Deputy Director of Engineering Services/City Engineer

About the Role

The City of Port Angeles seeks a collaborative, strategic, and technically accomplished public works professional to serve as Deputy Director of Engineering Services and City Engineer. Under the administrative direction of the Public Works & Utilities Director, this position assists in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing the engineering services and operations of the Public Works & Utilities Department while serving as the City’s designated City Engineer.

This role provides executive leadership to a dedicated team responsible for the City’s engineering-related services and functions by overseeing the planning, design, construction, and delivery of major public infrastructure projects. The Deputy Director plays a key leadership role in advancing the City’s strategic priorities through long-range planning for the Stormwater, Water, and Wastewater Utilities, managing complex capital improvement programs, providing technical and policy guidance to City leadership, and ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The position also serves as Acting Public Works & Utilities Director in the Director’s absence.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and administrative oversight for the Engineering Services Division, including engineering and related technical functions.
• Assist the Public Works & Utilities Director in planning, organizing, and directing departmental operations, policies, strategic initiatives, and long-range infrastructure planning.
• Lead the planning, design, construction, and inspection of major public works and utility capital improvement projects.
• Develop, administer, and monitor divisional operating and capital budgets, including oversight of the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
• Serve as the City’s principal engineering advisor to the Public Works & Utilities Director, Deputy City Manager, City Manager, City Council, Utility Advisory Committee, and other public agencies on engineering, utility, and infrastructure matters.
• Prepare and present reports, recommendations, technical analyses, and presentations to City leadership, elected officials, advisory committees, and the public.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws, regulations, engineering standards, and permitting requirements governing public works and utility operations.
• Assist in developing ordinances, policies, standards, and procedures that support the effective delivery of engineering and utility services.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop engineering staff while fostering a collaborative, customer-focused, and high-performing work environment.
• Coordinate engineering activities with other City departments, outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and utility partners to ensure successful project delivery.
• Serve as Acting Public Works & Utilities Director during the Director’s absence and perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or a closely related engineering field from an accredited college or university.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) is required.
• Progressively responsible management experience leading engineering, public works, or utility operations, preferably within a municipal or other public sector organization with multiple utility systems.
• Experience overseeing engineering staff, capital improvement programs, resource management, permitting, and public infrastructure projects.
• Experience administering public works construction contracts and professional services agreements is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license at the time of appointment or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of hire, with a driving record acceptable to the City’s Risk Manager.

Pay

$141,367-$168,976 annually. This position is also eligible for relocation reimbursement up to $10,000.

Benefits

• Up to 3% deferred compensation employer contribution
• 13 paid holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Medical insurance (12.5% employee-paid premium)
• Employer contribution to Health Savings Account
• Dental and Vision insurance
• Health Care Offset
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employer-paid life insurance ($50,000 plan)
• Long-term disability
• Washington State Retirement System (PERS)
• 40 hours of management leave annually

About the Location

Located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula along the shores of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the City of Port Angeles offers a rare combination of dramatic natural beauty and a vibrant, welcoming community. The surrounding peninsula is renowned for its extraordinary diversity—lush temperate rainforests, rugged mountain ranges, pristine rivers, and expansive ocean beaches all within easy reach.

Port Angeles is a modern coastal city with a rich and diverse history, including a strong and visible Native American presence that continues to shape the area’s culture and community life. Residents enjoy a wide array of cultural offerings, from festivals and arts events to music, recreation, and local sporting activities. Educational opportunities are excellent, with highly regarded public schools and Peninsula College offering both two- and four-year degree programs.

Outdoor recreation is a defining feature of life in Port Angeles. Nearby amenities include hot springs, beaches, rivers, and parks, as well as Olympic National Park and the Olympic Discovery Trail—one of the longest continuous trail systems in the United States. The city also serves as an international gateway, with ferry service to Victoria. Port Angeles benefits from a mild coastal climate, with typical daytime temperatures ranging from the 40s in winter to the 70s in summer, and average annual rainfall of less than 25 inches.

To learn more about the community, visit www.cityofpa.us and www.visitportangeles.com.