City of Lake Forest Park

Compensation

Full Description

Note: Effective Jan. 1, 2026 salary step schedule will be as follows: $160,379.80 - $ 206,490.36 annually. Reporting to the City Administrator, the Director of Public Works plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including engineering, project management, surface water management, planning, building, sanitary sewer, City facilities, maintenance, and parks. The Director's work involves developing and implementing departmental policies, planning and executing both short and long-range programs, coordinating departmental activities with other City departments and private or civic organizations, and is responsible for maintaining the physical assets of the City’s streets, bridges, sanitary sewer systems, storm water management systems, parks and other City properties and buildings. Budget management, including capital planning and future financial forecasting, is essential, along with the ability to prepare and present technical materials to the City Council, agencies, and the public. In addition to administrative duties, the Director is expected to provide hands-on support during emergency situations. Work involves significant community engagement and public involvement with elected officials, residents, neighborhood groups, businesses, developers, and other governmental entities. As a key member of the City’s Leadership Team, the Director of Public Works collaborates with the City Administrator, Mayor, City Council and other City departments on strategy and policy to ensure that the City’s mission and core values are incorporated into operational activities and services. This is an exempt, eligible for the following benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability (LTD), employee assistance program (EAP), HRA/HSA/FSA, enrollment in Washington State's DRS PERS plan, 401(a) retirement plan (social security replacement), and an optional 457 deferred compensation plan (DCP). In addition to sick leave, vacation, and holiday, this position also receives 48 hours management leave annually. Remote work scheduling is available up to two days per week. • Manages and supervises public works operations and capital development team to achieve goals within available resources; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; trains, motivates and evaluates assigned staff; reviews progress and directs changes as needed. Assists in the recruitment and selection of new employees; counsels and evaluates employee performance to assist them in performing to their capabilities; manages employee grievances and employee personnel actions in keeping with labor agreements and City personnel policies. • Provides leadership and direction in the development and implementation of short- and long-range plans and projects; gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department activities with other departments and agencies as needed. • Oversees and guides work of professional engineers (P.E.'s), architects, planners, and others providing professional services to the City. • Coordinates the Community Development Department’s review of project development plans such as right-of-way activities, traffic control plans, commercial and residential development for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards as it relates to Public Works facilities; ensures adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with approved plans. • Provides reasoned and clear public and private presentations regarding public works issues to the community, business interests, the Mayor and City Council, the City Administrator, and other officials; provides advanced-level professional support to the City Council and appointed boards, commissions, and committees; responsible for ensuring appropriate departmental staff and providing a high-quality level of support to all constituents. • Researches, analyzes, and develops recommended plans, programs, policies, and procedures to a wide variety of constituents and partners; communicates recommendations effectively for City Council action. • Prepares annual budgets; ensures that assigned areas of responsibility are performed within budget; performs cost control activities; monitors revenues and expenditures in assigned areas to ensure sound fiscal control; ensures effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities, and time. • Determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. • Serves as a member of the City Administrator's leadership team and participates in developing appropriate actions for a wide variety of interdepartmental and/or City-wide issues. • Prepares and/or supervises a variety of studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes. • Resolves complex and sensitive customer service issues, either personally, by telephone, or in writing. • Ensures the maintenance of accurate and complete records of department activities and of records relating to licenses, permits, maps, drawings and sketches pertinent to development and capital projects. • Evaluates Public Works needs and formulates short- and long-range plans to meet needs in all areas of responsibility. • Oversees the development or update of the City Transportation Improvement Program, the Capital Investment Plan, and other plans involving the development and maintenance of municipal infrastructure. • Participates in the development and implementation of the City's Emergency Management Plan. • Oversees the development and maintenance of City parks and trails. • Oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; ensures contractor compliance with time and budget parameters for the project. • Maintains regular contact with consulting engineers and construction project engineers; City, Special Districts, County, State, and Federal agencies; private utility providers; and others regarding department activities and services. • Monitors and advises the Mayor, City Council and City Administrator on inter-governmental actions affecting public works. • Support emergency and after-hours events such as severe weather or natural disasters. • Administers and negotiates the cable television, telecommunications and solid waste franchises with the assistance of consultants with specialized expertise. • Maintain positive labor relations and work collaboratively with union-represented staff; participate in contract interpretation and negotiations as needed Supervisory Responsibilities This position supervises assigned represented and non-represented Public Works Department staff. Education and Experience Required: • Bachelor’s degree in engineering, business administration, public administration, urban planning, or related field AND at least seven years of progressively responsible senior management level experience in civil engineering, public works, project management, or stormwater management, including at least three years of direct supervisory experience OR equivalent education/experience. • Valid Washington State driver’s license by date of hire and ability to maintain insurability with the City. Preferred: • Master’s Degree in a related field. • Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) • Working knowledge of iWorq permitting software. See job description for additional information: https://www.cityoflfp.gov/671/Job-Descriptions Working Conditions / Physical Requirements The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The duties in this position are performed primarily in an office setting utilizing standard office equipment and may be subject to frequent interruptions and site visits to various City and community areas, including construction project sites, performed in all weather conditions. Position occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. May be exposed to highly stressful situations and individuals who are irate or hostile. Work includes attendance at evening City Council and Committee meetings.