City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Deputy Director, Transportation Public Works

Under general direction of the Transportation Public Works Director, this position is accountable for the day-to-day engineering operations of the Transportation Public Works Department, including strategic planning and management of operational controls, policies, and procedures.

1. Provides overall leadership and direction for department operations functions.
2. Sets direction and achieves results for reliable and efficient operations, customer service delivery, cost management, safety, security, and maintaining compliance department policy as well as with all applicable Federal, State, and Local regulations and laws.
3. Is responsible for the development of the strategic vision and plan for the department and implements activities which align with the department mission and vision.
4. Advises executive staff on matters pertaining to operational activities and ensures all functions are operating together effectively to achieve the strategic initiatives and goals.
5. Responds to and resolves complex and sensitive issues and complaints both internal and external.
6. Fosters and develops a culture of positive customer service in working relationships with key staff, division and department employees, other governmental organizations, citizens, legal counsel, boards and commissions, City Council, and with external services such as consultants.
7. Acts as an official representative and liaison on behalf of the department to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, outside agencies, the public and others; explains, justifies, and defends programs, procedures, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues.
8. Assumes Director’s duties and responsibilities in their absence.

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

• Knowledge of Local, State, and Federal laws, regulations, and ordinances regarding transportation public works operations.
• Knowledge of management and engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of strategic business planning, organizational development and change strategies, and performance measurement to achieve business excellence.
• Knowledge of emergency management, including incident command, and business continuity planning.
• Knowledge of modern methods, techniques, and concepts as applied to the design and construction of transportation and public works projects.
• Knowledge of road and highway design, traffic flow patterns, and traffic control devices.
• Skill in fiscal planning, developing and preparing budgets, and managing O&M cost.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City employees, City Council, the media, and the public.
• Skill in leading and managing a diverse workforce including department employees and contractors.
• Ability to organize and implement comprehensive engineering programs.
• Ability to understand complex issues and foster compromise along with daily interaction with all divisions and City departments/offices.
• Ability to gather pertinent facts, make thorough analysis, arrive at sound conclusions, and formulate effective action plans.
• Ability to present the department’s position and policies and respond to inquiries from City Council and City management.
• Ability to effectively communicate with people at many levels inside the organization, with outside agencies and with the community.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering, plus eight (8) years of experience managing complex organizations, including fiscal management experience, in a related field.
• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

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