Public Works Deputy Director

City of Lake Stevens • Lake Stevens, WA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general guidance and direction of the Public Works Director, the Deputy Director serves as a key department leader providing executive oversight of engineering and environmental programs. The Deputy Director is expected to use initiative, discretion and independent judgment, grounded in extensive knowledge of the departmental policies, procedures, standards, laws and public works operations to advance the goals of the department and city. The incumbent will also support city/department strategic planning, budgeting and implementation of all Public Works services. The incumbent will serve as acting Public Works Director in the event of the Director’s absence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree preferred, with major course work in public administration, engineering, environmental sciences, construction management or related field; and: Six (6) years increasingly responsible experience within public works engineering, operations or environmental programs including three (3) years of related supervisory or managerial experience; Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public works administration including but not limited to engineering, project management, consultant management, risk management, government regulations and grant administration.
• Principles and practices of funding processes in a local government environment as related to budgeting, cost accounting, financial planning and management.
• Broad understanding of federal, state, and local regulations including, but not limited to, occupational safety, Americans with Disabilities Act, Clean Water Act, National Pollution Discharge Elimination (NPDES) permits, property acquisition, MUTCD, PROWAG, WSDOT Standard Specifications, and Total Maximum Daily Limit (TMDL).
• Project management principles, encompassing the full lifecycle of initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closeout, with detailed responsibilities and deliverables defined for each phase.
• Tools and equipment used by the public works department, including field operations.
• Operation and understanding of computers and typical office equipment.
• Budget principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to municipal infrastructure.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of leadership, management and supervision, training, and performance management and change management.
• Principles and practices of professional services contract administration.
• Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles.
• Municipal organization, structure, policies, procedures, practices and objectives.
• Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, including principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, elected and appointed officials and City employees.
• Maintain a customer service orientation, be courteous and diplomatic in the exchange of information and present a positive image of the City in a variety of circumstances.
• Communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing, for large and small audiences.
• Create, execute, and report on departmental work plans.
• Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Working effectively on several projects concurrently; Negotiate and administer contracts with outside vendors and service providers.
• Develop, implement, and administer departmental goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Provide decisive, thoughtful leadership to an organization engaged in a diverse array of activities in a manner that empowers and instills confidence in department employees.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Read, analyze, and interpret various items such as technical documents, legal documents, operating and procedure manuals, general business periodicals, professional journals, government regulation.
• Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems.
• Apply lean or six sigma principles to continuously improve processes, procedures and implement change management.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement through the responsible use of AI and automation.
• Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds.
• Operate personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database software applications.
• Maintain confidentiality of business records and other information.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record which meets the city’s requirements or must be able to obtain State of Washington driver’s license within 30 days of hire.
• American Public Works Association (APWA) Certified Public Works Professional– Management or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Successful completion of position-relevant background check.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer License in the State of Washington is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Public Works Director’s executive advisor on policy, regulations, data analyses, and practices related to engineering, environmental programs, and other assigned areas.
• Assists in overall department administration and serves as Acting Director in the Director’s absence.
• Leads Public Works staff by fostering a culture of trust, accountability, innovation, ownership, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
• Leads compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including NPDES, ADA and Title VI; monitors regulatory changes and industry trends affecting public works, engineering, and environmental programs.
• Develops and administers departmental policies and standard operating procedures that meet applicable laws and support APWA accreditation.
• Prepares and implements an annual work plan aligned with City and department strategic goals in assigned areas of responsibility.
• Communicates with the public, contractors, media and government agencies to receive complaints and suggestions, to provide information and explanation regarding city issues as necessary; coordinate customer service to assure the consistent, timely, and accurate processing of permits.
• Leads and supports the design, construction and related grant-funded contracts for capital improvement projects; reviews and approves plans, specifications, and bid documents; and oversees contract award, negotiations of change orders and payment approvals.
• Oversees stormwater utility rate evaluations and ensures compliance with related policies and procedures.
• Manages, trains, evaluates, and develops staff; oversees performance, discipline, hiring, and workload management.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, including technological enhancements, to provide more efficient and timely services.
• Prepares and manages assigned budgets, including Capital improvement project budgets and grants; monitors expenditures, reviews and approves purchases, and provides forecasts and recommendations for staffing, equipment, and resource needs.
• Provides engineering guidance on development applications to ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards and regulations; oversees civil plan review and inspections of civil improvements and utilities, as assigned
• Prepares, maintains and supports a variety of long-term plans or programs for public infrastructure including, but not limited to, the Traffic Safety Plan, ADA Transition Plan, Pavement Preservation Plan, Traffic Calming Program, Stormwater Management Plan, Capital Improvement Plan and the Capital Facilities Plan in coordination with other affected departments and agencies.
• Maintains professional expertise by attending relevant conferences and seminars and enhances the City’s public presence by delivering polished presentations, leading sessions, and sharing the City's public works innovations with regional and professional audiences.
• Represents the City at City Council meetings, public meetings, committees, and other external forums
• Maintains reliable and predictable attendance.
• Serves as Acting Public Works Director in their absence.
• Performs the duties of subordinate personnel as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Retirement- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
• Deferred Compensation- with city match.
• Excellent healthcare options- including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA ), and Health Reimbursement Accounts ( HRA/VEBA) .
• Paid leave- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
• Tuition reimbursement!

What This Job Offers

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