Assistant Director - Utilities Engineering

The City of Bellevue Utilities Department is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director to lead its Engineering Division. The Assistant Director is a member of the Bellevue Utilities executive team, collaborating to lead the department in achieving its strategic, operational, and financial goals. The Engineering Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing a $7.4 million division operating budget and delivery of the Utilities $296 million, 6-year Capital Investment Program (CIP) encompassing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater CIP programs and projects. 

In addition, this position collaborates with the Utilities Director, two Deputy Directors, the Resource Management & Customer Service Division Assistant Director, and the Operations & Maintenance Division Assistant Director to plan, develop, and implement policies and programs to achieve strategic outcomes. The Engineering Assistant Director manages highly complex technical and policy work, assisting the Deputy Directors and Director of Utilities in the leadership and management of the department. This position reports directly to the Utilities Deputy Director for Engineering and Operations.

The Assistant Director provides leadership to staff in the Engineering Division which includes Water Resources Planning, Project Management, Construction Management and Inspection, Portfolio Management, Asset Management, and Development Review.

The Assistant Director establishes strong working relationships and positively represents Bellevue Utilities to the community, City Council, City Manager, other City departments, and outside agencies and may serve as liaison to the City’s Environmental Services Commission. 

• Collaborate with the Utilities Director and Deputy Director to implement the 2024-2026 Utilities Department strategic plan. Ensure alignment with the Capital Investment Program that supports renewal and replacement of aging infrastructure, capacity for growth, environmental preservation, and operational efficiencies. 
• Lead and implement the 2025-2030 Capital Investment Program with a 6-year capital budget of $296M and utilization of six on-call consultant contracts for engineering and other associated professional services. Notable CIP projects currently in design or construction include the Meydenbauer South Drinking Water Reservoir, Kelsey Creek Culvert Replacement at Lake Hills Boulevard, Newport Sewer Basin Capacity Improvements, and the Watermain Replacement Program. 
• Lead the development and implementation of several key utility system planning efforts, including the Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater System Plans, the Watershed Management Plan, and the Lake Washington Sewer Lake Lines Management Plan.  
• Lead the utilization of the Utilities Renewal and Replacement (R&R) Fund, developed as a key element of the Utilities Strategic Asset Management Program. 

• Partner with Utilities executive leadership to support a shared vision and positively contribute to the organizational health of Bellevue Utilities. Value shared leadership, foster trust, effectively communicate, and support innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on excellent customer service and cost-effective service delivery. 
• Apply an equitable, sustainable, reliable, and financial lens as the team brings reality to the initiatives listed above.

• As a member of Utilities executive leadership, actively engage and support future budget development processes and implementation of the 2025-2026 operating budget. Provide thought leadership and effective decision-making that support Bellevue Utilities ability to continue delivering daily essentials to the community. 
• Build effective partnerships with City colleagues. Collaborate and identify opportunities to share knowledge that support an integrated approach and align with the City’s strategic priorities. 
• Actively champion the City’s ongoing commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community.  

The Engineering Division Assistant Director is a strategic systems thinker who possesses strong executive leadership skills necessary for managing in a large, complex environment. The successful candidate easily sees the big picture and long-term vision for Bellevue Utilities and uses the information to anticipate internal and external needs. With a successful track record of producing results-oriented outcomes, the Assistant Director is excited by the opportunity to successfully contribute to both the immediate and long-term needs of the utilities infrastructure.

The Assistant Director appreciates the role of public utilities and takes pride in ensuring services are safe, reliable, and affordable. A strong supporter of high-performing organizations, the Assistant Director values diversity of thought and encourages cross-departmental collaboration in support of broader organizational alignment. The ideal candidate is a natural convener and collaborator who recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels. They navigate political, community, and multi-sector relationships with ease and contribute to positive interactions with City Council, City leadership, Utilities colleagues, board and commissions, advisory committees, and regional agencies. The Assistant Director is a responsive and transparent communicator who enjoys representing the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Utilities at all times.

The successful candidate is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leader who leverages new and innovative approaches and best practices to ensure current and future generations continue to have high-quality, essential services. With an eye toward the future, the Assistant Director stays abreast of trends and innovations in the field of utilities and public works and brings a modern perspective to projects and initiatives across the utilities. The Assistant Director multi-tasks with ease, shifting gears quickly to prioritize and balance workloads and resource needs to meet project demands. The ideal candidate easily identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements best practices to drive necessary change. 

The Assistant Director embodies Bellevue’s core values and embraces the City’s commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community. The successful candidate actively contributes to the organizational health of Bellevue Utilities and supports the department’s positive culture. The Assistant Director is an active listener and effective communicator who believes in transparency and keeping others well informed. They are a visible leader known for actively supporting staff and removing barriers to enable success while maintaining a commitment to high-quality, customer-centered work. The Assistant Director fosters a welcoming and collaborative team environment that empowers staff to bring forward fresh ideas, develop innovative strategies, and provide creative solutions to deliver the best outcomes for customers. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, environmental studies, water resources management, construction management or related field. An MS Engineering or MPA is preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in public utilities systems.
• 10 years experience developing and delivering Capital Investment Programs, including management of planning, design and construction for municipal utility projects with at least 5 years of experience in each utility (water, wastewater, stormwater), or a program of similar scope/complexity (at least $15 Million/year Capital program value). (highly preferred).
• Experience/knowledge about Utility operations and maintenance, system planning, and public works consultant and construction contracting laws, regulations, and work processes. 
• Experience/knowledge about environmental issues and permitting associated with utility work is highly desirable.
• Or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Washington State Professional Civil Engineering license is required at the time of hire or within one year.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with first review of applications beginning Monday, April 21, 2025.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

Salary : $152,900 - $211,000