Public Works Operations Manager

City of Lake Stevens • Lake Stevens, WA

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the incumbent will manage, plan, organize and coordinate the Public Works Operations Division to meet the departmental standards and City priorities. Incumbent must work with the Field Supervisors to plan maintenance and project work with consideration of risk, resources, public safety, crew capability and budget. Incumbent will be responsible for following standard operating procedures and safety protocols while ensuring training standards are met and compliance with local, state, and federal laws are maintained. Work is characterized as primarily management, administrative, and supervisory responsibilities for the Public Works Operations Division. Work will include establishing and adaptively managing work programs, procedures, and policies for the division. The incumbent is also expected to provide support in establishing the departmental budget to ensure equipment, facilities and crew safety are maintained to the department standard. Work will primarily occur in an office setting with periodic trips into the field. Work is performed under managerial direction. The Director provides the incumbent with maintenance/project requirements and departmental standards. The incumbent is expected to maintain professional relationships with employees, vendors, elected officials, and the public.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible Public Works operation and maintenance, including roadway design and construction management experience, or experience in the construction industry; and a minimum of two (2) years in a management/supervisory capacity.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; and a driving record which meets the city’s requirements.
• APWA Certified Public Works Professional – Management or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.
• Completion of position-relevant background check.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited educational institution is highly preferred.
• Experience working with large construction and maintenance projects is preferred.
• 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 Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles.
• Familiarity with asset management software.
• Knowledge of Geospatial mapping software such as ArcGIS or equivalent.
• Knowledge of how AI and emerging technologies can be leveraged to improve departmental operations, service delivery, and decision-making.
• Ability to apply lean or six sigma principles to continuously improve processes, procedures and implement change management.
• Ability to foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement through the responsible use of AI and automation.

Responsibilities

• Serve as technical advisor to the Public Works Director, on matters of policy, practice, and impacts of regulations relating to area of responsibility.
• Prepare an annual work plan that includes financial, organizational, and human resource elements that aligns with the strategic plan and goals of the City and Department.
• Evaluate program policy and practices; define problem areas; develop and direct policies and practices to improve operations.
• Plan long and short-range goals for the Operations Division and provide effective leadership to achieve the goals; develop division wide policies and procedures for field and personnel issues.
• Lead a team of public works professionals by establishing an empowered culture that focuses on trust, process improvement, accountability, ownership, pride, and responsibility.
• Adaptively manage the division’s performance and provide organizational and management direction to fulfill the department’s goals and objectives.
• Delegate fieldwork and other work within the Division to ensure maintenance and project requirements are met.
• Establish a safety program for the Division in compliance with laws, regulations, and occupational safety guidelines; ensure Division compliance of the safety procedures and protocols.
• Establish protocols and procedures for emergency events (snow/ice, flooding, natural disasters, etc.); work with the Risk Manager to ensure Division staff are trained and equipped for emergencies.
• Clearly communicate to Division staff requirements for maintenance and projects to ensure results are consistent and meet the City standard.
• Interview, train, and hire employees; plan, assist, direct, and evaluate work in progress and upon completion; appraise performance; recommend promotion and disciplinary actions; address complaints; resolve problems; approve/schedule sick leave and vacation time; and recommend terminations as appropriate; review and resolve labor grievances and issues; participate with management in the labor contract negotiation process.
• Conduct regular staff meetings with Public Works Operations Team.
• Communicate with and provide information to City personnel, outside agencies, and the public regarding the Operations Division programs and practices.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all city departments, co-workers, supervisors, subordinates, customers, citizens, volunteers, vendors, contractors, and elected officials.
• Ensure compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Employee Handbook and Local/State/Federal Laws in all duties.
• Perform 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
• Education Level: High school or GED