Environment and Public Works Engineering Division Manager

City of Tacoma; Tacoma (WA); On-site; USD 163,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Tacoma is seeking a proven leader to manage the Engineering Division of the Environment and Public Works Department. This role leads a ~60-person team and oversees street design, capital facilities, project management, grants, and ADA compliance, aligning ROW activities with construction and emergencies.

Ideal candidates excel in communication, strategic thinking, and budget management, with a track record in municipal government operations and anti-racist leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, mechanical, or electrical engineering or related field.
• Seven years of engineering experience, including at least one year in a supervisory role.
• Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer and valid WA Driver’s License.
• Strong communication, leadership, and budget management skills.
• Ability to present to diverse internal and external groups.
• Commitment to anti-racist transformation in the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering Division within the new Environment and Public Works Department.
• Provide leadership to approximately 60 full-time employees and oversee related projects.
• Coordinate with other workgroups to synchronize ROW activities with construction/emergencies.
• Oversee project management, design/construction support for transportation, stormwater, and utilities.
• Help drive the transformation of project delivery within the department.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Budgeting

Public works management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental/mechanical/electrical engineering

Job description

The City of Tacoma has an opportunity for a proven professional with great communication and leadership skills to manage the Engineering Division of the Environment and Public Works Department.

This position will lead the Engineering Division as part of the newly created Environment and Public Works Department. Under the direction of the City Engineer, the Engineering Division Manager provides leadership and direction to approximately 60 full-time employees. The programs and services in the Engineering Division include street design/engineering, capital facilities design, project management, grant administration, development of engineering standards and sidewalks, ADA compliance, bridge operations, and Local Improvement Districts. This position will also be responsible for coordination with other workgroups and departments to synchronize the City’s activities in the right of way with all construction and/or emergency activities. This position oversees the project management and design/construction support for the City's transportation, stormwater, solid waste and wastewater utility projects as well as other major capital facilities projects. In addition, this position will help lead the transformation of project delivery as part of the newly formed department.

What we are looking for in our Ideal Candidate:

• A dynamic, compassionate leader who motivates others, with exceptional team building and performance leadership skills.
• A leader who is able to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• An innovative, results-oriented leader who promotes efficient ways of conducting business.
• Previous experience at the Division Manager or Assistant Division Manager level, or equivalent experience managing a diverse, complex, public works-related team and associated projects.
• Increasingly responsible experience in the management and administration of municipal government operations.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. Candidates must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the City Manager, City Council, City Staff, and internal and external customers.
• A demonstrated commitment to anti-racist transformation in the workplace and delivery of services.
• Proven experience overseeing the development of a budget and excellent financial acumen.
• Skill in presenting in front of a variety of internal and external groups.
• A strategic thinker who knows how to paint a picture of the Department and Division's vision and strategy, and create and sustain a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, mechanical, or electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*

Seven (7) years of engineering experience, including one (1) year prior at a supervisory level

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements

Required:

• Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer**
• Washington State Driver’s License

*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

**6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $78.38 - $110.36

Annual Salary: $163,030.40 - $229,548.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma