DEPUTY DIRECTOR/COUNTY ENGINEER

County of Kittitas (WA); Ellensburg (WA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Kittitas County seeks a Deputy Director/County Engineer to support the Public Works Director in advancing safe, reliable transportation, engineering, and capital improvement programs. This executive role leads planning, delivery, and stewardship of county infrastructure and services.

Under the Public Works Director, you will oversee budgeting, staffing, and compliance, mentor Engineers in Training, and work with communities and agencies to advance transportation projects and airport operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Four (4) or more years of management-level experience in transportation, utilities, or construction including direct supervision of staff.
• Active Professional Engineer License from the State of Washington or reciprocity; ability to obtain WA PE License within six months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Washington State Bridge Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
• Valid WA Driver's License with limited moving violations.
• Criminal history/background check will be performed.

Responsibilities

• Fulfill the statutory duties of County Engineer as provided in RCW 36.80.
• Design, prepare, and coordinate construction plans and specifications as project manager or team member.
• Prepare and participate in development of detailed construction drawings and related maps.
• Review complex design plans and attend pre-bid and pre-construction conferences.
• Prepare budgets for Design Construction division and monitor expenditures.

Skills

Management experience

Leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Job description

Kittitas County is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Director/County Engineer. This executive-level position supports the Public Works Director in advancing safe, reliable, fiscally responsible transportation, engineering, and capital improvement programs for our communities. The recruitment will remain open for two weeks and will close at 5:00 PM on 9/25/2026.

Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the Deputy Director helps to lead the planning, delivery, and stewardship of essential county infrastructure and public services. Duties include:

• Fulfill the statutory duties of County Engineer as provided in RCW 36.80.
• Design, prepare, and coordinate the development of construction engineering plans and specifications on all (as a project manager) or portions of (as a team member) road, bridge, drainage, or traffic signage and design improvements, and other transportation improvement projects and similar designs. Develop cost estimates and recommendations towards final cost estimates. May certify with Professional Engineer's seal and signature, if applicable, that engineering designs conform to accepted professional engineering standards and practices and the requirements of Washington State law.
• Prepare and participate in the development of detailed construction drawings, topographical profiles and related maps and specification sheets used in Public Works design projects planning and construction coordinating closely with the County Surveyor.
• Review complex design plans and specifications for conformance to job requirements. Develop and check complex specialized contract provisions, design agreements and design calculations and attend pre-bid and pre-construction conferences to outline principle construction features.
• Prepare audits and administer capital project budgets, and make recommendations for staffing, equipment, materials and supply needs.
• Assist with planning and preparation of the Design Construction division budget, goals, and objectives.
• Monitor and maintain expenditures within budget guidelines. Implement cost-effective measures and use resources effectively to increase productivity.
• Ensure optimum employee levels. Control and minimize labor overtime and expenses.
• Supervise the Design/Construction and Traffic Divisions. Provide professional direction and support to all engineering and technical positions.
• Mentor and provide professional level oversight to the Engineer in Training.
• Ensure compliance with personnel and collective bargaining agreement policies.
• Participate in the division’s employment process including hiring, probationary periods, promotional opportunities and training programs.
• Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate work of staff. Ensure performance evaluations are conducted as required to guide development of employees and provide a record of performance.
• Initiate, document, and implement disciplinary actions as approved by Human Resources when necessary.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with the public. Respond to citizen concerns, complaints and issues. Determine and recommend appropriate resolutions to maintain positive community and customer relations.
• Represent Public Works on various committees, at neighborhood organization and community meetings, public hearings, before governmental bodies, and in legal processes.
• Analyze and evaluate data, prepare reports and correspondence on division activity and performance, and ensure compliance with laws, ordinances, and codes. Take corrective action as necessary.
• Assist with transportation grant applications and administration.
• Attend department meetings and training sessions.
• Assist in management functions of the Bowers Field Airport as directed by the Public Works Director.
  • Plan, organize, and direct the operations, development, maintenance, and construction of facilities at Bowers Field Airport.
  • Prepare updates to the Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan.
  • Monitor and enforce federal, state, local rules, and regulations applicable to airport operations.

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Management, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or other related field.
• Four (4) or more years of management-level experience in transportation, utilities, or construction including direct supervision of staff.
• A combination of equivalent education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the required qualifications listed above at the discretion of the Public Works Director.
• Active Professional Engineer License from the State of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington. If not certified in Washington, must be able to obtain a Washington Professional Engineer (Civil) License withing six (6) months of hire.
• First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Washington State Bridge Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• A valid Washington State Driver's License with no more than two (2) moving violations within the past two (2) years.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, the place and manner in which the position will be performed, and any verifiable information related to the candidate’s rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training will be taken into consideration.

ABOUT KITTITAS COUNTY

Situated in central Washington between the foothills of the stunning Cascade Mountains and the mighty Columbia River, Kittitas County residents enjoy limitless activities and recreation opportunities year-round. With over 200 days of sunshine each year, residents and visitors can enjoy activities including hiking, camping, numerous golf courses, fishing and boating, horseback riding, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, climbing, and backpacking.

Residents here enjoy the small-town feel with easy access to Seattle, just a two hour drive from Ellensburg, the largest city in Kittitas County. Ellensburg is well known for its friendly residents and rural life-style, along with summer music festivals, seasonal Farmer’s Market, and the annual Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo.