What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Director of Public Works position at City of Sammamish?
Are you ready to lead projects that truly matter? City of Sammamish is seeking a collaborative Assistant Director of Public Works to lead stormwater, street, and capital improvement programs. Join City’s Public Works leadership team as Assistant Director, where you’ll guide complex capital projects, lead essential maintenance operations, and help build infrastructure that supports a safe, sustainable, and thriving community
The Assistant Director of Public Works plays an integral role in the department’s leadership team, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and technical guidance across the City’s infrastructure programs. This position oversees multiple functions, including stormwater management, street and stormwater maintenance, and capital improvement projects (CIP). The Assistant Director ensures that projects, programs, and maintenance operations are delivered efficiently, meet regulatory and safety standards, and align with City priorities. This position collaborates across Public Works divisions, other City departments, utilities, contractors, and the community, providing expertise in planning, design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure.
Why join us?
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, fumes, temperature, weather, and noise extremes).
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
The Assistant Director of Public Works plays an integral role in the department’s leadership team, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and technical guidance across the City’s infrastructure programs. This position oversees multiple functions, including stormwater management, street and stormwater maintenance, and capital improvement projects (CIP). The Assistant Director ensures that projects, programs, and maintenance operations are delivered efficiently, meet regulatory and safety standards, and align with City priorities. This position collaborates across Public Works divisions, other City departments, utilities, contractors, and the community, providing expertise in planning, design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure.
Why join us?
- Impactful Work: Offers a unique opportunity to lead high-impact infrastructure programs that directly serve and strengthen the community.
- Professional Growth: Access to continuous learning opportunities and career advancement.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, FSA, retirement plans, and generous paid time off (vacation and sick).
- Collaborative Environment: Work with a dedicated and supportive team passionate about public service.
- Work-Life Balance: Hybrid work schedules and a commitment to your well-being; 14 paid holidays plus a floating holiday.
The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
- Leads and supervises high-performing multi-disciplinary teams across stormwater management, streets and stormwater maintenance, and capital projects; provides guidance, mentorship, and performance management.
- Provides strategic oversight and operational management to ensure teams deliver on complex infrastructure projects and maintenance programs effectively, safely, and within budget.
- Participates in the development, administration, and monitoring of the departmental budget; forecasts funding needs for staffing, materials, equipment, and projects; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as needed.
- Develops and implements policies, programs, and asset management plans that align with City standards, codes, regulations, and best practices.
- Oversees the design, construction, inspection, and maintenance of public works projects; reviews plans, specifications, estimates, and procurement documents to ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and cost-efficiency.
- Manages and monitors contracts, consultant agreements, and vendor performance; negotiates terms as needed and resolves project-related disputes.
- Supports emergency response operations related to public works infrastructure and ensures team preparedness for urgent infrastructure needs.
- Reviews City code, documents, estimates, plans, and specification for compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, funding requirements, and safety standards; compiles and submits reports for trend analysis and regulatory reporting.
- Advises the Director and City leadership on departmental priorities, strategic initiatives, and operational improvements.
- Engages with and presents to Sammamish City Council, boards, commissions, committees, regional forums, and the community at public meetings as needed to provide updates, recommendations, and technical information regarding public works projects, programs, and policies.
- Represents the City at public meetings, open houses, and regional meetings.
- Attends evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
- Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
- Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates employees; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline procedures per established policies, procedures, and executive guidance.
- Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field; supplemented by a minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, engineering, capital project management, or infrastructure operations, including three (3) years of experience supervising professional and operational staff; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
Employees must be residents of Washington State.
CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
- May be required to possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver License and the ability to drive a city owned vehicle per established policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Professional Engineer (PE) license; master’s degree in public administration, engineering, infrastructure planning, or a related field, and three (3) years of experience as an Assistant or Deputy Director in a Washington State municipality.
KNOWLEDGE OF
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills in managing professional, technical, and operational staff.
- Advanced knowledge of public works project administration, including capital project planning, budgeting, contracts, risk management, and asset management.
- Knowledge of modern methods, techniques, and best practices in the design, construction, inspection, maintenance, and rehabilitation of public works infrastructure.
- Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, codes, ordinances, and professional standards applicable to stormwater, streets, and capital projects.
- Ability to manage and oversee contracts, grants, franchise agreements, and interlocal agreements.
- Skilled in problem-solving, decision-making, and providing technical guidance on complex infrastructure and maintenance issues.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and community engagement skills; capable of presenting technical information to a variety of audiences.
- Emergency response and management principles and their application to Public Works operations and infrastructure.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrated ability to develop, lead, and direct strong multi-disciplinary teams.
- Foster innovation and apply strategic thinking to provide recommendations and solutions to complex issues.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate on complex programs/projects and develop and maintain strong professional relationships with colleagues, neighboring jurisdictions, regional partners, the community, utility providers, and other stakeholders.
- Develop and manage capital and operations budgets.
- Efficiently supervise the design and construction phases of complex public works projects, including adherence to local, State, and Federal standards, requirements, and best practices for project design, contracts, grants, schedules, and budget.
- Plan, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinates.
- Use of Microsoft Office Suite and applicable department / organization specific software and ability to learn and become skilled in the use of other specialized software and online meeting platforms as may be required.
- Clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing, and use professional composition, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
- Responsive and flexible handling of work assignments and prioritizing work to complete assignments accurately and timely
- Maintain a customer service orientation and positive image of the City to the public, courteous and professional approach to exchanging information, adhere to strict confidentiality requirements.
- Regularly attend work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule, including when working remotely per an approved hybrid schedule.
Depending on functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, fumes, temperature, weather, and noise extremes).
SENSORY REQUIREMENTS
Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Salary : $156,370 - $215,767