Assistant Director, Transportation and Public Works Engineering

Job Description:

Assistant Director, Transportation and Public Works Engineering

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is valued, and Innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) is a department of the City of Austin responsible for building and maintaining safe mobility infrastructure throughout the community. ATPW works with all modes of transportation and many Austin-area partners and agencies to deploy a transportation system for everyone, as well as ensure the system is reliable, safe, and well-maintained for all users.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under nominal direction, this position develops, plans, and implements engineering programs, capital improvement projects, project delivery, and neighborhood connectivity developments of Public Works for the City of Austin.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Directs assigned division and section activities, including audits of existing facilities, equipment, and personnel to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Identifies and analyzes trends and determines methodologies to implement changes.
  
• Develops and implements short- and long-range plans, programs, and personnel that provide administrative and managerial support, fiscal management, program planning, and evaluation.
  
• Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within assigned divisions.
  
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practices, policies, and procedures within assigned divisions.
  
• Ensures divisions are in compliance with all City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Develops and reviews engineering design and criteria, project delivery, neighborhood connectivity programs, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), CIP tracking systems, and project budgets and expenditures with variance explanations.
  
• Reviews, approves, and implements quality and safety systems and programs.
  
• Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring of departmental budget.
  
• Represents the department at City Council meetings, citizens groups, and boards and commission meetings.
  
• Provides support to other City departments and agencies as needed. Investigates and resolves Citizen inquiries and complaints.
  
• Reviews, analyzes, and prepares both written and oral reports.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation. Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of technical aspects of maintenance and repair operations. Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications. Skill in managing multiple programs, projects, and tasks.
  
• Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution.
  
• Skill in analyzing complex data from various sources, synthesizing collected information, and developing sound decisions/recommendations.
  
• Skill in developing, reviewing, monitoring, and evaluating contracts for services and/or materials. Ability to manage multiple projects and programs simultaneously within approved budgets.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with City personnel and the public.
  
• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost effective solutions.
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, plus six (6) years of professional-level supervisory/management experience in Engineering
  OR
  
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in an engineering field related to the job, plus four (4) years of professional level supervisory/management experience in Engineering
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas or the ability to become so within six (6) months of hire.

Notes to Candidate:

To view a detailed recruitment profile for this position, please click here.

The Austin Transportation and Public Works Department (TPW) is a highly reliable organization that builds and maintains infrastructure for our community. Our vision is for Austin to be the model for safe, reliable, and sustainable transportation. We value safety, unity, reliability, accountability, integrity, community, and employee fulfillment.

To watch a video about Austin Transportation and Public Works, click here.

Working for the City of Austin provides a number health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, career development opportunities and more. For more information on City of Austin Benefits click here!

The Ideal Candidate:

The position oversees the Civil Engineering Services portfolio - Office of City Engineer, Sidewalks and Urban Trails Division, and the Community Services Division (e.g., Safe Routes to School Program, Living Streets Program). Under nominal direction, this position develops, plans, and implements asset management programs and capital improvement programs (e.g., pavement, bridges, sidewalks, urban trails), consults on Civil Engineering aspects for other ATPW, City, and partner agency programs. The ability to proactively collaborate across division, department, and agency boundaries is essential for success in this position.

The ideal candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills and a deep commitment to applying a social, racial, and equity lens in their work, effectively building trusted relationships with City staff and the broader community. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for success in this position.

The following core competencies are important for this role:

• Asset Management, Maintenance, CIP Delivery, and Consulting: Enhances programs and develops funding plans (operating and capital) to maintain mobility infrastructure (e.g., pavement, bridges, sidewalks, urban trails) at a level that meets community expectations. Consults on Civil Engineering aspects related to designs, standards and specifications, project delivery, and CIP. Provides support to other ATPW divisions, City departments, and agencies as needed.
  
• Collaborates to Seek Solutions that Benefit All Parties - Skilled in working across division, department, and agency boundaries. Readily understands the impact a decision will have on others. Brings those impacted groups together to facilitate and coordinate a path forward prior to implementing the decision.
  
• Communicates Effectively with an Equity Mindset - Ability to manage diversity, understand inclusion, and work with diverse communities and populations to build constructive and effective relationships, and convey and receive information.
  
• Creative Solutions Oriented - Ability to solve problems and find avenues to reconcile issues that would otherwise remain unsolved.
  
• Interdepartmental/Interagency Expertise - Help expedite projects, knowing when to assist and when to compromise.
  
• Emergency Response Knowledge - Ability to lead and support responses to community emergencies such as climate change, heat, floods, and winter storms.
  
• Planning Priorities - Recognizes, plans, focuses upon, and works toward what is most important or critical.
  
• Exercises Leadership - Uses appropriate judgment to handle critical, problematic, or a striking set of conditions with focus, ownership, and accountability.
  
• Community Communicator - Experience in presenting complex technical information strategies to public stakeholders, management, City Manager’s Office, Boards and Commissions, and City Council.
  
• Political Savvy - Ability to exhibit confidence and professional diplomacy, while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.
  
• Safety Mindset - Demonstrated strong safety mindset with a consistent track record of identifying and mitigating risks, promoting a culture of safety, and adhering to best practices and regulatory standards in workplace safety.
  

Salary is commensurate based on experience and the approved salary range.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by August 28, 2025. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.