Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Apply NowCompany: City of Sunnyvale, CA
Location: Sunnyvale, CA 94087
Description:
Salary: $193,432.00 - $241,790.00 Annually
Location : Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-00242
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering Services
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKSRegular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity
Under administrative direction of the Director of Public Works, plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the activities of the Engineering Division within the Public Works Department including land development and capital improvement projects; coordinates Engineering Division activities with other divisions and departments; provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Public Works; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer is a management classification in which the incumbent is responsible for the management of the Engineering Division performing a wide range of administrative functions including preparing and administering the division budget, supervising professional staff, and performing the most complex work of the division. This classification differs from the lower-level classification of Assistant City Engineer in that the Assistant City Engineer is responsible for supervising assigned section activities as opposed to having division wide responsibility.
Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following):
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, planning, environmental science, public administration or a related field; AND
Five years of professional civil engineering work that includes two years of supervisory or project management responsibility.
Knowledge of:
Ability to:
Willingness to:
Attend weekend and evening meetings.
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority.
Possession of registration as a professional civil or structural engineer issued by the State of California.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Application and Selection Process
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application period closes on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)
SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of June 2nd.
Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPositions in this job classification are represented by the
For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:
The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.
Summary of Management
(California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire:
This supplemental questionnaire will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. The supplemental information that you provide will be evaluated along with your completed application. Please limit your response to one page per question. In answering the question(s), be as specific as you can. Some questions may include multiple parts (i.e., (a), (b), (c), (d), etc.). Please make sure to address each part of each question in the supplemental questionnaire below.
Please be advised that you will be 'timed out' of this page after 30 minutes. Therefore, it is best to copy the supplemental questions that require text answers from this page into a document that you can save on your computer, produce your responses in that document, and then copy and paste the responses into the space provided below. Additionally, please save your work continuously.
The completed application and responses to supplemental questions constitute an examination. Note: qualifying experience must be reflected on the education, work experience, Certificates/Licenses section of the job application form. Please note the information provided in the supplemental question will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application.
Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application or the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be used to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position.
Your responses to the questions that require you to detail your background and experience should include the following information:*
Additionally, I certify that I have completed the following supplemental questionnaire on my own; the answers accurately reflect my training, education and experience; and, I understand that my responses are subject to verification.
02
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in engineering, planning, environmental science, public administration or a related field?
03
Do you have at least five years of professional civil engineering work that includes two years of supervisory or project management responsibility?
04
If you answered yes to question 3, please describe your five years or more professional civil engineering experience below. Please include the agency you worked for, your title and your specific responsibilities. If you answered no, please enter N/A in the space below.
05
If you answered yes to question 3, please describe your two years or more of supervisory experience and/or project management experience in the space below. Please include the agency you worked for, your role and responsibilities, the titles and duties of who you supervised and/or the projects you managed. If you answered no, please enter N/A in the space below.
06
Are you registered as a professional civil or structural engineer in the State of California? If yes, please enter your license number in the space below. If you are not registered as a professional civil or structural engineer in the State of California, please enter N/A in the space below.
07
Describe your professional engineering experience managing the design and construction of large scale capital projects. Include the project cost and the details of your specific role on those projects. What are some of the keys to a successful project? Please include in your answer the number of years of experience, your position, and the projects and resources you managed. Please highlight any experience related to program management or managing water pollution control plant projects.
08
This position requires working collaboratively with other city departments and with external partners. Describe two experiences where you successfully facilitated consensus. In your answer briefly describe the issue, your role and the solution.
09
Using a specific example, please briefly describe your experience managing a complex engineering project, including developing consensus and recommendations based on your expertise. In your response, describe the analysis you performed, the results of your efforts, and how you communicated this information to executive management or a governing board.
10
Please describe how you manage employees, foster a collaborative team environment, and empower your staff. Your response should be no more than 500 words and will be evaluated on the content as well as the quality of the writing.
Required Question
Location : Sunnyvale, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 24-00242
Department: Public Works
Division: Engineering Services
Opening Date: 04/07/2025
Closing Date: 5/5/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
Description
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKSRegular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity
Under administrative direction of the Director of Public Works, plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the activities of the Engineering Division within the Public Works Department including land development and capital improvement projects; coordinates Engineering Division activities with other divisions and departments; provides highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Public Works; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The position of Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer is a management classification in which the incumbent is responsible for the management of the Engineering Division performing a wide range of administrative functions including preparing and administering the division budget, supervising professional staff, and performing the most complex work of the division. This classification differs from the lower-level classification of Assistant City Engineer in that the Assistant City Engineer is responsible for supervising assigned section activities as opposed to having division wide responsibility.
Essential Job Functions
(May include, but are not limited to, the following):
- Develops and implements divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
- Plans, organizes and directs Engineering Division activities including land development and capital improvement project activities.
- Directs, oversees and participates in the development of the Engineering Division workplan; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
- Prepares Engineering Division budget; assists in budget implementation; participates in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administers approved budget.
- Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
- Represents the division and department to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees; provides technical assistance as necessary.
- Provides program direction and resolves the more complex land development issues; recommends and implements revisions to codes and processes to improve services and reduce risk.
- Reviews subdivision maps, subdivision agreements and associated requirements, Capital Improvement Plans, specifications, and estimates.
- Reviews and evaluates Requests for Proposal; develops and administers consultant contracts; reviews and approves contract amendments and change orders.
