Public Works Superintendent

City of Lake Forest Park•Lake Forest Park, WA

About The Position

The Public Works Superintendent leads day-to-day field operations and supervises the City of Lake Forest Park’s Public Works maintenance crew. Reporting to the Director of Public Works, the position oversees maintenance of municipal streets, storm drainage and sewer systems, facilities, and parks. The role supports cost-effective services, safe working conditions, regulatory compliance, and responsive customer service. It supervises six Maintenance Workers, including one Lead, as well as Seasonal Maintenance Workers. The Superintendent plans and directs maintenance and construction operations, contributes to departmental goals, budgets, and long-range plans, and coordinates with residents, City staff, contractors, vendors, King County divisions, and other agencies. The position also oversees inspections, training and safety programs, emergency and after-hours response, and specified traffic, stormwater, and road-overlay activities. This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-represented, benefits-eligible position. The proposed 2027 salary schedule is $47.95–$69.04 per hour. Work takes place in a standard office setting and outdoors at field sites in varied terrain and weather. Frequent evening, night, weekend, and call-out work is required. Physical duties may include manual labor and lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in Public Works or a related field providing the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for the position.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
Completion of a vocational training program, two years of college-level coursework in engineering, public administration, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability with the City.
Obtain CPR, First Aid, and AED certification within six months of hire.
Be at least 18 years old upon hire.
Ability to pass annual CJIS training and a required fingerprinting background check.
Knowledge of safety principles and ability to establish and implement safety programs in accordance with established or mandated procedures.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Outlook, and knowledge of modern administrative office procedures, methods, and equipment.
Ability to plan, organize, coordinate, and supervise maintenance and improvement of City-owned property and facilities.
Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and diagrams related to streets, storm drains, water systems, wells, sewerage lift stations, and sewer design.
Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to safely operate light and moderately heavy construction and maintenance equipment, including hand mowers, backhoe and attachments, dump trucks, street sweepers, water trailers, snowplows, steel rollers, riding mowers, trenchers, and hand tools.
Ability to identify work hazards, follow safety requirements, and respond appropriately to mitigate safety concerns.
Strong organizational, time-management, interpersonal, problem-solving, decision-making, customer-service, and communication skills.
Ability to work independently with reliability, accuracy, and productivity; adapt to changing priorities and work environments; and use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines.
Ability to direct, mentor, train, and support staff; resolve problems; and maintain effective, cooperative working relationships with the public, City employees, agencies, contractors, and municipalities.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records, forms, and reports; communicate clearly and effectively in English orally and in writing; and represent the City professionally while maintaining confidentiality.
Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Nice To Haves

At least five years of supervisory experience.
Prior labor relations experience.
Valid Washington State Class A CDL license.
Flagging card.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct daily Public Works maintenance and construction operations involving streets, storm drains, sewer maintenance, parks, and public facilities.
Plan, schedule, assign, and review work for maintenance staff; supervise, train, mentor, evaluate, and support assigned employees, and make or implement hiring and corrective-action recommendations.
Assist the Director of Public Works with department goals, objectives, work plans, long-range plans, capital improvements, and budgets.
Coordinate emergency response, severe-weather preparation, 24-hour response as needed, and after-hours crew callouts.
Oversee maintenance of streets, storm drainage, sewer systems, municipal facilities, and parks; recommend operational improvements and repairs.
Communicate with City staff, residents, contractors, vendors, and partner agencies; provide information, resolve issues and conflicts, and handle public complaints.
Ensure field activities and facilities comply with applicable local, state, and federal requirements, including OSHA and WISHA safety standards.
Promote workplace safety, oversee department training and safety programs, conduct risk-management duties, and investigate and respond to accidents and other issues.
Prepare billings and estimates for Public Works repair and construction work.
Coordinate traffic-related services with King County Roads Traffic Division, including sign and roadway-marking work and compliance with current MUTCD standards.
Coordinate required inspections, maintenance, and repairs of City stormwater retention and detention facilities with King County Water Land and Resource Division.
Ensure permitting and permit compliance and project thoroughness within the Fish and Wildlife fish window.
Coordinate participation in the annual King County North Overlay Project, including road selection and budgeting, crew preparation, and quality control during overlay work.
Order supplies and services from suppliers.
Provide technical information and assistance to the Director of Public Works and help formulate and develop policies, procedures, and programs.
Recommend and forecast future staffing, equipment, materials, and supply needs, and develop cost-effective Public Works procedures.
Coordinate and oversee annual required City Hall facility inspections.
Maintain accurate records, forms, and reports; represent the City or department in public meetings and work effectively with governmental entities, private interests, contractors, and citizens.

Benefits

Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
Long-term disability insurance.
Employee assistance program.
HRA, HSA, and FSA options.
Enrollment in Washington State’s DRS PERS plan.
401(a) retirement plan with matching employer contribution.
Optional 457 deferred compensation plan.
Prior public-entity employment tenure counts at 50% toward City vacation accruals for eligible new hires.
City pays 100% of employee premiums for Washington State Paid Sick Leave program and L&I deduction.