Director of Public Works & Utilities

Public Works and Utilities Department Director

Under general policy direction of the Mayor, serves as department head responsible to manage the eight divisions of the department which include Administration, Engineering, Streets, Utility Maintenance, Wastewater Treatment, Water Resources, Forestry, and Internal Services (Facilities, Inventory and Equipment Services) in conformance with applicable statutes, regulations, and administrative policies. Plans, organizes, directs, and integrates all functions and responsibilities of the department including capital construction, maintenance, asset management, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship to preserve and improve the quality of life of the Citys residents. The Director is responsible for managing a large team of over 140 full-time equivalent employees with a multi-faceted annual budget of $100 million across 10 funds.

The successful candidate will align with the Citys values which include being welcoming, having integrity, showing accountability, and demonstrating a commitment to service. They will also provide visionary leadership to the Public Works and Utilities team by inspiring, guiding, and motivating team members to achieve excellence in customer service, service delivery, innovation, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the ideal candidate should find satisfaction in providing excellent customer service, and thrive in a collaborative, high volume work environment. If this sounds appealing to you, we invite you to apply and join us in supporting a dynamic community where we can all live, work, play, and invest.

A key value of the City is customer service. This position requires considerable knowledge, ability and skill in the principles and practices of excellent customer service as practiced in both the private and public sectors. This value requires the ability to effectively meet and deal with both the internal customers and the public while responding to customers in a friendly, pleasant, and professional manner using appropriate inflection, grammar, and syntax. The ability to handle stressful situations while establishing effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public. The ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor in difficult, stressful situations while diplomatically dealing with difficult people. A willingness is expected to expend extra effort to help the public find answers or information relative to their inquiry or complaint.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, Construction Management, Urban Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field is required. A Masters Degree is preferred. Ten (10) years of experience in progressively responsible supervisory positions. A valid Washington State drivers license is required and must be obtained prior to date of appointment or another date set by the City. An equivalent combination of experience, education, and training sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position as listed above must be demonstrated by the applicant.