- Establishes criteria for design and construction of public works projects and standards.
- Coordinates projects with other City departments and other private and public agencies.
- Serves as the City Engineer; serves as the department head in the absence of the Director.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books and documents weighing up to 10 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, planning, environmental science, public administration or a related field; AND
Five years of professional civil engineering work that includes two years of supervisory or project management responsibility.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to land development, land surveying, public works construction, pavement, traffic, environmental, and water/wastewater activities.
- Applicable local, State and Federal laws, codes and regulations, including those related to development, design and construction of municipal public works activities.
- Principles and practices of supervision and training.
- Advanced principles and practices of project management.
- Principles and practices of construction management.
- Principles and practices of local government administration.
- Methods and techniques of record keeping and report preparation.
- Contract negotiation and administration.
- Office methods, procedures, software and equipment.
- Contract claims avoidance and resolution.
Ability to:
- Organize and direct the activities of the Engineering Division.
- Perform difficult engineering computations and make comprehensive recommendations on engineering problems.
- Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
- Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
- Prepare and present technical and administrative reports, correspondence and other documents.
- Read, interpret, analyze and comprehend contracts, agreements, bonds, securities and related documents.
- Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
- Operate a computer using word processing, business and scheduling software, spreadsheets and other office equipment.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain and promote positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, public officials and the public.
- Deal with City officials, employees and the public concerning matters which involve a high degree of sensitivity.
- Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.
Willingness to:
Attend weekend and evening meetings.
Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license and a safe driving record or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority.
Possession of registration as a professional civil or structural engineer issued by the State of California.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
- Registration as a Professional Land Surveyor with the State of California, or the ability to sign Subdivision and Parcel Maps with a Civil Engineering registration.
- A Master's degree in engineering, planning, environmental science, public administration or a related field.
- Public sector professional engineering experience.
Application and Selection Process
APPLICATION PROCESS
The application period closes on Monday, May 5, 2025, at 5:00pm (postmarks or faxes are not accepted). Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on 'City Jobs'. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.
EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position.Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Wednesday, May 21, 2025 (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)
SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of June 2nd.
Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.
INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPositions in this job classification are represented by the
For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:
- - YouTube (5:13)
The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.
Summary of Management
(California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations
01
Instructions for completing the supplemental questionnaire:
This supplemental questionnaire will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. The supplemental information that you provide will be evaluated along with your completed application. Please limit your response to one page per question. In answering the question(s), be as specific as you can. Some questions may include multiple parts (i.e., (a), (b), (c), (d), etc.). Please make sure to address each part of each question in the supplemental questionnaire below.
Please be advised that you will be 'timed out' of this page after 30 minutes. Therefore, it is best to copy the supplemental questions that require text answers from this page into a document that you can save on your computer, produce your responses in that document, and then copy and paste the responses into the space provided below. Additionally, please save your work continuously.
The completed application and responses to supplemental questions constitute an examination. Note: qualifying experience must be reflected on the education, work experience, Certificates/Licenses section of the job application form. Please note the information provided in the supplemental question will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application.
Resumes may be attached, but they will not be accepted in lieu of completing the work experience section of the application or the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be used to further identify those applicants who are best qualified to continue in the selection process for this position.
Your responses to the questions that require you to detail your background and experience should include the following information:*
- The number of years of experience you have had performing the duties that you are describing;
- The name(s) and type(s) of organization(s) where you obtained such experience; and,
- Your role and specific responsibilities within the organization(s).
Additionally, I certify that I have completed the following supplemental questionnaire on my own; the answers accurately reflect my training, education and experience; and, I understand that my responses are subject to verification.
- Yes
- No
02
Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university in engineering, planning, environmental science, public administration or a related field?
- Yes
- No
03
Do you have at least five years of professional civil engineering work that includes two years of supervisory or project management responsibility?
- Yes
- No
04
If you answered yes to question 3, please describe your five years or more professional civil engineering experience below. Please include the agency you worked for, your title and your specific responsibilities. If you answered no, please enter N/A in the space below.
05
If you answered yes to question 3, please describe your two years or more of supervisory experience and/or project management experience in the space below. Please include the agency you worked for, your role and responsibilities, the titles and duties of who you supervised and/or the projects you managed. If you answered no, please enter N/A in the space below.
06
Are you registered as a professional civil or structural engineer in the State of California? If yes, please enter your license number in the space below. If you are not registered as a professional civil or structural engineer in the State of California, please enter N/A in the space below.
07
Describe your professional engineering experience managing the design and construction of large scale capital projects. Include the project cost and the details of your specific role on those projects. What are some of the keys to a successful project? Please include in your answer the number of years of experience, your position, and the projects and resources you managed. Please highlight any experience related to program management or managing water pollution control plant projects.
08
This position requires working collaboratively with other city departments and with external partners. Describe two experiences where you successfully facilitated consensus. In your answer briefly describe the issue, your role and the solution.
09
Using a specific example, please briefly describe your experience managing a complex engineering project, including developing consensus and recommendations based on your expertise. In your response, describe the analysis you performed, the results of your efforts, and how you communicated this information to executive management or a governing board.
10
Please describe how you manage employees, foster a collaborative team environment, and empower your staff. Your response should be no more than 500 words and will be evaluated on the content as well as the quality of the writing.
Required Question