Assistant Director of Public Works

Summary

This position is open until filled.

A first review of applications will take place during the week of September 8, 2025. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Assistant Director of Public Works in our Public Works Department/Building Maintenance division. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under administrative direction, assists in directing, managing, supervising, and coordinating the activities and operations of the Maintenance Division within the Public Works Department by managing multiple sections, work groups, and/or service areas including building maintenance, fleet services, and public works (streets and parks) maintenance functions and program areas; coordinates assigned activities with other sections, divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Assistant Director of Public Works.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Assists in the management of the Public Works Department's Maintenance Division; assumes responsibility for managing multiple sections, work groups, and/or service areas of the Maintenance Division including building maintenance, fleet services, and public works (streets and parks) maintenance functions and program areas to ensure a high level of maintenance of the City's infrastructure.

Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned service areas, programs, and operations; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommends, within division and departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.

Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.

Oversees and administers the daily operations of the building maintenance, fleet services, and public works maintenance sections in compliance with guidelines, requirements, and regulations; oversees the submittal of required reports.

Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.

Participates in the development and administration of the Maintenance Division's annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.

Oversees safety programs for assigned sections and work groups; assists with action planning for safety programs; responds to workers' compensation issues.

Provides responsible staff assistance to the Assistant Director of Public Works; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to assigned public works maintenance and operations programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.

Serves as the liaison for assigned sections, work groups, and service areas of the Maintenance Division to other sections, divisions, departments, and outside agencies; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.

Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works maintenance including in the areas of building, fleet, streets, and parks maintenance.

Oversees and participates in providing customer service to internal and external customers; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.

Performs related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned public works maintenance operations and program areas including building maintenance, fleet services, and public works (streets and parks) maintenance functions and program areas.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Principles and practices of project management, administration, and coordination.
Modern methods, tools, equipment, materials, and work practices utilized in public works maintenance operations and service areas including building maintenance, fleet services, and streets and parks maintenance.
Types and level of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in a public works maintenance operations and program areas, including building maintenance, fleet services, and streets and parks maintenance.
Functions and operations of an equipment repair shop.
Geography and public works systems of the City.
Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:
Oversee and participate in the management of multiple sections, work groups, and/or service areas within a comprehensive public works maintenance division.
Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of goals, objectives, and procedures for assigned areas of responsibility.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Prepare and administer program budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Oversee and participate in the completion of data, maintenance of records and files, and the preparation of clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Understand the organization, operation, and services of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
Ensure adherence to established safety rules, regulations and guidelines.
Oversee and participate in the provision of a high level of customer service to internal and external customers.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; tactfully and courteously represent the Public Works Department during public contacts.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business or public administration, or closely related field.

Experience:

Seven years (full-time equivalent) of increasingly responsible public works maintenance and operation experience including three years (full-time equivalent) of administrative and supervisory responsibility.

Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Supplemental Information

NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

SELECTION PROCEDURE

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify®.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE

Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria:

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY
The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities. The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise.

EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.

The City of Escondido offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

The Benefits of Choice program offers you a range of benefits. You choose the coverage that is right for you, your family and your budget. Read this e-Guide for an overview of your options, with links to additional details and forms.

For a more detailed overview of this benefits package, please visit the Management Benefit Summary

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

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• City of Escondido

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