PUBLIC WORKS DEPUTY DIRECTOR - ADMINISTRATION

Job Description:

PUBLIC WORKS DEPUTY DIRECTOR - ADMINISTRATION

Description

Position Scope

Our Vision: We aspire to be the community of limitless possibilities.

Our Mission is to provide exceptional services for a safe, thriving community, while honoring our history and innovating for the future.

Embrace the New - Do Right - Lend a Hand - Find a Way - Enjoy our Work - Celebrate Uniqueness

Our Benefits
The City of Buckeye provides an extensive benefits package designed to support the well-being of our employees. This includes health, dental, vision, life, pet insurance, as well as wellness incentives. Coverage begins the first day of the month following the start of your employment.

Vacation & Sick Leave

At the City of Buckeye, we understand the vital role that vacation time plays in supporting the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our employees. Vacation and sick leave accruals begin on the first day of employment and may be used upon accrual. Additionally, employees receive credit towards vacation leave accruals for years of service with other public sector retirement systems nationwide (not including Federal service).

Holidays

The City of Buckeye observes eleven holidays per year: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Retirement
This position participates in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Contribution is mandatory, and the current contribution rate is 12%, per fiscal year.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

GENERAL PURPOSE: Under general supervision the Administration Deputy Director supports the Director of Public Works in the oversight, coordination, and strategic management of administrative, financial, operational, and regulatory functions across the department. This position has a high level of management oversight, budgetary accountability, and decision-making authority. This role includes direct responsibility for administrative operations, activities and functions through subordinate management, environmental compliance, including coordination of solid waste, air quality, and stormwater programs. The position plays a critical leadership role to ensure the department operates efficiently, aligns with department and city-wide goals, and meets regulatory compliance and levels of service expectations.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Manages day-to-day administrative functions of the department, including budgeting, contracting, human resources, and procurement processes; may serve as the department’s liaison to Finance, Human Resources, City Manager’s Office, Project Management Office, and other departments as needed.
• Oversees the preparation and submission of council reports, agenda items, and various interdepartmental communications.
• Supports development and execution of department- and city-wide strategic plans, goals, and performance measures.
• Assists in developing and implementing policies and procedures to improve service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
• Leads the development, monitoring, and administration of the department’s annual budgets, including compliance with financial policies and long-term funding strategies for Public Works program and projects.
• Oversees all aspects of environmental compliance, including stormwater regulatory programs (e.g., MS4 and air quality permit compliance), state and federal reporting, and implementation of best management practices to ensure departmental compliance.
• Directs and supports the planning and execution of solid waste collection operations, including contracted and in-house services, recycling programs, household hazardous waste and landfill operation and diversion strategies.
• Supervises administrative and support staff; oversees department recruitment, onboarding, and training programs and processes. Ensures alignment of staffing levels with operational needs; creates short- and long-term staffing projections. Establishes performance expectations and evaluates performance of subordinate personnel.
• Creates, implements, and monitors succession plan and professional development programs to promote employee engagement and leadership development.
• In conjunction with the Project Management Office, tracks and reports progress on capital improvement and bond projects; coordinates cross-divisional project planning and scheduling.
• Assists with prioritizing infrastructure investments, works alongside Grants Department to secure funding, and develops partnerships while maintaining accountability for project delivery.
• Manages and maintains the department’s accreditation program by ensuring compliance, preparing documentation, coordinating audits and leading efforts for continuous improvement; serves as City’s American Public Works Association’s Accreditation Manager.
• Works alongside Director to ensure Human Resource policies and guidelines are properly implemented; addresses staff discipline as needed.
• Assists in directing department divisions by providing innovative, visionary, and strategic oversight of assigned areas. Reviews, develops, implements, monitors, and improves upon policies, procedures, and processes. Performs work assignments that are broad in scope and requires the use of independent judgment and initiative; makes leadership and managerial decisions of considerable difficulty.
• Collaborates with the Public Works Director in the development and implementation of department long- and short-term plans, goals and objectives; evaluates efficiency and effectiveness of operations, services, procedures, and use of resources; recommends and/or implements modifications and improvements as needed.
• Monitors and analyzes local, state, and federal policy issues impacting public works and environmental compliance advising department on regulatory compliance and legislative trends.
• Supports preparation and delivery of reports and presentations to elected officials, boards, and commissions.
• May assume responsibility of the department in absence of the Director, Deputy Director (Operations), and/or responsibility for a division in absence of an Operations Manager.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Position Requirements

