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City of Lake Stevens
Public Works Operations Manager
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What they do
A Public Administrator directs the work of a department or program in a municipality, state, province, or federal level.
$180,119 / year median in Washington
+5% projected growth
Job Description
This position is open until filled. The first review of applications will be August 17, 2026. To be considered in this review you must apply prior to this date.
POSITION PURPOSE
Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the incumbent will manage, plan, organize and coordinate the Public Works Operations Division to meet the departmental standards and City priorities. Incumbent must work with the Field Supervisors to plan maintenance and project work with consideration of risk, resources, public safety, crew capability and budget. Incumbent will be responsible for following standard operating procedures and safety protocols while ensuring training standards are met and compliance with local, state, and federal laws are maintained. Work is characterized as primarily management, administrative, and supervisory responsibilities for the Public Works Operations Division. Work will include establishing and adaptively managing work programs, procedures, and policies for the division. The incumbent is also expected to provide support in establishing the departmental budget to ensure equipment, facilities and crew safety are maintained to the department standard. Work will primarily occur in an office setting with periodic trips into the field. Work is performed under managerial direction. The Director provides the incumbent with maintenance/project requirements and departmental standards. The incumbent is expected to maintain professional relationships with employees, vendors, elected officials, and the public. About City of Lake Stevens Lake Stevens is a vibrant and growing community with a population of over 42,000 residents. Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family. The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city's motto, "One Community Around the Lake", embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council's commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents. Why City of Lake Stevens? Work-Life Balance- We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle. Flexible Work Schedules
- The city offers a variety of work schedules to include potential hybrid/remote work dependent on meeting business necessities and supervisor approval.
- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems. Deferred Compensation
- with city match. Excellent healthcare options
- including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA ), and Health Reimbursement Accounts ( HRA/VEBA) . Paid leave
- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Exercise leadership and supervision of Public Works Operations Division employees.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: Serve as technical advisor to the Public Works Director, on matters of policy, practice, and impacts of regulations relating to area of responsibility.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
Please see the job description for position specific physical requirements and typical working conditions. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described in the attached form are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions. Evening or variable hours to attend meetings will be required.Education, Training and Experience Guidelines Education:
High school diploma or GED is required. Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited educational institution is highly preferred.Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible Public Works operation and maintenance, including roadway design and construction management experience, or experience in the construction industry; and a minimum of two (2) years in a management/supervisory capacity. Experience working with large construction and maintenance projects is preferred.Or:
Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications.Knowledge of:
Current trends, principles, and practices of Public Works operations and maintenance. Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Municipal organization structure, policies, procedures, practices, and objectives. Municipal budget preparation and administration techniques. Methods, equipment, and materials used in Public Works and Parks operations and maintenance. Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles. Modern office equipment and procedures including, but not limited to, the use of a personal computer. Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Excel, Asset management practices including familiarity with asset management software Geospatial mapping software such as ArcGIS or equivalent Oral and written communications utilizing correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation, including principles of business letter writing and report preparation. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy. Modern management and supervisory theories, principles, and practices. Effective research methods. How AI and emerging technologies can beleveragedto improve departmental operations, service delivery, and decision-making.Ability to:
Establish and maintain trust, confidence, and effective working relationships with subordinates, other city officials, and the general public; effectively interact with tact, patience, and courtesy. Plan, direct and control the operations and functions assigned to the position. Read, analyze, and interpret various items such as technical documents, financial reports, legal documents, operating and procedure manuals, general business periodicals, professional journals, government regulations. Apply lean or six sigma principles to continuously improve processes, procedures and implement change management. Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems. Interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations. Communicate complex technical information, both verbally and in writing to the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, Public Works Director, subordinates, co-workers, and the general public in a manner that facilitates understanding and decision-making. Plan, organize and supervise the work of subordinate employees, including training, assigning and evaluating their work, and providing job performance feedback. Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers. Maintain confidentiality of business records and other information. Perform several tasks simultaneously while maintaining accuracy of information and meeting deadlines. Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement through the responsible use of AI and automation. LICENSE, CERTIFICATE andOTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid Washington State driver's license, or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire; and a driving record which meets the city's requirements. APWA Certified Public Works Professional- Management or ability to obtain certification within 12 months of hire.