Deputy Public Works Director
Reporting to the Public Works Director, the Deputy Public Works Director performs difficult professional work planning, organizing, and directing the assigned personnel, resources and operations within the Public Works Department. The Public Works staff is dedicated to providing customer-friendly service while maintaining the City's public infrastructure. The department operates with a 2025 budget of $97 million and a team of 120 FTEs. Operating divisions include Administration and Engineering, Solid Waste, Streets Maintenance, Wastewater / Stormwater, and Water. Direct reports include the Water Manager, Wastewater / Stormwater Manager, and Solid Waste Manager.
This is an exciting career opportunity for a seasoned local government leader or an experienced manager of a large division who is ready to take on a broader leadership role in a large and complex public works department. Under the leadership of City Manager Jon Amundson, the City is well-managed with a focus on customer service and led by an experienced team of department directors. Richland Public Works is a well-coordinated department which places a high emphasis on teamwork and service to the public. With direct oversight of the City's sizeable water, wastewater / stormwater, and solid waste utilities, the Deputy Director is relied upon to provide leadership for citywide programs, projects, initiatives, and multi-discipline efforts. If you're looking to apply your skills as part of a team of professionals working to improve an already great community, this might be the right opportunity for you.
The individual selected for this position will be required to pass a comprehensive background check commensurate to the position.
Performs difficult professional work planning, organizing, and directing the assigned personnel, resources and operations within the Public Works Department, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the Public Works Director (supervisor). Departmental supervision is exercised under assigned personnel.
All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Richland's core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City. The values of Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence promote and maintain a high level of morale and productivity, and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across all functions.
Minimum Qualifications :
- Washington State Professional Engineer's license upon hire date and must maintain throughout employment. Out-of-state applicants must have the ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Valid driver's license.
Education and Experience : Bachelor's degree with coursework in engineering, public administration, or related field and six (6) or more years experience in public works, including three (3) years in a management role, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Additional duties of a similar nature and level may also be assigned. The City may make reasonable accommodations to enable a qualified individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Plans, develops, and manages the utility functions (water, wastewater / stormwater, and solid waste) of the Public Works Department through appropriate delegation, managerial support, and work supervision; assumes responsibilities of the Public Works Director in their absence.Develops and recommends goals and priorities for the utilities; prioritizes and assigns projects; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvements, develops solutions, and resolves problems; develops program budgets and work plans to provide cost-effective programs and projects; implements policy and procedural changes as required.Supervises assigned staff; evaluates and reviews work performance; works with employees to correct deficiencies; plans, coordinates and arranges for appropriate training of subordinates; documents corrective action and applies City policy, as needed; participates in the interview and selection process of new employees; recommends merit increases, reassignment, and promotions according to established guidelines.Develops comprehensive plans for maintenance and improvement of the utilities; evaluates existing and proposed programs and develops recommendations; participates in long-range utility, capital facilities, emergency management, and succession planning processes.Coordinates maintenance and operations projects with other City departments and regional agencies; coordinates with citizens' groups, advisory boards, commissions, and outside agencies; interprets and explains City policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.Responds to emergencies as needed; assesses emergent situations; deploys and coordinates resources; implements response procedures.Prioritizes and performs work projects, monitors results, reviews staff reports, and assures that all project and service issues are addressed and resolved; assures effective communication of issues and compliance with State and Federal policy and regulations.Manages and leads consultant teams for citywide programs, projects, and initiatives; coordinates budget development for the utilities and manages significant programs that may span multiple years.Acts as sponsor for large utility capital and operating projects and programs, including partnering with internal and external design and capital project resources for execution; serves as department liaison to citywide communication and organizational improvement committees.Performs complex analysis of data; analyzing budget impacts, trends, information, and impacts to provide informed policy recommendations to management and City Council.Develops reports, presentations, training materials, and relevant program documents; reviews and maintains files, databases, website information, and other documentation in accordance with records retention requirements and procedures.Supports the Public Works Director with federal and state government lobbying efforts; monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect city or departmental operations; research, draft, and submit grant applications in support of organizational priorities.The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local laws, rules, ordinances, codes and regulations related to public works projects and activities.Municipal engineering principles and practices.Public Works service delivery strategies, methods and equipmentFederal, state and City programs, procedures and funding sources related to assigned programs, projects, activities and operations.Modern principles and methods of management and planning, building and public works administration.Administrative principles and practices, including program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.Principles and practices of budget development and administration.City organization, operations, policies and objectives.Modern office practices, methods, procedures and equipment.Record-keeping principles, procedures and techniques.Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.Public speaking techniques.Plan, organize and manage the utility activities of the Public Works department.Train, supervise and evaluate assigned staff.Analyze situations and develop, adopt and implement effective course of action.Direct the maintenance of reports and documents.Prepare and present recommendations.Learn, read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.Maintain confidentialityPrepare, monitor and control budget.Communicate effectively both orally and in writing; comprehend and use English effectively including producing all forms of communications in a clear, concise and understandable manner to intended audiences.Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; work independently with little or no direction, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines.Operate modern office equipment including personal computer equipment using standard or customized software application programs appropriate to assigned tasks.Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.Establish, maintain and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Managerial competencies :
Develop Effective Intra- and Inter-Departmental Relationships : Works collaboratively with partners within the City and outside of the City to accomplish the best possible outcomes for all parties.Manage Resources Effectively : Effectively applies the organization's assets. Makes efficient use of time, money, people, and other resources to accomplish the organization's goals. Provides direction, guidance, and expectations for resource allocation to ensure service is balanced with fiscal responsibility.Think and Plan Strategically : Champions new ideas and initiatives and creates an environment that supports continuous improvement. Considers the City's strategic plan when establishing work unit goals and priorities.Supervisory competencies :
Foster Teamwork : Builds effective teams committed to organizational goals. Fosters collaboration among team members and among teams. Uses teams to address relevant issues.
