Public Works Operations Superintendent

Salary : $120,330.08 - $150,379.06 Annually
Location : City Public Works - Shops Maintenance, WA
Job Type: Full-Time Permanent
Job Number: 202500189
Department: Public Works
Division: Operations - Shops
Opening Date: 04/03/2025
Closing Date: 5/1/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

The City of Sumner is recruiting an Operations Superintendent in the Public Works Operations Division.

First review of applications will be held on April 17, 2025.

2025 Hiring Range: $4,628.08 - $5,174.00 bi-weekly with growth to $5,783.81.
This position is a full-time, Fair Labor Standards Act overtime exempt position. This position is designated as a Safety Sensitive Position. Attendance at evening meetings or other off-duty events is anticipated. Hybrid and alternative work schedules may be available. This position requires additional availability and extended workdays outside of regular business hours to respond to urgent/emergent situations, including but not limited to floods, fires, natural disasters, and snow events. The incumbent in this position is not a Civil Service employee and the position is not eligible for representation by a union.

General Purpose
The Operations Superintendent oversees the daily operations, maintenance, staffing, and administration of public infrastructure and municipal services. This position ensures that roads, storm, water and sewer systems, the city fleet and equipment are maintained efficiently and in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Key responsibilities include supervising personnel, managing budgets, coordinating projects, and working closely with other government agencies, contractors, and the public to ensure the smooth operation of essential services. This role requires strong leadership, analytical skills, technical knowledge, and problem-solving skills to effectively manage resources and address infrastructure needs.

This position works with considerable independence under the direction of the Deputy Public Works Director - Operations and Wastewater Treatment and is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the division personnel. Strong leadership, analytical skills, and the ability to troubleshoot complex operational issues are essential for success in this role.
About Sumner:
The City of Sumner's vision is to set the standard of excellence for a progressive small city. In working to achieve that vision, Sumner prioritizes and celebrates diverse perspectives, life experiences and differences. The City actively seeks and encourages people with diverse backgrounds and characteristics to apply and all come together with a goal of continuing to learn and improve to better serve the residents, businesses and visitors of our community. Sumner remains a traditional city of just over 11,000 residents with agricultural roots, known for decades as the Rhubarb Pie Capital of the World. At the same time, its compact, walkable layout aligns perfectly with progressive planning trends, as its classic Main Street becomes repurposed for boutiques, independent restaurants and daily services such as legal offices, financial advisors and doctors. While Sumner retains historic neighborhoods of Craftsman houses and an active high school right on Main Street, it also offers over 16,000 manufacturing and distribution jobs for companies such as REI, Keurig Dr. Pepper, Amazon.com, and Dillanos Coffee Roasters. With a downtown Sound Transit station with buses and trains, it is well connected to the Puget Sound region while striving to be a full-service city with the largest YMCA facility in the state of Washington as well as a link trail system that will connect the Foothills and Interurban trails. Like the community, the city government is large enough to be professional but small enough to be creative. The City has won a variety of awards from the Governor's Smart Planning Award to recognition at the International Association of Chiefs of Police for its groundbreaking police work on victims' assistance. With a strong mayor format, the City has just over 120 employees who operate a cemetery, wastewater treatment facility, accredited police department, animal shelter, parks, full service public works and administration.
About the Public Works Department:
The Sumner Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance, operations, and capital improvement projects for the City of Sumner facilities, rights-of-way, and water, sewer and stormwater utilities. Through the hard work and efforts of over 50 FTE's, the Department simultaneously manages tens of millions of dollars of capital projects; 120 lane-miles of roadways and adjoining sidewalks, hundreds of miles of wet utilities, well and spring water sources, over 50 stormwater outfalls; and operates the City's 6.1 MGD (Maximum Month Design Flow) Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Check out all of the exciting projects that Public Works and other departments are working on by visiting:
Examples of Duties

The job duties and responsibilities in this job description in no way imply that these are the only duties to be performed. Employees occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by a supervisor. While requirements may be representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and abilities to perform this job successfully, the employee will possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty with advanced proficiency.

Examples of general duties include:

