The Public Works Director is an executive leader that performs complex managerial, administrative, and supervisory work in organizing, directing, and supervising the engineering, traffic, street maintenance and stormwater divisions of the City. Coordinates assigned department activities with other departments and outside agencies and provides highly responsible and complex support to the City Manager.

Responsibilities include providing direct supervision for all division managers on routine day-to-day operations of the Public Works department, determining work procedures and administering a variety of capital improvement initiatives and projects. The Public Works Director is a servant-leader that supports opportunities for subordinates to grow in their professions. The Director will possess a strong desire to provide superior service to both internal and external customers.

The Public Works Director provides on-going evaluation of street projects and communicates challenges and developments with identified solutions. Communicates frequently with City executive leadership, other departments and the public to promote projects and resolve problems and concerns.  Recommends modifications as appropriate. Develops the departmental budget and ensures expenditures are within appropriations.

The Public Works Director requires graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, public administration or closely related field; ten year’s experience in civil engineering, with a minimum of four years managing professional engineers engaged in capital improvement projects, stormwater and street maintenance activities. Experience working for municipal entities highly desired.

Qualified candidates will have thorough knowledge of the operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive public works program. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing with employees, consultants, other governmental agency personnel, City officials and the public. Ability to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports. A working Knowledge of GIS applications is desired.

The City of Spokane Valley is seeking an innovative, creative, and well-rounded Public Works Director. The ideal candidate has the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public, ability to handle stressful situations and the ability to greet and respond to customers in a friendly, pleasant and professional manner. The City is seeking candidates who will maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, the public and maintain a courteous and pleasant demeanor in difficult situations. The City is looking for a candidate that will take a proactive approach to addressing challenges and offer creative solutions to problem solving. 

The successful candidate is resourceful and solution oriented, while keeping a customer service mindset.  They will have the ability to manage multiple projects, develop improvements in policies and procedures and recommend goals, objectives, and practices. The Public Works Director is expected to bring a great deal of knowledge in the field of Civil Engineering to ensure CIP projects are completed with a high degree of quality and in compliance with applicable City, State or Federal laws. Extensive knowledge of contract management is a must.