Deputy Public Works Director

Deputy Public Works Director

Target Hiring Range: $144,768 - $ Annually (DOQ)

Full Salary Range: $144,768 - $ Annually

The Deputy Public Works Director is a key member of the City's leadership team, responsible for planning, organizing, and directing operations, staff, and resources within the Public Works Department.

Reporting to the Public Works Director, this position provides executive oversight to several major divisions;
Administration & Engineering, Solid Waste, Streets Maintenance, Wastewater/Stormwater, Water. The department operates with a 2025 budget of $97 million and a staff of 120 FTEs. Direct reports include the Water Manager, Wastewater/Stormwater Manager, and Solid Waste Manager.

Review the full job posting below for additional position details.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced local government leader, or a division manager ready to take the next step, to help guide the future of a high-performing, well-managed public works organization.

Richland's leadership team is collaborative, strategic, and service-oriented. The Public Works Department is recognized for professionalism, teamwork, and dedication to maintaining the community's infrastructure and quality of life.

The Deputy Director will play a vital role in advancing citywide initiatives, overseeing major utility and infrastructure programs, and supporting long-term planning and capital investment efforts.

Great Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), 10 paid holidays annually, extended sick leave (ESL)
• PTO accrual increases with years of service:
• 0–6 months: 13.33 hrs/month
• 6 months - 9 years: 20.33 hrs/month
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage with substantial City-paid contributions
• City-paid life and AD&D insurance (2× annual salary) and long-term disability coverage
• Participation in the Washington State PERS retirement system
• Deferred compensation plans (457 and 401(a)) with up to 4% City match
• Additional City-paid 401(a) contributions: +4% Senior Management
• Flexible Benefits (Section 125) and Retirement Health Savings Plan

The individual selected for this position will be required to pass a comprehensive background check commensurate to the position.

General Summary

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.

Core Values

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:

Special Requirements:

• 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.

Desirable

Qualifications:

• Professional Engineer's license.

Essential Job 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…