Deputy Director - Public Works

Salary: $ - $ Annually
Location : La Crosse, WI
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00678
Department/Division: Engineering and Public Works
Opening Date: 02/03/2026

Description
The City of La Crosse is seeking to hire a full-time Professional Engineer to be an essential member of the Engineering & Public Works team. The Departments are responsible for designing, installing, and managing various infrastructure throughout the City of La Crosse. The individual in this position will work with a dedicated team of employees whose actions improve the lives of the citizens of La Crosse daily.
The purpose of this position is to assist with supervision and direction of staff and the delivery of projects, services, maintenance, and operations of public works infrastructure. Assist with daily engineering and utilities departments activities. Assist with direction of management of Engineering and Utilities Departments (Water, Sewer, and Storm). Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Engineering & Public Works.

Annual salary for this exempt position ranges between $ - $ (80hrs bi-weekly), based on qualifications.
Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and five years' experience. Wisconsin-registered Professional Engineer, or ability to transfer license from another state within six months. Valid driver's license is required. Proficiency in MS Office products and municipal experience are a plus.
Benefits:
The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution;

10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.
Selected candidate is subject to a background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug screen. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. To be considered, submit an employment application by visiting the City of La Crosse website and clicking on City Services, then clicking Career Opportunities or by visiting

Purpose of Position

The purpose of this position is to assist with direction of staff and delivery of projects, services, maintenance, and operations of all public works infrastructure. Assist with daily engineering and utilities department activities and staff. Assist with direction of management of Engineering and Utilities Departments. The work is performed under the direction of the Director of Engineering & Public Works.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists with supervision of departmental activities and staff for all of Engineering & Utilities, including Water, Sewer, and Storm.

Assigns task and projects, determines operations, monitors progress.

Conducts staff performance evaluations.

Administers discipline.

Works directly with Superintendents and Assistant Superintendents of Sewer and Water, including Treatment Plant, Sewers, Well, and Waterworks.

Receives and handles complaints, inquiries and concerns from the public, elected officials, and other City departments regarding engineering records, public works projects and City infrastructure.

Conducts studies to determine needs for projects and services. Prepares study reports and recommendations. Directs project development and construction contract administration.

Provides information to the public, city departments and other agencies regarding projects and services.

Researches issues and notifies inquiring party regarding findings.

Testifies as expert witness for germane subjects related to liability and accountability for Engineering & Public works.

Assists with preparation of capital and operating budgets. Monitors operating and capital expenditures. Applies for grants and alternative funding, prepares reimbursements, and facilitates interagency financial agreements. Assigns capital improvement project design and construction tasks to engineers, project specialists, and technicians.

Assists with direction of locating of underground utilities and facilities for planning, construction, and projects.

Assists with direction and oversight of maintenance and updates of accurate records for underground utilities and GIS.

Assists with direction of preparing annual reports of City facilities, including streets and utilities for records, operations, and reimbursements.

Directs maintenance and updates of traffic signal systems, flood levees, utilities networks, and emergency systems.

Responds to public records requests and prepares court testimony.

Assist with Direction and oversight of preparation of plans, specifications…