Deputy Director of Public Works – Engineering and Resource Protection

The Opportunity

The County of San Mateo's Department of Public Works seeks an experienced and visionary leader to serve as Deputy Director of Public Works – Engineering and Resource Protection.

The Deputy oversees five functional areas:
Project Development, Design and Construction Management, Drainage and Flood Control, Utilities, Transportation Services, and Watershed Protection, ensuring County maintained equipment, infrastructure and right of ways are safe, well-maintained and accessible. The Division provides engineering and construction inspection services, environmental assessments, design, surveying, and inspection activities for various transportation network projects in the unincorporated suburban and rural areas of the County.

Working closely with County leadership, elected officials, regional agencies, and community partners, the Deputy Director helps shape the future of infrastructure throughout San Mateo County.

The Engineering and Resource Protection Division plays a critical role in delivering infrastructure that supports safe transportation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable community growth.

The Deputy Director ensures engineering projects move successfully from planning through construction while balancing technical excellence, fiscal responsibility, regulatory compliance, and public expectations.

This role is essential to:

Delivering complex public infrastructure and capital improvement projects Protecting County transportation systems, utilities, watersheds, and public rights-of-way Leading engineering solutions that improve safety, mobility, and resiliency Building partnerships with County departments, regional agencies, regulatory organizations, and the community Aligning long-term infrastructure investments with County priorities

Lead one of the County's largest engineering organizations responsible for critical public infrastructure Shape long-range transportation, drainage, utility, and watershed improvement strategies Modernize engineering practices while advancing innovative and sustainable infrastructure solutions Partner with regional agencies such as Caltrans, regulatory organizations, and local jurisdictions Mentor experienced engineering managers and technical professionals while building future leadership capacity

Balancing multiple large-scale capital projects with limited funding and competing priorities Navigating complex environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and stakeholder interests Managing infrastructure needs across both urban and rural communities Coordinating engineering initiatives among numerous County departments, agencies, consultants, and elected officials Delivering technically complex projects while maintaining schedules, budgets, and public confidence

This position provides executive leadership for the Engineering and Resource Protection Division through strategic planning, operational oversight, and organizational leadership.

Provide strategic leadership and long-range planning for engineering programs and public infrastructure initiatives Establish division priorities, policies, operational goals, and performance expectations Anticipate future infrastructure needs and develop strategies that support County objectives

Oversee engineering design, project development, construction management, transportation improvements, drainage systems, utilities, and watershed protection programs Review and approve engineering plans, technical reports, and construction documents Ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget

Lead, mentor, and develop managers, engineers, surveyors, inspectors, and technical staff Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing work environment Oversee recruitment, performance management, succession planning, and employee development

Represent the Department before the Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission, Caltrans, regulatory agencies, community organizations, and the public Build collaborative relationships across County departments and regional partners Communicate complex engineering issues clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences

Direct division budgeting, contracts, procurement, and resource allocation Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and engineering standards Evaluate legislation, policies, and infrastructure initiatives affecting County operations

Successful candidates combine executive leadership with strong technical knowledge of municipal engineering and public infrastructure. The ideal candidate is:

Brings significant experience leading engineering, capital improvement, or public works programs within a complex organization.