Public Works Operations Manager

Kenmore; Kenmore (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(a) plan

Paid holidays

Healthcare benefits

Public Employees Retirement plan

Job summary

City of Kenmore is seeking a Public Works Operations Manager to lead the Operations Department across streets, parks, facilities, and stormwater assets. You will manage schedules, coordinate contracts, supervise staff, and advance asset management and capital programs.

The role requires five to eight years of supervisory experience, strong budgeting skills, and the ability to work with multiple departments and external partners. Washington residency is expected, with a city-wide impact.

Qualifications

• Minimum five to eight years of progressive experience, including five years in supervisory or management roles.
• Knowledge of local government operations and public works regulations.
• Strong budgeting, cost projection, and resource planning skills.
• Ability to lead diverse teams and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and maintain city streets, parks, facilities, and stormwater assets.
• Develop and manage annual and seasonal work schedules; monitor progress and adjust as needed.
• Direct contracts for public works services with vendors and partners.
• Supervise division staff and provide training; handle personnel matters as needed.
• Coordinate asset management, life-cycle cost analysis, and capital projects.
• Prepare reports, forecasts, and budget proposals; support council and leadership.
• Respond to emergencies and ensure safety programs and PPE compliance.
• Collaborate with other departments and agencies on projects and standards.

Skills

Public works operations

Budgeting

Supervision

Safety programs

Contract management

Emergency response

Project management

Job description

Follow along with our 2027-2028 Biennial Budget Process.

• Salary/Pay Rate: $9,877 - $12,543 per month (DOE)

Public Works Operations Manager

City of Kenmore

SUMMARY

The Public Works Operations Manager is responsible for the management of assigned divisions within the Public Works Operations Department. Day to day responsibilities include operation and maintenance activities within street, right of way, storm water facilities, park and city owned properties, facilities and fleet. Under the direction of the Public Works Operations Director, the Public Works Operations Manager is a middle management position, responsible for integrating related, yet dissimilar functions within the Department to accomplish department goals and objectives. Because of the small number of City employees, each staff member is expected to perform a wide range of office and field duties as may be required from time to time.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, organizes, prioritizes, directs, manages, and implements standards for the construction, maintenance, and repair of city streets, parks, facilities, and storm water infrastructure.
• Manages, coordinates, and participates in developing annual and seasonal work schedules that comply with department goals and objectives. Assigns work activities, projects, and programs. Monitors workflow and project progress.
• Pursue, direct, manage, and evaluate contracts for public works services with various public and private vendors.
• Plans, organizes work, and supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned division staff. Assigns work and ensures appropriate training is provided. Handles sensitive personnel matters and recommends responses.
• Manages, coordinates, and aligns work teams to ensure effective and efficient services.
• Supports long range systems planning and coordination with capital improvement project. Participates in planning for maintenance and construction activities.
• Conducts reviews establishing goals and objectives for assigned work teams.
• Oversees implementation of new processes and procedures.
• Assists in the development of department policies, standards and expectations.
• Assists with biennial budget planning and proposals. Implements and administers the Public Works budgets. Participates in forecasting funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Administers the approved budget for assigned work teams and projects.
• Develops recommendations for maintenance and capital rehabilitation programs, develops, and refines cost analysis, and monitors and adjusts expense estimates.
• Coordinates departmental activities with other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Facilitates equipment/fleet purchases and replacement decisions. Participates in developing specifications.
• Direct and monitors areas of responsibility in the City’s Asset Management Program; asset inventories, condition assessment, life cycle cost analysis, and repair and replacement decisions.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen action requests.
• Coordinates response to unscheduled, urgent occurrences. Assigns staff and/or coordinates with local districts contracted by the City for response.
• Administers safety programs. Attends and serves on a variety of City committees and task teams. Prepares periodic reports on departmental business activity.
• Responds to emergency situations on a 24-hour basis and plays a key role in the City’s emergency management response.
• May prepare and present reports to the City Council.
• Performs other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position and needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge & Skills:

• Knowledge of and understanding of local government operations.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Knowledge of and understanding of public works operations, services and activities.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering requirements to ensure proper construction and code compliance.
• Working knowledge of the materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in public works maintenance.
• Knowledge of occupational hazards, safe work habits, and safety precautions.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management.
• Knowledge of project and service level budgeting procedures and techniques and sufficient math skills to prepare cost projections.
• Knowledge of and skill at using personal computers and specialized software used in public works.
• Well-developed English language skills to prepare professional reports, procedures, and correspondence.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills to convey technical concepts to others, build harmony within and among work teams, work productively with internal and external customers and agencies, conduct performance reviews, and negotiate contract terms.

