Assistant Public Works Director

Job Description

About Longview: Longview, Washington is located in Southwest Washington along the scenic Columbia River Basin 50 miles north of Portland, Oregon and 145 miles south of Seattle. Longview is a comfortable and affordable community with close proximity to larger city amenities as well as abundant outdoor recreational activities in the Cascade Mountains, Pacific beaches, and numerous rivers and lakes.

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer paid for full family coverage, which includes medical or VEBA account, dental, vision, long-term disability, and basic life insurance. The City offers a generous paid leave program including paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and the ability to participate in a tax-deferred 457 retirement savings plan, Washington State PERS, short term disability, Flex 125 spending account, and supplemental life.

• This position is open until filled with a first review of applications occurring on March 4th, 2025.

Essential Job Duties

Strategic Leadership & Planning:

• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and operational plans for assigned divisions.
• Assists in long-range infrastructure planning, capital improvement projects, and funding strategies.
• Evaluates operational efficiency and recommends improvements to optimize service delivery.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations affecting water, sewer, stormwater, streets, transit, and traffic systems.

• Oversees maintenance and capital projects related to water treatment, wastewater collection, stormwater management, roadways, and transit systems.
• Coordinates with regulatory agencies to maintain compliance with environmental and safety standards.
• Develops emergency response plans for infrastructure failures, severe weather events, and public safety incidents.

• Prepares, monitors, and manages budgets for assigned divisions, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Identifies funding opportunities, including grants and state/federal funding sources, to support infrastructure projects.
• Authorizes expenditures, tracks financial performance, and ensures fiscal responsibility.

• Supervises division managers and key personnel, providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Ensures proper staffing levels and succession planning for critical positions.

• Represents the Public Works Department in public meetings, City Council sessions, and interagency collaborations.
• Responds to citizen concerns and service requests, ensuring high-quality customer service.
• Collaborates with regional partners, utility providers, and transportation agencies.

• Participates and/or serves on a variety of internal and external committees, meetings, and/or other related groups to secure advocacy and influence support for programs and ideals.
• Ensures compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and/or standards;
• Coordinates activities between multiple service areas and works to integrate and coordinate assigned service areas.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration or related field; AND 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public works, infrastructure management or a related field, including supervisory experience OR a combination of education, training and experience which would provide the required skills, knowledge, and ability to perform the job as determined by the department.
• Experience in municipal government operations and regulatory compliance preferred.
• Certifications related to water, wastewater, stormwater, or transportation systems are desirable.
• Valid Driver’s License

Ideal Candidate Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong leadership, decision-making, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of municipal water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, traffic, and transit systems.
• Familiarity with public budgeting, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Can interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and/or Local laws, rules, regulations, codes, and/or statutes.
• Personnel management;
• Analyzing problems, identifying alternative solutions, projecting consequences of proposed actions, and implementing recommendations in support of goals;
• Preparing and administering budgets;
• Managing change and sensitive topics;
• Planning, analyzing, and evaluating programs and services, operational needs, and fiscal constraints;
• Ability to prioritize and assign work to staff and communicate expectations.
• Can apply contract, grant, and other administrative limitations to project activities.
• Strong ability to multitask and manage several projects/assignments at once.
• Can write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals effectively.
• Can effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
• Can define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Can use computers, other technology, and related software applications efficiently.
• Ability to conduct complex research, prepare related reports, and presenting findings to staff, Council members and the public.

• Initiative to act and be self-motivated. Work well independently as well as in a team or cooperative setting.
• Communicate in a professional business-like manner, both orally and in writing. Portray a professional image and attitude.
• Able to exercise discretion over sensitive and confidential issues related to the Department and its business.
• The ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

The City provides a comprehensive benefits package that is predominantly employer-paid for full family coverage, which includes medical, dental, vision, employee assistance program, long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance with buy-up options for the employee, employee’s spouse and dependents. All employees are required to participate in the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems programs and have the option to participate in a 457 deferred compensation program. Other benefits include generous paid leave such as vacation, holidays, and sick leave, and voluntary participation in a tax-deferred medical or dependent 125 plans.

This position is nonrepresented.