Deputy Public Works Director​/Assistant City Engineer

Deputy Public Works Director / Assistant City Engineer

The City of Tukwila is seeking an experienced, dedicated, and forward-thinking leader to provide high level management, strategic direction, and operational leadership to the Engineering Division, including capital improvement and environmental compliance programs. This position serves as the Acting Public Works Director in the Director’s absence.

• Plan, coordinate, supervise, and evaluate Engineering Division operations; implement policies, procedures, programs, and directives.
• Lead long‑range planning, strategic initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts for departmental and citywide goals.
• Oversee engineering design, project development, and construction of public infrastructure including streets, water, sewer, stormwater, flood control structures, and bridges.
• Review scopes, plans, specifications, reports, and design documents; ensure compliance with City, state, and federal codes and standards.
• Guide the development and implementation of the City’s long‑range Capital Improvement Program.
• Oversee preparation, management, and forecasting of the division budget; allocate resources and identify equipment and program needs.
• Coordinate with other departments, elected officials, regional agencies, and external partners; negotiate and resolve complex and sensitive issues.
• Represent the City at governmental meetings, committees, commissions, and public events.
• Administer state and federal grants and special funding for capital projects.
• Develop ordinances, policies, methodologies, and engineering standards; serve as subject‑matter expert and dispute resolution authority for construction and engineering issues.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, training, performance evaluation, and discipline for subordinate employees; build staff capability and support career development.
• Review and recommend approval or denial of infrastructure plans, permits, development proposals, franchise agreements, and other engineering‑related submissions.
• Support emergency operations related to infrastructure and utilities; assist with post‑event restoration programs.
• Serve as Acting Public Works Director during the Director’s absence.

• Principles, practices, procedures, techniques, and equipment related to the field.
• General municipal operations and structure.
• Applicable codes, laws, City ordinances, and departmental rules and regulations.
• Budgeting principles and processes.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Guiding, directing, and motivating employees.
• Ability to evaluate highly complex technical reports.
• Exercising sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Establishing and maintaining working relationships with City personnel, outside agencies, and the general public.
• Effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Developing and implementing programs, policies, and/or procedures to achieve specific goals and objectives.
• Ability to use ERSI Arc Map software.

• ABET accredited Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Seven years of engineering experience, including five years of supervisory responsibility; or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing evidence of successful performance of the essential elements of the job.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) within the State of Washington; if registered in another state, the candidate must obtain Washington State registration within six (6) months of hire.
• A valid driver’s license.

• Project Management Professional certification.
• Local government knowledge and experience.
• Lean Six Sigma or Continuous Process Improvement training.

Positions in this class typically require stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, mobility, grasping, talking, seeing, hearing, climbing, crawling, and walking.

Salary Range: $14,352 - $19,234 per month.

The City of Tukwila is an equal opportunity employer and strives to employ a diverse workforce reflective of the community it serves.