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business, finance or related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience involving program development and management, accounting, information technology, employee relations, or closely related experience, and a minimum of three (3) years in a supervisory or management capacity; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• City policies, guidelines, procedures and operations, including council processes, interdepartmental coordination, and policy implementation.
• Principals and practices of public administration, including budgeting, procurement, human resources, organizational development, and customer service.
• Strategic planning methodologies and performance measurement systems for continuous improvement and service delivery optimization.
• Public works functions, including fleet, environmental compliance, capital project delivery, solid waste operations, and infrastructure management.
• Local, state, and federal regulations related to environmental compliance (stormwater, solid waste, air quality) and safety.
• Contract management principles and practices, including vendor selection, performance monitoring, and compliance with procurement laws and policies.
• Supervisory and leadership techniques, including employee engagement, professional development, succession planning, and performance management.
• Public Works accreditation standards and processes (e.g., American Public Works Association standards).
• Legislative and regulatory processes and how to assess the potential impact of proposed laws and policies on departmental operations.
• Techniques for preparing and delivering high-quality written reports, council agenda items, and presentations to elected officials and stakeholders.
• Methods for fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, equity, and customer-focused service in a public sector environment.

Skill in:

• Standard office equipment including computer and various programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities, including Microsoft Suite, . Preferred skill in/knowledge of CarteGraph/OpenGov, Tyler Munis, AssetWorks, FuelFocus, FleetFocus, Routeware, and GIS software applications.
• Strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management aligned with departmental and city-wide objectives.
• Managing complex budgets, financial analysis, and resource allocation in compliance with municipal policies and funding requirements.
• Developing and interpreting administrative policies and procedures to drive operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary projects involving cross-functional teams and external stakeholders, including capital improvement and environmental compliance initiatives.
• Communicating effectively in both written and verbal formats, including preparation of council reports, presentations, department-specific objectives, and interdepartmental communications.
• Leadership and personnel management, including staff supervision, performance evaluation, training, recruitment, and succession planning.
• Interpreting and applying local, state, and federal regulations related to public works-based operations.
• Analyzing legislative and regulatory developments and recommending responsive strategies to maintain compliance and operational integrity.
• Navigating interdepartmental collaboration with Finance, HR, Project Management, and City Manager’s Office to align departmental goals with organizational priorities.
• Maintaining and improving upon public works accreditation programs, including documentation, audit preparation, and continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Balancing operational needs with strategic goals to effectively lead in both routine management and crisis situations, including acting in the absence of senior leadership.

Ability to:

• Work alongside supervisory team to evaluate work performances; counsels and administer discipline as necessary. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Plan, direct, and manage complex administrative, operational, and technical functions within a public works department.
• Develop and implement strategic plans, policies, procedures, guidelines and employee improvement programs to enhance safety, efficiency, compliance, and service quality.
• Analyze complex data, regulations, and policy issues to make sound decisions and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including elected officials, staff, community members, and external partners.
• Lead and motivate multidisciplinary teams, foster collaboration, and build a positive, high-performing organizational culture.
• Manage large-scale budgets and ensure fiscal accountability while aligning resources with organizational priorities.
• Navigate competing priorities and shifting demands while maintaining focus on long-term objectives.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and standards relevant to public works-based activities.
• Represent the department in meetings, negotiations, and public forums with professionalism and credibility.
• Implement continuous improvement and quality assurance initiatives, including performance metrics and accreditation programs.
• Step into leadership roles as needed, including acting on behalf of senior department leadership in their absence.

12-Month Goals:

• Become familiar with the City’s geographic layout, other City departments, Public Works departmental staff, and direct reports.
• Become fluent in the operation of Microsoft Office Suite, OpenGov, Tyler Munis, GIS, American Public Works Association’s Accreditation software, and other department-based software programs as needed. Finalize re-accreditation initiatives.
• Learn City’s procurement process; monitor monthly budgets
• Become proficient with understanding and application of the City’s Human Resources Policy and Guideline Manual
• Obtain OSHA certification (e.g., 40-hour HAZWOPER, OSHA 30-hour Construction Industry Training, or similar TBD)

Additional Information

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Arizona Driver's license at time of hire. Must maintain validity and have the ability to operate a City vehicle (white fleet: truck, care, sedan, van, etc.)

Physical Demands / Work Environment: Work is typically performed in an office setting; however, incumbent may be subject to operating a motor vehicle, moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibrations, fumes, odors, dusts, gases, intense noises, and extreme temperatures.

Reports To: Public Works Director
Supervision Exercised: Administrative and Operations Management staff
FLSA Status: Exempt

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: It is the policy of the city to provide employment opportunities to all persons based solely on ability, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.

City benefit plans are subject to change at any time.

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$122,324.80 - $159,078.40 Annually