Environment and Public Works Engineering Division Manager

Job Description

Position Description

The City of Tacoma has an opportunity for a proven professional with great communication and leadership skills to manage the Engineering Division of the Environment and Public Works Department.

This position will lead the Engineering Division as part of the newly created Environment and Public Work Department. Under the direction of the City Engineer, the Engineering Division Manager provides leadership and direction to approximately 60 full-time employees.The programs and services in the Engineering Division include street design/engineering, capital facilities design, project management, grant administration, development of engineering standards and sidewalks, ADA compliance, bridge operations, and Local Improvement Districts. This position will also be responsible for coordination with other workgroups and departments to synchronize the City’s activities in the right of way with all construction and/or emergency activities. This position provides the project managment and design/construction support in the City's transportation, stormwater, solid waste and wastewater utility project as well as other major capital facilities projects. In addition, this position will help lead the transformation of project delivery as part of the newly formed department.

What we are looking for in our Ideal Candidate:

• A dynamic, compassionate leader who motivates others, with exceptional team building and performance leadership skills.
• A leader who is able to gain the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity.
• An innovative, results-oriented leader who promotes efficient ways of conducting business.
• Previous experience at the Division Manager or Assistant Division Manager level, or equivalent experience managing a diverse, complex, public works-related team and associated projects.
• Increasingly responsible experience in the management and administration of municipal government operations.
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing. Candidates must have the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with the City Manager, City Council, City Staff, and internal and external customers.
• A demonstrated commitment to anti-racist transformation in the workplace and delivery of services.
• Proven experience overseeing the development of a budget and excellent financial acumen.
• Skill in presenting in front of a variety of internal and external groups.
• A strategic thinker who knows how to paint a picture of the Department and Division's vision and strategy, and create and sustain a climate where people are motivated to do their best to help the organization achieve its objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, mechanical, or electrical engineering or directly related field

Minimum Experience*
Seven (7) years of engineering experience, including one (1) year prior at a supervisory level

Licensing, Certification and Other Requirements

Required:

• Washington State Licensed Professional Engineer**
• Washington State Driver’s License

*Relevant education and experience may substitute for one another on a year-for-year basis

**6-month grace period allowable to transfer PE license from another state to WA

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

City of Tacoma’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, we're on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. We're committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you’re passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacoma's geographic area. Downtown's Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and America's Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online by completing the application and attaching a resume and cover letter by the closing date and time listed on the job announcement. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $78.38 - $110.36

Annual Salary: $163,030.40 - $229,548.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

Closing Date/Time: 9/14/2026 5:00 PM Pacific