The Assistant Public Works Director assists in the management of the Public Works Department and its Divisions in achieving the Department's mission and goals.

The position will assist the Director in monitoring and evaluating programs, budgets, legislative codes and policies changes, and provides assistance to Divisions’ Manager on administrative and personnel issues, when assigned by the Director. This position will have regular contact with the general public, the Board of County Commissioners, tribes and other intergovernmental agencies. The successful candidate must be able to represent the County as a spokesperson in a professional demeanor at all times.

Assists the Director in providing leadership in the development of strategic short- and long-range plans; assists in evaluating programs effectiveness, department goals, performance measures and objectives for the Department. These include and are not limited to asset management, customer service, internal and external communications, budget monitoring, employee mentoring and performance improvement.

Facilitates and coordinates cooperative planning in conjunction with other divisions, inter-departments, outside governmental agencies, community resources and entities as required. Promotes teamwork and collaboration within the County. Identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements recommendations tor problem resolution with appropriate management and staff.

Represents the County as spokesperson at public meetings in a professional manner.

Assists in the preparation of departmental budget, and monitors expenditures within approved budget. Secures, monitors, and assures compliance with grants and contracts. Negotiates and arranges for resolution of problems with vendors as appropriate.

Assists in determining department training needs to meet changing system or program demands. Assist in periodically reviews job descriptions, work rules, performance standards and job assignments to ensure work assignment is consistent with assigned job description.

Assists the Director in collaboration with Human Resources in the resolution and documentation of grievances, conduct investigations and develop performance improvement plans when assigned.

Provides technical and/or policy advice and research at the request of the Board or by the County Engineer/Director.

Secures, prepares, monitors, and assures compliance with grants and contracts.

The Assistant acts on behalf of the Public Works Director at their direction and/or absence.

Supervisory:

This is a highly responsible senior management/leadership position that requires minimum supervision and is able to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.

Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Public Works.

This position has supervisory responsibilities.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or a related field in Public Works, or equivalent combination of experience, AND five years of progressively responsible experience, INCLUDING three years of supervisory experience.

Requires knowledge of and the ability to:

Perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.

Be politically astute, with excellent verbal and written communications skills; able to encourage participation, navigate conflicts and de-escalate hostile situations.

Assist the Director to strategically plan, prioritize, coordinate, organize and evaluate staff and programs effectiveness.

Use tact, discretion, respect, persuasion, diplomacy and courtesy to gain the cooperation of others and establish and maintain effective teams and a professional relationship and rapport with public officials, representatives of other agencies or entities, department heads, co- workers, employees and diverse members of the public. Apply sound judgment and problem-solving techniques to make reasoned, timely and consistent decision and to facilitate the effective resolution of problems. grievances and complaints.

Possess an open style that encourages empowerment of staff and citizens in decision making processes. Promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding customer service to both internally, and externally.

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver's license.

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Finance or a related field in Public Works.

Background check must meet County criteria.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed both in an office environment and on-site at project locations. Fieldwork may require walking on steep or uneven terrain.

Hazards:

Normal hazards found in an office environment. Hazards on-site include adverse weather conditions, variable terrain, traffic, and construction equipment.