Deputy Director/City Engineer - Public Works Department

At the City of Olathe, Kansas we are "Setting the Standard for Excellence in Public Service" and we have the results and the awards to prove it!  Leading public-sector customer service results and recognition by Fast Company and Money magazines as a "Fast City" and a "best place to live."  Olathe is in an elite category for local government. 

To continue this trend of excellence, we are recruiting for a Public Works Deputy Director who is interested in joining a dynamic team of dedicated individuals committed to delivering forward thinking solutions.  Our team is focused on making Olathe better today and tomorrow through innovation, efficiency and leadership at all levels, valuing each other, our customer and the environment.  The Olathe Public Works Department contributes to the planning, building, maintaining and operating the heart of our community and helps build the quality of life that Olatheans have come to enjoy and expect.  Because of Public Works, our residents have clean and great-tasting water to drink, safe streets, sidewalks and trails, excellent public services and an exceptional quality of life.  Each of us who work for the City of Olathe live our leadership philosophy. 
 
This full-time position is generally scheduled 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, to include attending all scheduled City Council meetings the first and third Tuesday evenings, and other special meetings as needed.

The Deputy Director of Public Works is responsible for managerial oversight of the divisions within line of responsibility and City Engineer responsibilities.  Performs high-level, complex administrative work in planning, organizing, directing and evaluating the activities and operations of assigned divisions to include: Engineering, Stormwater, Transportation and Solid Waste.  Works in partnership with other employees, departments/divisions, external entities and the public.

• Recommends capital improvements to the City's infrastructure systems, buildings and facilities.
• Develops and administers the department's strategic plan, objectives and procedures, including 5-year plan; recommends necessary changes in organizational structure, methods, and procedures to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and revise priorities for divisions within scope of responsibility; assists in the development of divisional operating budgets and capital improvement programs; analyzes problems, identifies alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed action and implements recommendations in support of goals; responds to City Council requests, issues and concerns; makes oral presentations to staff, public partners and the City Council; represents divisions to all internal and external stakeholders; ensures all customer service requests are resolved.
• Plans, directs, coaches and evaluates the projects and programmatic areas of subordinate level managers; provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range plans; gathers and interprets reports and recommendations; coordinates division activities with other departments as needed; provides direction and guidance to external consultants and/or vendors engaged in studies and projects on behalf of the City; initiates and monitors the progress of special studies to be undertaken by internal staff.
• Administers the monitoring process of service contracts; evaluates services performed and costs for services obtained through outside contractors and vendors.
• Oversees the allocation of professional and technical personnel on assigned projects and programs to optimize the utilization of staff resources.
• Responds and resolves sensitive and/or the complex questions or concerns from the City Council, public, partners, the business community and staff.
• Reviews, prepares and presents reports on division and department programs and activities.
• Attends, chairs and conducts a variety of meetings; serves on committees as requested; makes presentations to City Council; represents the department and makes oral presentations at meetings, inter-agency meetings, conferences and other events.
• Serves as a member of the City's strategic management team.
• Assumes responsibilities of the Public Works Director as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ensures each division's strategic plan aligns with the department's strategic plan; recommends and prioritizes capital improvements, changing service level needs and asset replacements.   
• Reviews division budgets to ensure effective expenditure of allocated funds; authorizes major purchases, contract services, and professional service agreements.

• Provides supervision, mentoring and direction to personnel in management line of responsibility.
• Provides organizational leadership for planning and forming committees and work groups to meet strategic objectives.
• Assigns duties and evaluates work output to ensure conformance to policies and procedures.
• Coordinates and balances activities of divisions with other City divisions/departments, consultants, developers, contractors, governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.

• Provides professional advice on issues to the Director, City and County Manager, and City Council; makes presentations to supervisors, boards, commissions, civic groups and public partners.
• Prepares City Council reports and presents data as requested.

Experience: Six to eight years of progressively responsible experience in public works, or comparable experience related directly to this position, including at least three years at a supervisory and/or administrative level.  Applicants should possess work experience in multiple disciplines within public works. 
 
Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or related field.  Masters of Business or Public Administration preferred.
 
Licenses: Professional Engineers License in the State of Kansas required or ability to obtain within 6 months.
 
Preferences

Strong preference will be given to candidates with municipal public works and engineering experience in medium to large jurisdiction or the equivalent, to those with advanced degrees in engineering or related fields, with a comprehensive understanding of infrastructure engineering, asset management and the administration of large Capital Project programs, and to those with significant management and organizational leadership experience.

Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, physical and drug screen.
 

The City of Olathe offers competitive pay and time off and an exceptional benefits package, including medical (with free Wellbeing Center services), dental, vision, life and disability coverage to eligible employees and dependents. In addition, we offer multiple opportunities for retirement savings including a 457 deferred compensation plan and State of Kansas retirement plan. Additional perks include an employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement and a robust Employee Wellbeing program.