Assistant Director - Utilities Engineering ID- 11357
Job Description
Salary : $152,900.00 - $211,000.00 Annually
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 24-00244
Department: Utilities
Division: UT Engineering
Opening Date: 03/24/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NONAFF
Come Join the City of Bellevue!
Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.
New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.
Location : Bellevue, WA
Job Type: Regular
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 24-00244
Department: Utilities
Division: UT Engineering
Opening Date: 03/24/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NONAFF
Come Join the City of Bellevue!
Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.
New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.
Job Summary
The City of Bellevue Utilities Department is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director to lead its Engineering Division. The Assistant Director is a member of the Bellevue Utilities executive team, collaborating to lead the department in achieving its strategic, operational, and financial goals. The Engineering Assistant Director is responsible for overseeing a $7.4 million division operating budget and delivery of the Utilities $296 million, 6-year Capital Investment Program (CIP) encompassing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater CIP programs and projects.
In addition, this position collaborates with the Utilities Director, two Deputy Directors, the Resource Management & Customer Service Division Assistant Director, and the Operations & Maintenance Division Assistant Director to plan, develop, and implement policies and programs to achieve strategic outcomes. The Engineering Assistant Director manages highly complex technical and policy work, assisting the Deputy Directors and Director of Utilities in the leadership and management of the department. This position reports directly to the Utilities Deputy Director for Engineering and Operations.
The Assistant Director provides leadership to staff in the Engineering Division which includes Water Resources Planning, Project Management, Construction Management and Inspection, Portfolio Management, Asset Management, and Development Review.
The Assistant Director establishes strong working relationships and positively represents Bellevue Utilities to the community, City Council, City Manager, other City departments, and outside agencies and may serve as liaison to the City's Environmental Services Commission.
Recruitment Brochure
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The Priorities
- Collaborate with the Utilities Director and Deputy Director to implement the 2024-2026 Utilities Department strategic plan. Ensure alignment with the Capital Investment Program that supports renewal and replacement of aging infrastructure, capacity for growth, environmental preservation, and operational efficiencies.
- Lead and implement the 2025-2030 Capital Investment Program with a 6-year capital budget of $296M and utilization of six on-call consultant contracts for engineering and other associated professional services. Notable CIP projects currently in design or construction include the Meydenbauer South Drinking Water Reservoir, Kelsey Creek Culvert Replacement at Lake Hills Boulevard, Newport Sewer Basin Capacity Improvements, and the Watermain Replacement Program.
- Lead the development and implementation of several key utility system planning efforts, including the Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater System Plans, the Watershed Management Plan, and the Lake Washington Sewer Lake Lines Management Plan.
- Lead the utilization of the Utilities Renewal and Replacement (R&R) Fund, developed as a key element of the Utilities Strategic Asset Management Program.
- Partner with Utilities executive leadership to support a shared vision and positively contribute to the organizational health of Bellevue Utilities. Value shared leadership, foster trust, effectively communicate, and support innovation and continuous improvement with a focus on excellent customer service and cost-effective service delivery.
- Apply an equitable, sustainable, reliable, and financial lens as the team brings reality to the initiatives listed above.
- As a member of Utilities executive leadership, actively engage and support future budget development processes and implementation of the 2025-2026 operating budget. Provide thought leadership and effective decision-making that support Bellevue Utilities ability to continue delivering daily essentials to the community.
- Build effective partnerships with City colleagues. Collaborate and identify opportunities to share knowledge that support an integrated approach and align with the City's strategic priorities.
- Actively champion the City's ongoing commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community.
The Successful Candidate
The Engineering Division Assistant Director is a strategic systems thinker who possesses strong executive leadership skills necessary for managing in a large, complex environment. The successful candidate easily sees the big picture and long-term vision for Bellevue Utilities and uses the information to anticipate internal and external needs. With a successful track record of producing results-oriented outcomes, the Assistant Director is excited by the opportunity to successfully contribute to both the immediate and long-term needs of the utilities infrastructure.
