Salary: $139,989.36 - $170,555.64 Annually
Location : Ellensburg
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 09/11/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union
Description Kittitas County is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Deputy Director/County Engineer. This executive-level position supports the Public Works Director in advancing safe, reliable, fiscally responsible transportation, engineering, and capital improvement programs for our communities.
This position is considered open until filled. Candidates should apply as soon as possible for optimal consideration. Examples of Duties Under the direction of the Public Works Director, the Deputy Director helps to lead the planning, delivery, and stewardship of essential county infrastructure and public services. Duties include:
- Fulfill the statutory duties of County Engineer as provided in RCW 36.80.
- Design, prepare, and coordinate the development of construction engineering plans and specifications on all (as a project manager) or portions of (as a team member) road, bridge, drainage, or traffic signage and design improvements, and other transportation improvement projects and similar designs. Develop cost estimates and recommendations towards final cost estimates. May certify with Professional Engineer's seal and signature, if applicable, that engineering designs conform to accepted professional engineering standards and practices and the requirements of Washington State law.
- Prepare and participate in the development of detailed construction drawings, topographical profiles and related maps and specification sheets used in Public Works design projects planning and construction coordinating closely with the County Surveyor.
- Review complex design plans and specifications for conformance to job requirements. Develop and check complex specialized contract provisions, design agreements and design calculations and attend pre-bid and pre-construction conferences to outline principle construction features.
- Prepare audits and administer capital project budgets, and make recommendations for staffing, equipment, materials and supply needs.
- Assist with planning and preparation of the Design Construction division budget, goals, and objectives.
- Monitor and maintain expenditures within budget guidelines. Implement cost-effective measures and use resources effectively to increase productivity.
- Ensure optimum employee levels. Control and minimize labor overtime and expenses.
- Supervise the Design/Construction and Traffic Divisions. Provide professional direction and support to all engineering and technical positions.
- Mentor and provide professional level oversight to the Engineer in Training.
- Ensure compliance with personnel and collective bargaining agreement policies.
- Participate in the division's employment process including hiring, probationary periods, promotional opportunities and training programs.
- Assign, train, supervise, and evaluate work of staff. Ensure performance evaluations are conducted as required to guide development of employees and provide a record of performance.
- Initiate, document, and implement disciplinary actions as approved by Human Resources when necessary.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with the public. Respond to citizen concerns, complaints and issues. Determine and recommend appropriate resolutions to maintain positive community and customer relations.
- Represent Public Works on various committees, at neighborhood organization and community meetings, public hearings, before governmental bodies, and in legal processes.
- Analyze and evaluate data, prepare reports and correspondence on division activity and performance, and ensure compliance with laws, ordinances, and codes. Take corrective action as necessary.
- Assist with transportation grant applications and administration.
- Attend department meetings and training sessions.
- Assist in management functions of the Bowers Field Airport as directed by the Public Works Director.
- Plan, organize, and direct the operations, development, maintenance, and construction of facilities at Bowers Field Airport.
- Prepare updates to the Airport Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan.
- Monitor and enforce federal, state, local rules, and regulations applicable to airport operations.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Management, Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, Aviation Management, or other related field.
- Four (4) or more years of management-level experience in transportation, utilities, or construction including direct supervision of staff.
- A combination of equivalent education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the required qualifications listed above at the discretion of the Public Works Director.
- Active Professional Engineer License from the State of Washington or a state having reciprocity with Washington. If not certified in Washington, must be able to obtain a Washington Professional Engineer (Civil) License withing six (6) months of hire.
- First Aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- Washington State Bridge Inspector certification, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
- A valid Washington State Driver's License with no more than two (2) moving violations within the past two (2) years.
- A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, the place and manner in which the position will be performed, and any verifiable information related to the candidate's rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training will be taken into consideration.
Supplemental Information 01
Please describe your experience in program and asset management, budget development, and resource prioritization related to the operations and maintenance of transportation infrastructure projects.
02
Please describe your experience in managing the planning, development and execution of large capital improvement projects.
Required Question
