Director of Public Works

City of Shelton•Shelton, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position provides executive level management oversight of a comprehensive Public Works program including Engineering, Water Distribution, Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, Biosolids, Wastewater Collection, Stormwater, Streets, and the Equipment Maintenance and Rental fund. Participates in all collaborative public engagement strategies and effective community outreach efforts for Public Works initiatives. Serves as a key role of the management team in advising the City Manager, other departments and City Council on all city matters. Located just 30 minutes northwest of Olympia on the shores of Oakland Bay, the Shelton community is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Shelton is a gateway to the spectacular Olympic Peninsula where residents and visitors alike enjoy the numerous outdoor sports and recreational opportunities. As the Mason county seat, Shelton is a full service city that provides wide range of municipal services and includes 6.11 square miles and 10,700 residents.Become part of our exceptional community! The City of Shelton values employees who are adaptable, innovative, collaborative and hold themselves to the highest standard of integrity and excellence in the spirit of public service. First review of applications will be June 4, 2026. Please attach a cover letter, resume, and transcripts to your application.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public administration, civil engineering, finance, construction management, or related fields; or an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training to perform the duties described.
Extensive experience with supervision of employees.
Working knowledge of public works administration and operations to include street, municipal water, wastewater treatment, and storm drain and sanitary sewer conveyance systems.
Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, laws and regulations governing the operation of a public works department.
High level of management skill in analyzing programs, policies, and operational needs.
Knowledge of principles and practices of various engineering disciplines related to the planning, design, construction, and operation of public works infrastructure and municipal facilities.
Knowledge of principles of leadership, management, staff development, and performance evaluation in a professional, technical, administrative, union/non-union environment.
Experience with long-term and yearly budgets, with demonstrated ability to prepare budget proposals that achieve the department activities, projects, and long-range operational goals.
Knowledge and understanding of procurement policies and methods that assure the best value at the best price while maintaining strict compliance with State bidding and procurement laws.
Ability to calculate figures and amounts for public works projects as well as annual departmental budgets.
Ability to research and apply for financial assistance for multiple on-going public works projects through grants and loans.
Ability to use standard hardware and software in an office environment, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, MS Teams, etc.
Ability to absorb and analyze complex technical information quickly, draw logical conclusions, and make sound decisions of major scope with full awareness of technical, legal, and financial consequences.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) license and/or advanced water or sewer operator certifications are preferred.

Responsibilities

Organize and direct public works activities to optimize the use of financial, physical and personnel resources; develop departmental goals, objectives and plans for public works systems.
Oversee the private development and city capital project review processes to ensure the fair, consistent, and timely implementation of code and engineering design standards for all projects; managing projects with time sensitive deadlines, challenging situations, and monetary budget constraints.
Prepare, review, and approve the annual department budget involving capital expenditures, personnel, and operating costs and revenues; monitor the status of the budget and make recommendations for adjustments to the budget throughout the budget year; includes assisting the Finance Director with forecasting, cost analyses, rate studies, financial performance audits and reports.
Oversee engineering functions; review and approve technical plans, drawings, papers, reports and specifications; interpret technical materials; direct construction, maintenance and project management efforts.
Lead, manage and act as a mentor for a diverse group of engineering, professional, technical operators, field workers, and administrative staff in the accomplishment of wide-ranging municipal public works functions.
Oversee development of appropriate policies, procedures, and plans to ensure the successful completion of public works operations and projects in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and maintain accurate records of project costs, revenues, and progress.
Study major public works issues and report to the City Manager and City Council with recommendations for change in areas of special concern or needing improvement.
Coordinate Public Works department activities with other departments, jurisdictions, and agencies.
Attend City Council and a wide range of other public meetings related to public works activities and projects; and speak on public works topics with the City Council and the public.
Respond to citizen requests and concerns related to public works activities, addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Set long and short range goals for the department, identify major objectives, and evaluate staff performance in the accomplishment of these criteria.
Assist department and other city staff by providing financial, engineering and public works expertise and regulatory guidance as it relates to their area of operation.
Foster a positive and safe work environment among all public works staff based on respect, integrity, fairness, and teamwork.
Oversee the preparation of applications and administer federal and state grants for capital improvement programs; ensures coordination of city grant compliance with the granting agency requirements.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings maintaining an awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to this position; incorporates new developments as appropriate and ensures related process, policies and practices are applied consistently and effectively.
Provide leadership and knowledge on emergency response/emergency operations and recovery activities.
With professional integrity, establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Manager, City Council, and City staff as well as neighboring jurisdictions, external agencies, and the public.