• Oversees the day-to-day maintenance programs, projects, and operations of assigned areas; reviews and evaluates daily activities and work assignments with Field Supervisors and the Deputy Director.
• Provides expertise in resolving operational and maintenance issues and directs the response to and recovery of service during emergencies and planned and unplanned operational stoppages.
• Efficiently administers the safe operation and maintenance of the operations division, ensuring federal, state, and local agency permit compliance.
• Assists with preparation of emergency response procedures.
• Monitors and controls budget expenditures.
• Assists with preparation of the annual budget including staffing, materials, and equipment needs; performs cost analysis; implements division budget; determines equipment specifications; purchases equipment and supplies; negotiates and administers service contracts; monitors and maintains inventory; and prepares and submits periodic budget updates.
• Develops, implements, and maintains maintenance standards for supervised divisions; creates periodic and annual work plans; that can be used to prioritize work, justify additional resources, communicates plan to staff, and tracks expenditures; helps to resolve workflow problems and conflicts by analyzing situations and reorganizing work to make most efficient use of personnel and material resources.
• Evaluates maintenance requests to determine feasibility, cost benefit, and priority within assigned resources.
• Manages and supervises operations staff, including but not limited to interviewing and recommending candidates, and training employees; establishes goals, objectives, and performance criteria; addresses complaints, grievances, and disputes; performs escalated investigations and resolves problems; evaluates performance; recommends promotions and disciplinary actions; implements organizational changes; approves and schedules leave time; and recommends terminations as appropriate.
• Acts as liaison with stakeholders, to include other departments, divisions, consultants, contractors, vendors, and the public.
• Represents the Division and/or City at meetings and prepares and presents briefings, staff reports, and other applicable correspondence.
• Documents, analyzes, troubleshoots, and tracks maintenance needs including but not limited to street and sidewalk damage or obstruction, streetlight and traffic signal operations, street sign maintenance and regulations, storm, water and sewer main leaks and breaks, damaged, malfunctioning or inoperative storm, water and sewer system infrastructure, and water system production, consumption, and misuse.
• Receives and responds to questions and concerns from the public regarding assigned services and functions; initiates and directs investigations regarding such complaints; implements corrective action as necessary to resolve issues; and communicates answers and/or actions taken to appropriate parties in a timely and respectful manner.
• Oversees employees during assignments and inspects work in progress and completed work to ensure compliance with work standards and local codes, and proper safety techniques and procedures.
• Collaborates with staff to develop and establish operational goals and objectives, short and long-term capital projects, new projects, and other planning decisions related to operations, maintenance, facilities, budgeting, or equipment.
• Monitors emerging technologies, industry trends, proposed regulations, and upcoming federal and state legislative and administrative changes that may impact the maintenance and operations of the City.
• Prepares a variety of records, reports, memorandums and letters including attendance, department activities, scheduled maintenance, operational manuals and time sheets.
• Provides general supervision to operations crew(s) engaged in a wide variety of tasks, including but not limited to, maintenance and repair of:
• Prepares and updates certification requirements for key staff positions; incorporates training and certification needs in the annual budget.
• Schedules monthly safety meetings for staff. Ensures all safety equipment is available and in good condition and employees follow safety regulations regarding appropriate operations. Administers the operations division safety program.
• Effectively communicates with city administration, staff, engineers, consultants, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Any equivalent combination of education, technical training, and experience demonstrating the capability to fulfill the requirements of the position will be considered.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED.
• Five (5) years, full-time paid work experience in a supervisory role within a Public Works Department.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Possession of standard first-aid/CPR certification or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
• Water Distribution Management II Certification within one (1) year of hire.
• Waste Water Collection Specialist I Certification within one (1) year of hire.

Desired Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's and/or Master's degree in science or engineering from a four-year university or college, particularly in the fields of civil or environmental engineering, environmental science, water resources, construction management, or a related field; or,
• An Associate's Degree directly related to engineering or utility management.
• Supervisory work experience directing personnel in a Public Works setting.
• Experience working with and administering federal, state, and local regulations and permits.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Equipment, facilities, materials, methods, and techniques commonly used in construction and repair activities.
• The occupational hazards and safety standards and practices applicable to the work being supervised.
• Asset management software, including documentation and scheduling of asset maintenance.
• Supervision and management principles.
• Work prioritization and delegation to maximize efficiency.
• Employee training and work supervision.
• Methods, materials and techniques used in the operation, repair, maintenance, construction and care of roadways, water mains, chlorination systems, hydrants, streets, sewer mains and pump stations, storm infrastructure and other projects required by the position.
• Engineering drawing interpretation.
• Safe operation of vehicles and equipment.
• Preparing and maintaining electronic and paper records and files, including project/program records, equipment, and material purchasing and accounting.
• The properties, utilization, and care of the materials, tools, and equipment used by the employees supervised.
• Public Works - Operations standard operating policies and procedures as well as other Department/City policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• Maintain accurate inventory records and other permanent department records.
• Work and be called into work during times other than normal working hours to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the City and its citizens.
• Provide excellent customer service by using a friendly, professional, accurate and customer orientated approach to a wide variety of customers, including the general public and other staff, including in-person and verbal communications.
• Effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of employees of all skill levels performing a wide variety of maintenance, repair, and service functions.
• Make sound and timely recommendations for project implementation, and/or modification based upon established department plans and results of personal observations and needs analysis.
• Read and interpret maps, diagrams, and plans.
• Support the development of a public works budget, including preparing objectives, programs, long-range planning, and program and project estimating.
• Confer with administrators and other public works agencies to ensure the cooperative exchange of information.
• Develop, implement and revise policies and procedures.
• Read, interpret, apply, and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with stakeholders, including but not limited to City staff members, external contacts, and the public.
• Perform a variety of administrative duties in support of assigned activities.
• Ensure compliance with City ordinances with consistency and impartiality.
• Analyze situations accurately and recommend an effective course of action.
• Operate a computer, tablet, and phone to enter data, maintain records, and generate reports.
• Operate software used by the City.
• Maintain reliable attendance.
• Contribute to achieving the City's mission, vision and values.