Abilities:

• Requires the ability to carry out the functions of the position.
• Requires the ability to organize, manage, and implement a comprehensive field operation and/or maintenance program.
• Requires the ability to plan, organize, prioritize, supervise, establish work standards, review performance, and train others.
• Requires the ability to interpret and apply applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Requires the ability to evaluate and prioritize multiple factors in the development and planning of short and long-range maintenance action plans.
• Requires the ability to analyze problems, identify solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and develop recommendations in support of goals.
• Requires the ability to conduct special studies, prepare comprehensive reports, and determine cost-effective ways for conducting and completing projects.
• Requires the ability to develop and implement policies and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare and present complex reports.
• Requires the ability to respond to, organize, and carry out emergency services assigned to the Department.
• Requires the ability to serve for long hours under stressful conditions during major storms, and other Public Works emergencies.
• Requires the ability to work as a contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City.
• Requires the ability to prepare and administer a large and complex budget.
• Requires the ability to function indoors in an office environment and outdoors engaged in work of a moderately active nature.
• Requires the ability to maintain cardio-pulmonary fitness to engage in moderate physical activity.
• Requires ambulatory ability to move to different work locations and to bend, stoop, climb, and reach to perform inspections.
• Requires arm, hand, and finger dexterity to demonstrate use of common tools, rolling stock, and use a computer keyboard and other office equipment.
• Requires the ability to function with temperature variations.
• Requires visual acuity to observe work sites, read written materials, blueprints, plans, and schematics.
• Requires auditory ability to carry on conversations in person and over the phone, including the ability to project voice in noisy work settings.
• Requires the ability to work varied and extended work shifts and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Requires the ability to train and offer partial leadership over other technical and support staff.

Education, Experience and Training:

• Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• A minimum of five to eight years of progressive experience, including five years of direct supervisory or management experience.
• Education equivalent to a vocational training program or degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, construction management, or a closely related field desired, but not required.

Licenses and Certificates

• Requires a valid Washington State driver’s license (or be able to attain at time of appointment) and an acceptable driving record.
• Class B, Commercial Driver’s License preferred but not required.
• Washington State Flagging Certification (or be able to obtain in the first six months).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Work Environment – Work is performed indoors and outdoors where some safety considerations exist from traffic, water flows, unstable surfaces, and proximity to moving equipment.
• Hours of Work –City Hall working hours are typically Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. however hours of work for this position will be agreed upon with the department director. This position may be required to attend or present in-person at City Council or other after-hours meetings or activities as needed.
• Safety Requirements–Required to comply with all work rules, safety, and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements.
• Washington Residency –Applicants must reside in Washington State at the time of employment to fulfill job requirements and comply with state employment regulations.

OTHER ITEMS AND ADVANTAGES OF WORKING FOR THE CITY OF KENMORE

• The City of Kenmore participates in a 401(a) plan in lieu of Social Security. Those who contribute to this plan do not participate in Social Security, and do not earn Social Security service credits. The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on 1/5/2025 and ends the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO). For more information visit this link: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/social-security-fairness-act.html?tl=0
• This position is FLSA Exempt.
• This position is eligible for paid holidays, sick leave, vacation, executive leave, healthcare benefits, 401(a), and the Washington State Public Employees retirement plan benefits.
• Kenmore is located on the north shore of Lake Washington and has over seven miles of waterfront along the lake and the Sammamish River.
• Kenmore is a first-ring suburb of Seattle and is equi-distant to downtown Seattle, downtown Bellevue, Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, and Boeing and Paine Field in Everett.
• City Hall is in the heart of Kenmore’s downtown and is within walking distance of many local businesses, restaurants and parks!

The City of Kenmore is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. We seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

Our Service Vision is Propelling Kenmore Upward: We create a thriving community where all people love where they live.

This job/class description describes the general nature of the work performed, representative duties as well as the typical qualifications needed for acceptable performance. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, work steps, and skills required for the job.