Deputy Director Engineering Resources

Salary : $173,543.00 - $213,066.00 Annually
Location : MSCS-69 Stony Circle Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26/27-30ASM-O
Department: Water
Opening Date: 11/05/2026
Closing Date: 11/29/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: 18

The Position
Lead with purpose and make a lasting impact on the future of Santa Rosa as the City's next Deputy Director of Engineering Resources.

About the Position

This is an assistant department head level classification in the Santa Rosa Water Department that is responsible for managing and leading the Engineering Resources Division. The Engineering Resources Division is responsible for the planning and preparation of the capital improvement plan and budget, asset condition assessment and valuation, capital project scoping, review and approval of private development connections to the water and sewer system, as well as all Water specific IT software and hardwater functions. Responsibilities include performing diverse, specialized, and complex engineering work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibility as well as coordinating with other City departments and outside agencies. This position is part of the Water Department leadership team providing input and guidance on a variety of administrative, coordinative, and analytical capacities.
Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and strategic leader with extensive experience in the water industry. They possess expertise in water and wastewater master planning, capital improvement program development, utility private development planning, and regulatory compliance. A strong understanding of water distribution, wastewater collection, water reuse systems, and infrastructure capital planning is highly desirable.

As a key member of the Water Department's leadership team, the successful candidate will have experience supervising, mentoring, coaching, and developing professional and technical staff, building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and fostering regional partnerships. The successful candidate will demonstrate exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. They will be an effective communicator with experience presenting complex issues to executive leadership, governing bodies, and the public. The ideal candidate will provide strategic support to executive management, exercise sound judgment in the oversight of divisional programs and projects, and successfully balance long-range planning objectives with operational priorities to advance departmental and City goals.
*The Deputy Director of Engineering Resources is required to possess a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California.

Selection Process:
Applicants possessing the MOST DESIRABLE qualifications based on a screening of the application materials and supplemental questionnaire will be invited to continue in a selection process that may consist solely of an application screening, or may include an oral appraisal interview, assessment center, or another activity selected by the Human Resources Department. An eligible list will be established as a result of this selection process and may be used to fill future vacancies.
Please complete a thoughtful, thorough supplemental questionnaire submission. Incomplete responses, or responses such as "See Resume", may not be considered.
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS
(Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Engineering Resources Division of the Water Department, including department-wide long- and short-range Capital Improvement Project (CIP) planning, resource management, and quality control; ensures division operations comply with all regulatory requirements, engineering standards, and City standards.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the assigned division; recommends appropriate service and staffing levels within departmental policy; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the division's operating budget and the department's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget; determines project priorities and aligns the CIP with the City's five-year plan; forecasts staffing, equipment, and supply needs; monitors and approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; and directs the implementation of approved improvements.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides expertise and recommendations regarding recruitment and selection processes; develops and coordinates staff training and apprenticeship programs; addresses employee performance issues; responds to staff questions and concerns; and makes disciplinary recommendations to the Director.
• Manages the development of design plans, specifications, and cost estimates for water and wastewater construction projects in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and guidelines.
• Develops and manages the department's asset management program, including water, sewer, wastewater treatment, water reuse, and storm drain systems; oversees condition assessments and infrastructure replacement planning.
• Oversees staff, customer service functions, fee determinations, construction inspections, and plan review processes related to public improvement plans, encroachment permits, and building permits impacting public water and wastewater systems.
• Directs the preparation and administration of long-term and annual Capital Improvement Programs; reviews and controls capital programs and projects; monitors design and construction activities; and ensures the successful integration of new facilities into operations.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals (RFPs) for professional and contracted services; prepares scopes of work and contract specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends awards; negotiates and administers contracts; establishes schedules and performance criteria; supervises contractors; and ensures compliance with contract requirements, service quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Represents the department in meetings with City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, businesses, and the public; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; and negotiates and resolves complex or controversial issues.
• Conducts organizational and operational studies and investigations; analyzes findings and recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, management updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Water Director; delivers presentations to the City Council and various committees, boards, and commissions.
• Monitors industry trends, regulatory changes, and innovations related to assigned areas of responsibility and recommends appropriate applications.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints; assists with issue resolution and alternative recommendations; and communicates with individuals, community groups, and public and private stakeholders regarding water reuse operations, regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Ensures staff compliance with all City and mandated safety policies, procedures, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Organization and management principles and practices related to the development, analysis, and evaluation of Engineering Resources Division programs, policies, and operational needs.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods, including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles and techniques for fostering effective team interaction and collaboration.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review, performance evaluation, discipline, and staff training.
• Principles and practices of leadership and organizational management.
• Principles and practices of budget development, administration, and contract management.
• Principles and practices of engineering design and construction for public works and water/wastewater utility projects, including current technologies, materials, construction methods, and design criteria.
• Advanced principles, standards, and practices of civil engineering.
• City design and construction standards, master plans, and infrastructure requirements related to water, wastewater, and recycled water systems.
• Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning and project management principles and practices.
• Principles of risk management as related to assigned functional areas.
• Principles and procedures of records management, technical report writing, and business correspondence.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in interactions with governmental agencies, community groups, businesses, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, and legislative bodies.
• Current developments, trends, literature, and information sources related to the operations of the assigned division.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, industry standards, and best practices related to assigned responsibilities.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, policies, and protocols.
• Principles and techniques for providing exceptional customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• English language usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, composition, and business writing.
• Modern office equipment, communication tools, computer systems, and software applications used for business operations, project management, and program coordination.

Ability to:

• Provide administrative, managerial, and professional leadership for the Engineering Resources Division.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and performance standards.
• Select, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate staff while promoting professional growth and effective performance.
• Prepare and administer large, complex budgets and allocate resources effectively and efficiently.
• Understand the organization and operation of the City and external agencies necessary to fulfill assigned responsibilities.
• Effectively manage engineering projects involving contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate service delivery methods, procedures, and operational practices.
• Investigate and respond to inquiries and complaints; resolve conflicts; and negotiate solutions to complex issues.
• Analyze problems, identify alternatives, evaluate consequences, and implement effective solutions that support division and departmental goals.
• Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies, procedures, standards, and guidelines.
• Represent the department and City effectively in meetings with governmental agencies, community organizations, business groups, regulatory entities, and individual stakeholders.
• Prepare clear, concise, and effective reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Promote and support the City's vision, mission, and values while delivering high-quality public service and contributing to a vibrant, resilient, and livable community.
• Exercise tact, initiative, sound judgment, discretion, and independent decision-making within established policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Organize and prioritize work independently, manage multi