Deputy Director/County Engineer

The Deputy Director/County Engineer is an executive-level position that supports the Public Works Director in leading planning, delivery, and stewardship of county transportation, engineering, and capital improvement programs. The role carries statutory County Engineer responsibilities and supervises the Design/Construction and Traffic divisions, including oversight of Bowers Field Airport management functions as directed.

Statutory and Engineering Leadership

• Fulfill the statutory duties of County Engineer as provided in RCW 36.80.
• Design, prepare, and coordinate construction engineering plans and specifications for road, bridge, drainage, traffic signage, and related transportation improvement projects.
• Develop cost estimates and provide recommendations toward final cost estimates.
• May certify with a Professional Engineer’s seal and signature, if applicable, that designs conform to accepted professional engineering standards and Washington State law.
• Prepare and participate in development of detailed construction drawings, topographical profiles, and related maps and specification sheets, coordinating closely with the County Surveyor.
• Review complex design plans and specifications for conformance to job requirements.
• Develop and check complex specialized contract provisions, design agreements, and design calculations, and attend pre-bid and pre-construction conferences.

Capital Programs, Budget Oversight, and Resource Management

• Prepare audits and administer capital project budgets, including recommendations for staffing, equipment, materials, and supply needs.
• Assist with planning and preparation of the Design/Construction division budget, goals, and objectives.
• Monitor and maintain expenditures within budget guidelines.
• Implement cost-effective measures and use resources effectively to increase productivity.
• Ensure optimum employee levels and control/minimize labor overtime and related expenses.

Supervision and Compliance

• Supervise the Design/Construction and Traffic divisions.
• Provide professional direction and support to engineering and technical positions.
• Mentor and provide professional-level oversight to the Engineer in Training.
• Ensure compliance with personnel and collective bargaining agreement policies.
• Participate in employment processes including hiring, probationary periods, promotional opportunities, and training programs.
• Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate staff work.
• Ensure performance evaluations are conducted as required and maintained as a record of performance.
• Initiate, document, and implement disciplinary actions as approved by Human Resources when necessary.

Community Relations and Representation

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the public.
• Respond to citizen concerns, complaints, and issues, and determine appropriate resolutions to support positive community and customer relations.
• Represent Public Works at committees, neighborhood and community meetings, public hearings, before governmental bodies, and in legal processes.

Reporting, Analysis, and Corrective Action

• Analyze and evaluate data, prepare reports and correspondence on division activity and performance, and ensure compliance with laws, ordinances, and codes.
• Take corrective action as necessary.

Transportation Grants and Training

• Assist with transportation grant applications and administration.
• Attend department meetings and training sessions.

Bowers Field Airport Oversight

• Assist with management functions of the Bowers Field Airport as directed by the Public Works Director.
• Plan, organize, and direct operations, development, maintenance, and construction of facilities at Bowers Field Airport.
• Prepare updates to the Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan.
• Monitor and enforce federal, state, and local rules and regulations applicable to airport operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Management, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or other related field.
• Four (4) or more years of management-level experience in transportation, utilities, or construction, including direct supervision of staff.
• A combination of equivalent education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of required qualifications at the discretion of the Public Works Director.
• Active Professional Engineer License from the State of Washington or a state with reciprocity with Washington.
• If not certified in Washington, ability to obtain a Washington Professional Engineer (Civil) License within six (6) months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Washington State Bridge Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License with no more than two (2) moving violations within the past two (2) years.
• Criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants; convictions may preclude employment in certain circumstances, considering factors such as seriousness, number of convictions, and verifiable information related to rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training.

Compensation and Work Location

• Location: Ellensburg, WA (onsite)
• Pay: USD 67.0–82.0 per hour