The Assistant Director appreciates the role of public utilities and takes pride in ensuring services are safe, reliable, and affordable. A strong supporter of high-performing organizations, the Assistant Director values diversity of thought and encourages cross-departmental collaboration in support of broader organizational alignment. The ideal candidate is a natural convener and collaborator who recognizes the importance of relationships and partnerships at all levels. They navigate political, community, and multi-sector relationships with ease and contribute to positive interactions with City Council, City leadership, Utilities colleagues, board and commissions, advisory committees, and regional agencies. The Assistant Director is a responsive and transparent communicator who enjoys representing the City of Bellevue and Bellevue Utilities at all times.
The successful candidate is a forward-thinking, solutions-oriented leader who leverages new and innovative approaches and best practices to ensure current and future generations continue to have high-quality, essential services. With an eye toward the future, the Assistant Director stays abreast of trends and innovations in the field of utilities and public works and brings a modern perspective to projects and initiatives across the utilities. The Assistant Director multi-tasks with ease, shifting gears quickly to prioritize and balance workloads and resource needs to meet project demands. The ideal candidate easily identifies trends and problems hindering progress and develops and implements best practices to drive necessary change.
The Assistant Director embodies Bellevue's core values and embraces the City's commitment to being a welcoming and inclusive community. The successful candidate actively contributes to the organizational health of Bellevue Utilities and supports the department's positive culture. The Assistant Director is an active listener and effective communicator who believes in transparency and keeping others well informed. They are a visible leader known for actively supporting staff and removing barriers to enable success while maintaining a commitment to high-quality, customer-centered work. The Assistant Director fosters a welcoming and collaborative team environment that empowers staff to bring forward fresh ideas, develop innovative strategies, and provide creative solutions to deliver the best outcomes for customers.
Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, environmental studies, water resources management, construction management or related field. An MS Engineering or MPA is preferred.
- Eight or more years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in public utilities systems.
- 10 years experience developing and delivering Capital Investment Programs, including management of planning, design and construction for municipal utility projects with at least 5 years of experience in each utility (water, wastewater, stormwater), or a program of similar scope/complexity (at least $15 Million/year Capital program value). (highly preferred).
- Experience/knowledge about Utility operations and maintenance, system planning, and public works consultant and construction contracting laws, regulations, and work processes.
- Experience/knowledge about environmental issues and permitting associated with utility work is highly desirable.
- Or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- Washington State Professional Civil Engineering license is required at the time of hire or within one year.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at . Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with first review of applications beginning Monday, April 21, 2025.
For more information or questions regarding the City of Bellevue or the Utilities Deputy Director position, please contact Heather Gantz at .
Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Raftelis Office at 513-221-0500 or email jsalyer@raftelis.com. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify the Search Manager before you are scheduled for an interview.
Flexible/Hybrid Working:
A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to department's operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.
HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.
- Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
- We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
- Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
- All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
- Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
- Some positions may require obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.
At the City of Bellevue, you'll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. You'll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. It's what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.
Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.
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The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.
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The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!
Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.
The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:
Medical
Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the City's self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).
Dental
Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.
Vision
Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.
Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:
- Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
- City of Bellevue Municipal Employee's Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
- Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.
More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Survivor Income
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
- An ORCA Card bus pass
- On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
- Career development and training programs
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).
Please note that the City does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program, and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan. Any social security benefits earned at other places of employment may be reduced because they are subject to the Windfall Elimination Provision or the Government Pension Offset.
NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the City's non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.
01
Do you have a degree in civil engineering, environmental studies, water resources management, construction management or related field? Please list degree.
02
Do you have eight or more years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in public utilities systems?
- Yes
- No
03
If yes, please describe your experience.
04
Do you have at least ten years of experience in management of planning, design and construction programs for municipal utility facilities?
- Yes
- No
05
If yes, please describe your experience.
06
Do you have a Washington State Professional Civil Engineering license?
- Yes
- No
07
Please describe your interest in this position and how your experience aligns with the role.
Required Question