Supplemental Information
Physical Requirements

The work environment and physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Requirements may be subject to modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities who are otherwise qualified for employment in this position. However, some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

Description of Work Environment:
Typically work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions. Usual construction site and maintenance shop working conditions. The noise levels are typical of most construction sites and maintenance shop environments. Fieldwork includes the exposure to noise, nuisance dust, noxious and toxic gases and vapors, traffic, active utility lines and other related construction-type job hazards. Where appropriate, personal protective equipment will be issued to the employee for use, with the employee being trained in its application and use. Exposure to hazards is an integral part of the job. May be required to deal with irate or disgruntled individuals requiring the use of conflict of management skills. Employee is frequently required to perform work in confidence and under pressure for deadlines, and is required to maintain professional composure, tact, patience and courtesy.
Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, mobility, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Supplemental Information:

Formal application, rating of education and experience, oral interviews and reference checks; job related testing may be required.
Background checks may include:

• Prior Employment Verification: confirms applicant's employment with the listed companies, including dates of employment, position held and additional information available pertaining to performance ratings, reason for departure and eligibility for rehire.
  
• Personal and Professional References: calls will be placed to individuals listed as references by the applicant.
  
• Employment Eligibility Verification: Form I-9 is used for verifying the identity and employment authorization of individuals hired for employment in the United States.

• Educational Verification: confirms the applicant's claimed educational institution, including the years attended and the degree/diploma received.
  
• Criminal History: includes review of criminal convictions and probation. The following factors will be considered for applicants with a criminal history:

• The nature of the crime and its relationship to the position.
  
• The time since the conviction.
  
• The number (if more than one) of convictions.

• Whether hiring, transferring or promoting the applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees or its customers and vendors.

The following additional background searches will be required if applicable to the position:

• Motor Vehicle Records: provides a report on an individual's driving history in the state requested. This search will be run when driving is an essential requirement of the position.
  
• Credit History: confirms candidate's credit history. This search will be run for positions that involve management of City of Sumner funds and/or handling of cash or credit cards.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
The City is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, terminates and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. These policies shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, age, marital status, sensory, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation including gender expression and identity, genetic information, domestic violence victim or other basis prohibited by law.
Persons needing assistance in the application process may contact the Human Resources Office 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.
The City of Sumner provides full time, permanent employees with excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) and LEOFF plan for Police; advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: The City provides Regence High Deductible Medical Plan coverage for eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger. The City contributes each year to the employee's Health Savings Account. Employer contributions to the HSA are pro-rated for employees starting after the first of the year.

Employees eligible for representation by the Teamsters Union are covered by the Teamsters Medical Trust.

Dental Coverage: Delta Dental insurance is covered at 100% For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: VSP $0 cost share plan is provided for eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to receive paid holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type. Regular full time employees earn PTO upon hire and increases with additional years of service.
Our City Code explains the leave benefits and holidays in more detail:
For positions eligible for union representation, the current collective bargaining agreements can be found on our City Website's employment page:

Insurance Plans: All full-time, permanent employees are covered by a long-term disability plan through the Hartford at no cost to the employee.
All full-time, permanent employees are covered by a $50,000 or $80,000 (police) Life Insurance plan at no cost to the employee.

Deferred Compensation 457(b): Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income. The City makes a flat monthly contribution of $185 for non-police positions and $250 for police represented positions. There is no contribution requirement on behalf of the employee.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police are included in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Police Officers are included in the DRS LEOFF2 plan. For more information about DRS including current rates visit:

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly basis(every other Friday).

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule or collective bargaining agreement.

Union Affiliation: Some job classifications are eligible for union membership.

Union Collective Bargaining Agreements: Find the CBA's on our employment site here:

Still have questions? Visit our FAQ Page:

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.
01

Supplemental Questionnaire Instructions: The City of Sumner uses the Supplemental Questionnaire as part of the selection process. Your responses are used to determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements to compete in this process, and to measure your knowledge, skills, abilities, and essential functions critical to successful performance in this position. Answering "see resume" or "see above" does not qualify as a valid answer. Your responses should be concise, yet in sufficient detail to clearly indicate the nature and extent of your qualifications in the required area. Mark yes to indicate that you have read and understand the instructions above.

• Yes
• No

02

This position requires a minimum of five (5) years, full-time paid work experience in a supervisory role within a Public Works Department. Please explain your experience that qualifies you for this position. Any experience listed here must be reflected in the job history section of your application.
03

How would you describe your management style when leading public works crews and supervisors?
04

How do you stay updated on changes in public works policies, environmental regulations, and new technologies?
05

Please list any certifications, licenses, or training programs you have completed that are relevant to the Public Works Operations Superintendent position.
Required Question