Assistant Public Works Director, (closes 08/07/26)

Job Title:  Assistant Public Works Director

Open Date:  July 24, 2026

Close Date:  August 7, 2026

Salary:  $10,828 - $12,251/month plus benefits – FLSA Exempt

Please Note:  The interview date for this position has been scheduled for 8/21/26.  Candidates that are selected to move forward will be contacted the week before.

View full job posting, including essential duties and responsibilities, here: Assistant Public Works Director 

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION: 

The City of Ellensburg has a vacancy for a full-time Assistant Public Works Director in the Public Works Department.   

This position is responsible for ensuring projects, programs, and services of the Street, Water, and Wastewater utilities are accomplished with the highest standards to deliver safe, reliable, and efficient services to customers and the community.

This position is primarily responsible for the City’s Street, Water, and Wastewater divisions, and will also aid in supporting the City’s Facilities, Shop, Warehouse, Fleet,  Transit, and  other Public Works Divisions. Duties include supervision and leadership, administration, including budget and evaluation of operational efficiencies; making recommendations to the Public Works Director; technical duties in planning, construction, operation, repair, and maintenance; research, interpretation, and analysis of technical reports and regulations; compliance reports etc. In the absence of the Public Works Director, the employee may assume responsible control of the Public Works Department. The incumbent  is expected to use good judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information/situations. 

CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent from four (4) year college


• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in a similar environment, including general administrative work, financial analysis and budgeting, inventory management, safety compliance, and supervision of staff


• Please Note: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered as determined by Management

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid State driver's license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment; must maintain an insurable driving record


• First Aid/CPR/AED certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months


• The position requires residency within 30 minutes response time of City Shop

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Intermediate to advanced skills in the use of computers, including Microsoft 365 and other programs to track and analyze data; must be quick to learn new technology necessary to perform the duties and responsibilities.

• Working knowledge of principles and practices of modern public administration, including budget management, contract management and procurement/bidding procedures; ability to understand economic analysis to determine present worth, future value, and annual cash flow.


• Thorough knowledge of equipment, facilities, materials, maintenance, repair, methods and procedures used in street, water, and wastewater systems; knowledge of wells, reservoir, and water distribution system; must have working knowledge of vehicle maintenance

• Skilled in supervising, leading, and mentoring employees, monitoring performance, providing regular feedback, taking disciplinary action when needed, and working with Union representation.

• Skilled in operation of listed tools and equipment; considerable knowledge of required and best safety practices and programs, including training and testing requirements, proper PPE, etc.

• Ability to establish and maintain courteous and cooperative working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, officials, and the public; ability to communicate clear and accurate information verbally and in writing, with individuals and groups, in a manner appropriate for the intended audience; ability to deliver public presentations; ability to remain calm and professional during stressful situations.


• Handle confidential and sensitive matters with good judgment; maintain thorough knowledge of city policies and procedures.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, government regulations, specific chemical and biological analyses; ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals; ability to accurately record and maintain records and maintain working knowledge of modern records management practices and techniques.

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals; ability to calculate figures and amounts such as sales tax, discounts, and percentages.

Benefits include Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Medical/Dental/Life/ Disability Insurance, VEBA, paid time off (PTO bank), exempt leave, holidays, and employee choice days.