Deputy Director - Engineering & Maintenance

Salary : $184,605.76 - $224,386.27 Annually

Location : Santa Rosa, CA

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 24 / 10-1041-OC

Department : Sonoma County Public Infrastructure (SPI)

Opening Date : 10 / 03 / 2024

Closing Date : Continuous

Bargaining Unit : 50

Position Information

Sonoma Public Infrastructure (SPI) seeks an experienced professional to manage the Engineering & Maintenance Division!

Starting salary up to $107.51 / hour ($224,386 / year) and a competitive total compensation package!

Please click here to view our color brochure.

Please note : This position requires a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

What We Offer

Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you're working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits

• including :
• Hybrid Telework - A schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
• Salary Advancement - A salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
• Paid Time Off - Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
• County Paid Health Premium Contributions - 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee family health plan options
• Staff Development / Wellness Pay - Annual benefit allowances of up to $2,000 and ongoing education / training opportunities
• Post-Retirement Health Reimbursement Arrangement - County contributions to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance / benefits
• Retirement - A pension fully integrated with Social Security
• Paid Parental Leave - May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) after 12 months of County employment
• Student Loan Debt Relief - County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education

Hiring Incentives

Sonoma Public Infrastructure is currently offering a $25,000 signing bonus paid over three installments during the first three years of service. Other incentives which may be offered, if applicable, include :

About the Position

Reporting to the Director of Public Infrastructure, the Deputy Director of Engineering and Maintenance directly supervises the Engineering Division Manager, Road Operations Division Manager and an Engineering Technical Writer, and is responsible for assisting in the formulation of SPI's long-range goals through the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and plans. Additionally, the Deputy Director is also responsible for reviewing and evaluating public infrastructure programs to anticipate future needs; coordinating the activities of their assigned divisions; and assisting in the preparation of the departmental budget. They develop, oversee, and manage Board Items, presentations, and other documents in support of key departmental objectives and act as the main point of contact for Board inquiries related to the County's road system.

The ideal candidate for this position is a creative and innovative thinker who is excited by the prospect of change, and the challenge of managing a large variety of complex public infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have proficiency in all areas of engineering, road design, traffic, land development, maintenance, and right of way. In addition, a strong political acumen is desired as this position is required to interact successfully with executives, elected officials, department heads, employees, and community members. This position also needs to have skills to build, train, and manage high performing teams and a demonstrated ability to successfully work with a diverse group of individuals, both internal and external. Emotional intelligence as well as strong management skill is a necessity.

The individual selected for this position will possess the following competencies, skills, and abilities :

About the Department

Leading the way in maintaining a safe and sustainable community through stewardship and innovation.

Sonoma Public Infrastructure (SPI) plans, builds, manages, and maintains the County of Sonoma's investment in critical services and quality infrastructure. SPI's multiple Divisions are dedicated to providing construction and maintenance services throughout the community :

About Sonoma County

The County of Sonoma offers a rare and compelling array of scenic, recreational, and geographic characteristics that include over 200 award winning wineries, majestic redwoods, inspiring coastline and beaches, and the vibrant Russian River. Encompassing over one million acres of land and water, rich with agriculture, parks, campsites, lakes, and open spaces, the County is home to over 500,000 residents and offers a wide variety of art and music festivals, farmers' markets, and concert venues. Local schools continually rank high on California's Academic Performance Index, and the Santa Rosa Junior College and Sonoma State University offer higher education opportunities.

Please visit for more information about Sonoma County, the place to live, work, and build your career.

Sonoma Public Infrastructure is recruiting to fill a Deputy Director - Engineering & Maintenance position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help (temporary) positions as they occur during the active status of the list. Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future positions should consider applying to this recruitment.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Minimum Qualifications

License : Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors is required. Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Experience : Extensive professional experience which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities stated herein. Normally, five years of full-time, professional engineering experience, including at least two years in an administrative or supervisory capacity, would provide such opportunity.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Extensive knowledge of : the planning, design, and construction of large-scale public works projects; the principles, practices and techniques of civil engineering; state and federal laws relative to the planning and development of public works projects.

Thorough knowledge of : the principles and practices of personnel and fiscal administration, including the budgetary process, principles of supervision, staff development and training; the principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration; economic research and feasibility as it relates to public works projects.

Considerable knowledge of : English syntax and grammar.

Ability to : plan, organize and direct the activities of a large staff of highly specialized professional, technical, maintenance, and clerical staff; establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with coworkers, subordinates, representatives of other governmental agencies, private contractors, private organizations, consulting engineers and architects, and the general public; prepare and implement administrative and fiscal policies and controls; coordinate divisional program activities with other Department Divisions, and other public entities; determine organizational needs and functional changes in order to improve efficiency and effectiveness; provide effective leadership in the development of new or improved procedures; analyze and review staff reports and recommendations and to give constructive criticism; effectively assemble, organize and present in written and / or oral form, reports containing alternative solutions and recommendations regarding specific resources, plans and policies; speak before groups regarding department plans, projects, and functions.

Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying

You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.

You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.

Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.

Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.

Responses to supplemental questions may be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state, "See Resume" or "See Application" may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.

The selection procedure will consist of the following examination :

An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%). Each application and supplemental questionnaire will be thoroughly evaluated for satisfaction of minimum qualifications and relevance of educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities that relate to this position. Candidates possessing the most appropriate job-related qualifications will be placed on an employment list and referred to the department for selection interviews.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.

Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.

HOW TO APPLY

Applications are accepted online at Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Continuous recruitments may close without notice at any time that a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.

The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.

HR Analyst : DP

HR Technician : EV

IMPORTANT NOTE : Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.

COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS : MANAGEMENT

These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers :

Paid Time Off : Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.

Health Plan : Choose from nine health plans (three HMOs, three deductible HMOs, and three HSA-qualifying plans) with a generous County contribution to the premium (the contribution amount varies by bargaining unit). For more information, please see the appropriate MOU.

Retirement : Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit

IRS 457 Plan : Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical : County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance / benefits.

Student Loan Debt Relief : County employees may be eligible for through the U.S. Department of Education.

Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.

For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at (707) 565-2331. Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources' Risk Management-Benefits Office at or (707) 565-2900.

Do you possess a Civil Engineering license with the State of California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors?

Please describe how your professional engineering experience qualifies you for this position.

Please describe your two or more years of administrative and / or supervisory experience related to personnel management, staff development, and training. Reference the number and type of staff you supervised and your related responsibilities.

Please describe your experience with budget administration, including details regarding the size of the budget you managed or administered, any budget constraints involved, and long-term / short-term planning responsibilities you held.

Please describe your experience in the planning, designing, and / or constructing a large-scale public works road and / or bridge projects. Detail a major project you have participated in, your role in the completion of the project, and your level of responsibility.

Please describe your experience implementing an initiative or project which required working with elected officials, other governmental stakeholders, and / or the public. Specify the initiative / project, your role, the stakeholders, and the end result of the experience.

How did you first learn about this opportunity?

Required Question

Salary : $107,510 - $224,386