Assistant Director of Public Works/ CIP

City of Sachse; Sachse (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Sachse is seeking an Assistant Director of Public Works for leadership in capital improvement projects and public infrastructure management. This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders and oversight of departmental operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and budgets.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, five years of project management experience, and a Texas Professional Engineering license. Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for effective engagement with the community and city leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of project management experience.
• Texas Professional Engineering license issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPELS).
• Possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project management duties for Capital Improvement Plan projects.
• Support Director in daily department operations.
• Assist with the development and administration of departmental budgets.
• Develop and assist with preparation of contracts and bid documents.
• Coordinate with stakeholders and present projects to City Council.

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Communication Skills

Analytical Skills

Budget Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Job description

Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works, the Assistant Director of Public Works / Capital Improvement Program (CIP) provides professional leadership, operational oversight, and project management for the City’s public infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives. This position is responsible for planning, developing, coordinating, and evaluating Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects to ensure compliance with contractual agreements, engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and City policies.

The Assistant Director supports departmental operations through staff supervision, interdepartmental coordination, budget development, and stakeholder engagement. Serving as a key member of the Public Works leadership team, this role collaborates with City leadership, consultants, contractors, advisory committees, and residents to advance infrastructure improvements and maintain high standards of service delivery. The Assistant Director assumes oversight of the department in the Director’s absence.

The ideal candidate will embody the City’s core values of Service, Humility, Innovation, Neighborly, and Excellence (SHINE).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Management and Oversight

Performs the full range of project management duties for Capital Improvement Plan projects and construction activities, ensuring compliance with contracts, engineering standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations. Oversees project scheduling, budget control, contractor coordination, and quality assurance throughout all phases of project delivery.

Engineering Design and Standards Development

Designs in-house projects, including project layout, plan review, specification preparation, bidding coordination, and construction oversight. Evaluates existing engineering standards and collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to develop, recommend, and implement updated protocols and procedures that enhance efficiency, safety, and service delivery.

Departmental Leadership and Operational Support

Supports the Director in managing daily department operations by providing leadership, guidance, and direction to assigned staff. Supervises personnel, delegates assignments, conducts hiring and performance evaluations, and recommends disciplinary action as appropriate. Assumes departmental oversight responsibilities in the Director’s absence.

Budget Development and Financial Management

Assists with the development and administration of departmental budgets, including recommending staffing levels, forecasting funding needs, and planning for equipment, materials, contracts, and capital expenditures. Monitors project expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with approved budgets.

Procurement, Contract Administration, and Compliance

Develops or assists with the preparation of contracts, Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and bid documents. Oversees procurement processes and contract administration to ensure transparency, regulatory compliance, and successful project execution.

Interdepartmental and Stakeholder Coordination

Participates in interdepartmental project planning, development, and coordination efforts. Serves as the department liaison in meetings with residents, business owners, consulting engineers, contractors, vendors, advisory boards, and City Council. Negotiates and resolves sensitive or complex issues related to engineering and infrastructure projects.

Public Engagement and Council Support

Presents projects and recommendations to City Council, advisory committees, and regulatory agencies for review and approval. Responds to inquiries, concerns, and service requests from citizens, businesses, and governmental entities regarding engineering and public works matters.

Other Duties

Performs other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Engineering and Public Works Principles

Knowledge of civil engineering and architectural design principles, public works operations, and infrastructure systems including water, wastewater, streets, drainage, and right-of-way management. Understanding of construction practices and regulatory compliance requirements.

Project and Program Management

Knowledge of project management principles and capital improvement planning processes. Ability to oversee multiple complex infrastructure projects simultaneously while maintaining schedule, budget, and quality objectives.

Budgeting and Financial Oversight

Knowledge of public sector budgeting principles and capital project financial management. Ability to analyze project costs, forecast expenditures, and make fiscally responsible recommendations.

Leadership and Organizational Management

Skill in effectively supervising, mentoring, and delegating responsibilities to assigned staff. Ability to provide strategic direction, foster accountability, and promote collaboration within the department and across the organization.

Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

Ability to analyze technical data, evaluate engineering alternatives, and develop sound recommendations. Skilled in resolving complex operational and stakeholder issues through collaborative problem‑solving.

Communication and Professional Effectiveness

Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, technical documents, and presentations. Ability to effectively communicate with City leadership, elected officials, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Technology and Information Systems

Knowledge of computers, engineering software, project management systems, and standard office applications. Ability to use technology to support project tracking, documentation, reporting, and operational efficiency.

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering.

A minimum of five years of project management experience.

Texas Professional Engineering license as issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers (TBPELS).

Possess and maintain a valid Class C Texas Driver’s license.