Deputy Director - Public Works Engineering

Position Information

This recruitment is to fill one position within the Public Works - Engineering Department. The Deputy Director - Engineering is vital to the department's current operational success and long-term goals.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in capital project delivery through all phases; design, environmental, right-of-way and construction.
• Experience with project delivery consistent with Caltrans Local Assistance processes, which include State and Federal funding sources.
• Management experience of technical staff on projects and processes.
• Familiarity with contract compliance for A&E contracts.

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations in the Public Works - Engineering Department; performs management and oversight of Public Works - Engineering’s programs; provides administrative oversight of day-to-day activities including the implementation and administration of City-wide policies and programs and the establishment and enforcement of departmental policies and procedures; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Director of Public Works - Engineering in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.

Job Description

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Director of Public Works - Engineering. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

Class Characteristics

This is a deputy department director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Public Works - Engineering Department including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Director of Public Works - Engineering in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, City functions and activities, including the role of the City Council, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering City goals and objectives within general policy guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Director of Public Works - Engineering in that the latter has overall management responsibility for all public works programs, functions, and activities, and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

Examples of TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes management responsibility for the Public Works - Engineering Department’s programs, services, and activities including oversight of project management and capital projects or as assigned by the Director; serves in an acting capacity during the absence of the Director of Public Works.
• Under the direction of the Director, develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the department; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Manages the development and administration of the annual budget and capital improvement budgets for the department; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments.
• Under the direction of the Director, selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; responds to staff questions and concerns; makes discipline recommendations to the Director of Public Works.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and reviews with the Director; directs the implementation of improvements.
• Participates in capital improvement project (CIP) planning activities; provides input into the conceptual design of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects.
• Manages and directs the development of construction and modernization plans for the City; meets with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
• Represents the department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the City Council and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions as directed.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering and other types of public works services.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Director of Public Works - Engineering.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Serves as a spokesperson for the department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of strategic plan development.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected City Council.
• Principles and practices of engineering and administration as applied to the design and construction of public works facilities and technical inspection services.
• Methods, materials, and techniques employed in public works construction projects.
• Federal and state transportation and grant funding policies, procedures, and mechanisms.
• Modern and complex principles, practices, methods, equipment, and materials involved in street maintenance, sewer maintenance, street signs, traffic, underground, wastewater treatment, and safety devices.
• Characteristics and uses of asphalt, concrete, and other paving materials.
• Public Contract Code.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works projects.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Research and recordkeeping methods and techniques.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, strategic plans, and work standards.
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Department.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Coordinate and direct public works projects and programs.
• Interpret and explain City programs policies and procedures.
• Write grant applications and appropriately administer grant programs.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Oversee and participate in the management of comprehensive public works administration.
• Read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Estimate time, materials, and equipment needed to perform maintenance and repair work.
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
• Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, construction management, civil engineering or a related field.

Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering experience or experience managing public works infrastructure maintenance functions, including three (3) years in a management or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil Engineering issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.

Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Conditions
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Additional Information

The City of Chico is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ONLINE, THROUGH THE NEOGOV/GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM SYSTEM.

If this is the first time you are applying using the online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can build your application which can be saved and used to apply for other City of Chico employment opportunities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the City of Chico Human Resources Office.

Degree, Licenses, Certifications and/or Equivalencies: Candidates must include copies of items listed as a minimum qualification; failure to provide required certificates by the close of the recruitment will result in candidate disqualification. If this position requires a typing certificate: typing certificates must have been issued within one year and the net speed must match the minimum requirement listed in the job description. For standardization, net speed will be calculated by subtracting the number of errors from the gross WPM. Internet generated typing certifications are not accepted. Equivalency for experience and/or education listed within a job description may be established pursuant to the City-wide Classification Plan and through coordination with Human Resources. Candidates seeking an equivalency must contact Human Resources, at (530) 879-7900, for instructions on submitting an equivalency request. Being minimally qualified for a position does not guarantee a candidate progression through the full recruitment process.

Travel and Recruitment Related Expenses: The City of Chico does not reimburse applicants for any travel or expenses in connection with applying for employment, unless authorized by the City Manager.

Pre-Employment Processing: Applicants may be required to pass fingerprinting, a background, and a medical examination as a condition of employment or promotion. Medical exams may include a fitness exam, psychological exam, and a drug and alcohol screening, depending on the position. E-verify is used to determine candidate eligibility to work in the United States.

The City of Chico is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Chico will consider individuals with disabilities based on their qualifications to perform the essential functions of the position for which they are applying and will provide reasonable accommodation in the application and/or testing process. If you require accommodation in the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Office within seven (7) days of the need for accommodation, so appropriate alternative arrangements can be made.

If you have any questions, or need additional assistance regarding City of Chico employment opportunities, please contact the Human Resources Department at (530) 879-7900 or jobs@chicoca.gov .

The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: City of Chico - Employee Benefits

Closing Date/Time: 2/8/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Chico

• 530-879-7905

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