and events to communicate departmental initiatives and gather public input.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stay informed about federal, state, and local regulations impacting public works projects. Ensure the department's compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Champion with staff and others the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Support a culture of adaptability, openness, personal well-being, innovation, mutual commitment, and respect, and expecting the best from ourselves and others.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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