Deputy Director (WMS BAND 2)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

BRPELS in Olympia, WA seeks a Deputy Director to join the executive leadership, reporting to the Director and acting in the Director's absence. You will guide administrative functions, oversee budgeting of about $1.6 million, manage seven FTEs, and shape regulatory policies for engineers and land surveyors across the state.

A PE or PLS license and eight years of leadership and government experience are required, along with strong policy, communication, and stakeholder skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with active WA PE or PLS license.
• Five years of executive leadership or business management experience.
• Eight years’ knowledge of engineers, land surveyors, OS Site licensing acts and board rules.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes proactive methods to gain compliance with ethical professional standards and statutes/rules.
• Acts as case investigation program manager coordinating with various offices.
• Participates in complaint investigations using expert knowledge of WA licensing laws.
• Oversees the Board’s Internal Control program using Lean methods.
• Manages administrative, credentialing and disciplinary actions for the agency.
• Directs and evaluates staff performance and training within budget constraints.
• Represents BRPELS on national licensing committees and with external stakeholders.

Skills

Executive leadership

Policy development

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Data-driven decision making

Team management

Lean Methods

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Active WA PE or PLS license

Tools

Lean Methods

Job description

Description

Deputy Director

WMS BAND 2

The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process.

It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible.

Anticipated starting date for this position is December 2026.

Standard business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Who We Are

The Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) provides consumer protection to the public through the licensing of Professional Engineers (PE), Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) and On-site Wastewater Designers. The Board recommends rules and regulations for administering licensing and regulatory laws. BRPELS is a small agency that consists of eleven dedicated staff members who are knowledgeable in providing support and guidance for application of statute, laws, rules & policies on engineering, land surveying, and on-site practice. This agency is also responsible for investigating and resolving complaints, license verification and responding to general licensing questions. BRPELS is self-funded and fully supported by its licensing and registration fees.

For an in-depth understanding of the many services we provide, board meeting information, and how to contact BRPELS, we invite you to explore our website to learn more about the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

About This Opportunity

This position reports directly to the Director and is the second in line of agency leadership. In the absence of the Director, the Deputy Director (DD) will perform all Director duties including, but not limited to, managing Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Under the authority and direction of the Director the DD will support the management of the administrative functions of the agency. All agency/board staff, except for the Executive Assistant and Communication Manager, will report directly to the DD. The incumbent will be part of the executive leadership of the Agency and be a significant influence on long term planning and fiscal goal setting and tracking agency performance measures as well general functions of the BRPELS mission. The results of the incumbent’s responsibilities have a statewide significance and will be a national level influence for the professions. This position requires a diplomatic, professionally mature, and trade knowledgeable professional to promote innovation and licensee engagement to keep our programs current, the impacts for success are an increase in the level of professionalism and ethics within the professions.

This position is directly engaged with other agencies and the public in developing State and National professional regulations, rules and policies within the regulated professions. The position is an integral member of the executive management team which develops and implements agency-wide policies and practices. Accordingly, this position has direct internal and external policy-setting impact.

In concurrence with the Director this position directly develops and implements the applications, development, and determination of the agencies administrative, fiscal, and programmatic policies, guidelines, and implementing procedures.

The budgetary responsibility of the Deputy Director role is to assist in the development of roughly one-third of the annual expenditure budget of $1,600,000 and staff responsible for 95% of the agency's operating revenue stream. Other financial influences include help in determining recommendations of fee and fine changes.

This position requires expert knowledge and experiences only obtainable by a Professional Licensee. The policy and rule changes developed thru the authority of this position effect and clarify the practice and regulatory requirements for the professions. Thus, the recommendations have significant impact on the agency mission and operational effectiveness. Significant risk is involved in decisions, which have statewide effects to the health safety and welfare of the public, and protection of the environment. Therefore, the position requires a professionally licensee’s analysis, of complex, unknown and unexplored areas, and a subject matter expert’s wisdom and knowledge to determine the risks, benefits, and direct a holistic and equitable decision.

This position will represent BRPELS on national licensing and professional committees and is an ambassador to the public representing the professions we regulate.

The Deputy Director Manages Seven Full-time (FTE) Direct Reports

• 1 - Investigator
• 1 - Regulatory Program Manager
• 1- Internal Control Manager
• 4- Licensing Staff

To learn more about this opportunity email the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan via [e-mail] and request the full job description.

