Public Works Director

• Assume full management responsibility for all Engineering/ Public Works functions, programs and operations including engineering design, traffic systems, field inspections, constructions of streets, parks, sewers, structures, drainage facilities and other engineering/public works improvements.
• Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives and priorities for assigned areas; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Administer the City's capital improvement program; work with City departments and division staff to identify and prioritize needs; formulate cost estimates and develop implementation strategies.
• Establish within the City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Review and recommend approval of plans and specifications, designs, cost estimates, environmental documents, reports and studies for all engineering/public works projects.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate through subordinate level staff, the Engineering/Public Works department's work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; revies and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Administer, supervise, and monitor the work of consulting engineers, contractors, builders, and architects; verify and approve all contractor work estimates, payment requests and change orders. Perform site inspections during construction for adherence to specific methods and materials and to ensure compliance with regulations for system safety and design.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned personnel; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; provide or coordinate staff training; identify opportunities for improvement; work with employees to correct deficiencies; direct and implement changes; assess future staffing needs; work with the Human Resources Department to implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Assist in developing and implementing the budget and long-range goals for the City; monitor the assigned budgets and approves expenditures as needed.
• Provide assistance to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager; prepare a wide variety of reports and presentations for the City Council, City management and outside agencies; present reports to the City Council and other commissions, committees and boards.
• Review Engineering/Public Works department reports to ensure compliance with appropriate departmental and City rules, regulations and policies as well as appropriate local, state, and federal laws; supervise the maintenance of City maps, plats, field books, and engineering records.
• Participate on a variety of board, commission and committees; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering/public works.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints. 

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for Public Works Director/City Engineer at the City of Solana Beach has diverse public experience, demonstrated leadership experience, and strong communication and public speaking skills. This person enjoys public engagement, listens attentively to community input, focuses on what is best for the City’s residents, and comports themself diplomatically when addressing sensitive issues.

The successful candidate will be a supportive supervisor who mentors and develops department staff while also working on designs, solutions, reviews, and approvals. They are recognized for their ability to deliver high-quality projects and programs on-time and within budget. They demonstrate a strong interest in helping their subordinates learn the technical requirements and soft skills that are needed to successfully complete their work. They promote professional growth by encouraging the members of their team to participate in and speak at City Council meetings, public meetings, external agency events, and professional groups. 

Finally, this individual will work cooperatively with local and regional partners on issues of mutual interest, always keeping the City’s best interests in mind.

Qualifying Education and Experience 

Education: Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for acceptable job performance as determined by the City is qualifying. Example combination Includes graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering AND at least five years of recent, continuous, progressively responsible, professional municipal civil engineering and/or administrative experience, including at least three years of management and supervisory experience.

Additional Requirements: Current registration as a Professional Engineer in good standing; valid California Class "C" driver's license.

Compensation & Benefits 

Salary: $185,000 - $230,000 per year, DOQ, not subject to Social Security. Benefits include:

• Schedule: 9/80, City Hall is closed every other Friday; available as needed outside of normal business hours
• Holidays: 13-full day holidays and 3 “floating” holidays per year. City Hall is closed from December 24th through January 1st each year and employees are provided vacation time during this break
• Vacation and Management Leave: Vacation leave accrues based on years of continuous service;  80-hours of Management Leave/year
• Vacation Leave Cash Out: In December of each year, accrued vacation leave may be cashed out
• Sick Leave: Accrual rate of 3.69 hours/biweekly pay period; no limit to the amount accumulated; option to convert up to 60 hours of sick leave to vacation leave annually on employment anniversary date
• Group Health Insurance: CalPERS Cafeteria Health Plan with coverage up to to $1,682.03/month; dental and vision insurance plans; opt-out benefit of up to $475/month for eligible employees
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Optional Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts are available
• Retirement Benefit: CalPERS; 2% at 62 
• 457 Deferred Compensation Savings Plan: City provides $1 for $1 match with annual cap of $2,000/year
• Life Insurance: 1x annual base salary; no cost to employee
• Long Term Disability Insurance: Available
• Car Allowance: $255/month
• Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,000/fiscal year for college-level courses; prior approval is required

How to Apply

To be considered for this opportunity, please email your cover letter and resume to Cindy Krebs Consulting. Applications are due December 6, 2024. For additional information, please contact Cindy at 206-601-6874 or ckcincus@outlook.com