DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Deputy Director Of Public Works

The City of Signal Hill invites applications for the position of Deputy Director of Public Works. First review of applications: June 15, 2026. 3% COLA effective 7/1/26.

The City of Signal Hill is a desirable place to live and work because of its safe neighborhoods, abundant business opportunities, inclusive culture, and beautiful green spaces. With its central location, the community takes great pride in its recreational amenities which include 11 City parks and open space area covering over 29 acres, an extensive walking trail system, abundant recreation and library programs, and an array of annual events.

The City of Signal Hill, with a population of 11,800 and covering 2.2 square miles, is located in Los Angeles County within four miles of the Pacific Ocean. Signal Hill was incorporated on April 14, 1924, roughly three years after the discovery of a vast oil field. Known for its beautiful setting, Signal Hill claims the only accessible high ground for miles around with an impressive hilltop park which provides spectacular panoramic views.

The Position

Under general direction from the Public Works Director, assists, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the assigned divisions or programs in the Public Works City Yard, which includes water systems operation, street maintenance, fleet maintenance, and facility maintenance; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public; and provides responsible and complex staff support to the Director of Public Works.

Example Of Duties

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Oversee and direct the daily operations of divisions: water operations; maintenance operations which includes street, park and building maintenance; and vehicle and equipment services; coordinate with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Develop, implement and coordinate divisional goals and objectives, policies and procedures; evaluate the operations and activities of the Department; assist with the formulation of goals, objectives and priorities.
• Participate in the implementation and coordination of the public works maintenance management process.
• Participate in the preparation of the annual operating budget for the entire Public Works Department and prepare and monitor Division budgets.
• Supervise and participate in a variety of personnel actions, including selections, promotions, performance evaluations, disciplinary measures, and dismissals.
• Respond to public inquiries and requests relative to maintenance services.
• Oversee the preparation of plans and specifications for improvements and modifications to water systems, streets, parks, public buildings, and other public works facilities.
• Prepare RFP's and RFQ's for professional engineering and maintenance related services.
• Prepare specifications for the purchase of new equipment; monitor contract work.
• Prepare written reports regarding operations, personnel, budget and a variety of other subjects.
• Coordinate with other City management staff to meet the overall goals and objectives of the City.
• Develop/conduct training programs for staff.
• Perform the duties of the Director of Public Works in his/her absence.

Marginal Functions

• Respond to emergency call out; subject to 24-hour call.
• Perform various related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. Typical qualifications are:

Education: Bachelor's degree in public administration, engineering or related field is required.

Experience: Six (6) years of full-time increasingly responsible professional administrative experience in major public works projects, construction, maintenance and operation of water systems, streets, parks, buildings, and fleet services, preferably with a governmental agency, including at least three (3) years increasingly responsible managerial experience is required.

License/Certification: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.

Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a certificate of registration as a professional civil engineer; water treatment and distribution certifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Materials, methods, tools and equipment used in construction, operation, and maintenance of municipal buildings, street systems, storm drains, traffic control devices, park and landscape maintenance.
• Related public works field operations.
• Materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance of automobiles, trucks and heavy construction equipment as well as the uses and operation of heavy equipment and mechanical equipment in public works construction and maintenance.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations and management, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient engineering services.
• Plan, organize, and direct effective capital improvement and related services and programs.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and public works maintenance and operations policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of public works maintenance and operations programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle