The Deputy Director of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPW) plays a key leadership role in the planning, management, budgeting and oversight of the department's overall operations, with a strong focus on engineering and infrastructure management. This position supports the Director in delivering high-quality, sustainable public works services that meet the needs of the community, while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and fiscal responsibility.

With an emphasis on engineering, the Deputy Director leads and coordinates the design, construction, and inspection of critical public infrastructure including roads, bridges, non-motorized, water, sewer, wastewater treatment, and traffic systems. This role provides strategic direction and technical oversight to engineering staff and consultants, ensuring that projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to professional standards. The Deputy Director also assists in capital improvement planning, infrastructure systems master planning, evaluating and implementing innovative technologies and practices, and fosters collaboration across other DPW divisions, city departments, and external partners.

Current projects include a combination of in-house designed and consultant designed efforts including: the Wet Weather Resiliency Master Plan, Water System Asset Management Plan, bridge deck replacement project, major street rehabilitation projects, local street rehabilitation projects, CWSRF combined sewer separation project, and a CWSRF Water Resource Recovery Facility project.

This position requires strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills, as well as a deep understanding of civil engineering principles, project management, and public sector operations. The Deputy Director serves as a key advisor to the Director, represents the department at the Transportation Commission, City Council meetings, neighborhood meetings, stakeholder meetings, and acts on behalf of the Director when necessary. This position also assists the Director with employee professional development and departmental integration and coordination.

LOCATION:

The Department of Public Works is located at 1800 E. State Road in East Lansing. The DPW facility is north of downtown, nestled between wooded lots and farm fields. The office is located near US-127 and I-69, and there is ample surface parking. The facility is also convenient to Granger Meadows Park, the Northern Tier Trail and other walking trails, which staff often frequent on their breaks. Due to the nature of this work, remote work options are available but limited and based on the demands of the Department.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Union Affiliation: Non-Union

DEPUTY DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS & ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - FLYER

Qualifications

Candidates' must have a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline and be a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Michigan. Candidates work experience must include at least ten (10) years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience in road, water, sewer, or wastewater design including at least five (5) years of project management and staff supervisory responsibility. Experience with or knowledge of traffic operations engineering, site development design, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Central Square asset management software and New World financial software is desired. Work experience should demonstrate strong leadership skills, project management skills, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Miscellaneous Information

Download General Employment Application (PDF)

The materials are in PDF form and may be filled out electronically and saved and e-mailed as an attachment to Human Resources. Or, the application may be printed out, completed and mailed to:

City of East Lansing:
Att: Human Resources
410 Abbot Road, East Lansing, MI 48823:
Email: [email protected]

Please include copies of degrees, copies of applicable certifications and licenses, three professional references, and examples of recent design packages completed.