Duties Associated With This Position Include

• Develops and executes proactive alternate methods of gaining compliance of the Registrants to ethical professional standards, and Statues/Rules governing the Professions (RCW 18.43, 18.210. 18.235, 58.09 and WAC 196, 246-272a, 332-120, 332-130).
• Serves as the case investigation program manager (which in part may be delegated to staff) working/coordinating with the Board assigned Case Manager, BRPELS compliance and investigations manager, and the Assistant Attorney General’s office to plan and execute the investigation and compliance plan.
• Participate, using expert technical knowledge of Washington State Professional Engineer laws, rules, and standard of practice, in the complaint investigation processes.
• Develops and oversees the Board’s Internal Control program using Lean Methods.
• Oversees and manages the administrative, credentialing, and disciplinary action monitoring responsibilities of the agency.
• Directs and evaluates performance of supervised staff and contracted employees in fulfilling the vision of the Director and meeting the Board’s regulatory and consumer protection mandates. Partner with staff on professional development goals and objectives and develop training plans for each, within allotted and available budgets.
• In partnership with the agency EA be responsible for high quality and cost-effective operations on a daily and long-term basis.
• Provides professional advice and makes independent decisions which appropriately balance organizational risk and opportunity.
• In close coordination with board members, works as the point person with associations, business, and other stakeholders in defining and modifying rules and policies.
• Initiate corrective steps to resolve internal conflicts in a timely manner.
• With a high level of diplomacy, able to resolve external conflicts to protect the public, profession, and agency.
• Develop methods to obtain and use data to make informed decisions and manage business strategy in the near and long term.
• Support and provide counsel to the Director on matters of agency policy.
• Exercise independent judgment within legal and agency HR policy frameworks related to interviewing, hiring, training, mentoring, recognizing, and developing personnel.
• Demonstrate ability to hold staff accountable, including giving clear direction, defined objectives, and managing performance based on agency policy and HR best practices.
• Manage staff schedules, including telecommuting, in a manner that ensures a balance between staff flexibility and desired work outcome.
• Maintain a Supervisor File and document all key interactions, reviews, issues, etc.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director.

Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience to hold active Washington State Professional Land Surveying or Professional Engineer license
• Five years of executive leadership or business management experience.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of knowledge of Engineers, Land Surveyors, OS Site, licensing acts and Board rules.
• Familiarity with the Public Records Act, including the risks associated with failure to comply with requests for public records disclosure.
• Knowledge and successful application of contemporary management theory and practices as well as demonstrated ability to promote a positive work environment.
• Five (5) years of experience working with government organization and administrative procedures; government functions; office methods and procedures; research and data collection; departmental policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and in speech; proofreading skills; ability to obtain the cooperation of other agencies and other internal staff sections; ability to work effectively with others.
• Current Washington State Professional Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer license.

Key Competencies Expected:

• Accountability - Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work. Believes that the results achieved directly result from his/her personal decisions and actions. Acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Doesn't make excuses for errors or problems but learns from his/her mistakes.
• Teamwork - Fulfills commitments to other team members. Promotes a friendly climate, good morale, and cooperation among team members. Puts team success ahead of individual success. Makes sure that the practical needs of the team are met. Protects and promotes the agency's reputation with outsiders. Takes charge when it is necessary to facilitate an action or decision. Creates a feeling of belonging on the team.
• Adaptability/Flexibility - Meets changing conditions and situations in work responsibilities. Accepts constructive criticism and suggestions and uses them to advantage. Deals with anger, frustration and disappointment in a mature manner. Maintains objectivity in conflict situations and seeks acceptable solutions.
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacts with Board Members, management, staff, public and others in a positive manner. Demonstrates understanding that individuals have different perspectives and communication styles. Practices active listening. Is open and honest. Treats others with respect, kindness and consideration.
• Productivity - Produces quality, desired results in an efficient manner. Manages resources efficiently. Is self-motivated.
• Dependability - Follows through on assignments and provides completed work.
• Confidentiality - Maintains the confidentiality of ongoing enforcement actions and follows the proper public disclosure process when these requests are made.
• Organizational Skills - Has good organizational skills and tracks work needed, responses due, keeps databases up to date and maintains files so that others can locate them when needed.

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies

• All the above PLUS 4-years in government organization in management or supervisory professional position.

Equity Competencies

State Of Washington Employees Contribute To Ensuring Services, Programs, Workplaces, And Interactions Are Responsive, Respectful, Accessible, And Effective To The People And Communities We Serve. Employees Are Expected To

• Take action to learn and Grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.
• Take action to meet the needs of others: Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities. Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements/ Condition Of Employment

• Current Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) registration.

Contact Information

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan [e-mail] or email [e-mail].

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple