Assistant Division Manager, Public Works

Assistant Division Manager, Public Works

Salary

$141,107.20 - $198,660.80 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

P0080-26

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

10/30/2026

Closing Date

11/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Position Description

The Environment and Public Works Department is seeking an experienced and collaborative leader to serve as Assistant Division Manager within the Transportation Division. This position manages the Transportation Planning and Mobility Section, oversees long-range transportation planning, planning and implementation of transportation projects, including grant application and community outreach efforts, regional coordination on multimodal projects, and represents the City of Tacoma on technical and policy advisory groups. Transportation Planning and Mobility Section programs include management of the City of Tacoma Active Transportation, Safe Routes to School, Travel Demand Management, and Vision Zero programs, guiding strategic initiatives that shape a safer, more connected, and more equitable transportation system for our community. The incumbent also serves as the lead liaison to the City's Transportation Commission and Bicycle and Pedestrian Technical Advisory Committee, and manages key planning documents, including the Transportation and Mobility Plan of the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan, Six-Year Transportation Improvement Program. This role will lead complex projects and programs, working closely with internal and external partners to develop well-supported, forward-thinking solutions to create and sustain a transformative multimodal system that connects people to places and people to people.

Essential Leadership Duties and Skills:

• A highly skilled, effective leader that knows how to build and maintain morale, provide accountability and build strong relationships based on trust and respect.
• Actively demonstrates high levels of employee engagement, coachability, mentoring, and responsibility for personal and team performance and results.
• Empower people to make good decisions providing access to necessary information, training, and resources; and encouraging collaborative problem-solving.
• Explains technical and policy matters clearly in written reports, presentations, meetings, and public settings.
• Develop effective relationships internally and externally to keep the Transportation team connected to supported internal departments, external entities and partner agencies.
• Lead and manage staff, assignments, workload projections, projects, programs, and develop and implement project delivery processes and strategies.
• Responds professionally to community and City Council concerns/complaints associated with managed programs, including explanation of technical and policy matters in written reports, meetings, public settings, and presentations.
• Develop budgetary projections and manage budgets for supervised programs.

Qualifications

Minimum Education*

Bachelors degree in planning, engineering, business or public administration or directly related field.

Minimum Experience*

6 years of experience in one or more fields of public works, including 1 year prior at senior, lead and/or supervisory level

Licensing, Certifications and Other Requirements

Washington State Drivers License or evidence of equivalent mobility

• Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education

Other Requirements

Work has historically been performed in an office environment. At the time of this posting, Environment and Public Works office staff may be eligible for a telework schedule. Workplace expectations, guidance, and requirements around hybrid work schedules continue to evolve as we strive for a balanced approach that serves our community. This position requires periodic travel throughout the City to investigate conditions and streets within a study area and conduct community engagement. This position requires participation in meetings and events, usually as part of community engagement activities, Committee, Boards, and Commission staffing, and City Council support, outside of normal working hours, including early morning, evening, and weekends.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

Division Overview:

This position is located within the Transportation Division of the Environment and Public Works Department. The mission of the Transportation Division is to support the City of Tacoma's goals through the fiscally and environmentally responsible planning, design, maintenance, and operation of transportation systems for everyone who lives, works, or plays in Tacoma. Our services enhance the community by improving the function of the multi-modal transportation network for all users.

Safe:

We prioritize the safety of all users, and strive to build a transportation system that provides safe and reliable access for all users and neighborhoods

Equitable:

We center anti-racism in our work and work to decrease disparities in our transportation system.

Sustainable:

We recognize that transportation is a leading contributor to local greenhouse gas emissions and work to improve the efficiency of our existing investments and to prioritize active transportation and transit in new investments.

City of Tacoma's Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the City of Tacoma, were on a mission to make our workforce as diverse and inclusive as the community we serve. Were committed to eliminating racial and other disparities, and we actively seek out candidates from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Join our team at the City of Tacoma and help us build a more vibrant, inclusive, and equitable community for all.

The City of Tacoma believes that diversity of thought, background, and experience contributes to our success and innovation. If you're passionate about this role and our mission, we encourage you to apply. If you have a less traditional background, we want to hear about your transferrable skills and experience. We value a variety of perspectives and are excited to see what you bring to the table.

The Community

Tacoma is centrally located just 32 miles south of the city of Seattle and 31 miles north of the state capital, Olympia. The City of Tacoma is also home to the Port of Tacoma, which is among the largest container ports in the United States. Like most cities in the northwest, Tacoma is surrounded by beautiful nature, offering residents many opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Largely suburban in nature with a small, but dense, urban core, Tacoma is home to numerous institutes of higher learning that attract students from across the country. The University of Washington Tacoma, Pacific Lutheran University, University of Puget Sound, a satellite campus of the Evergreen State College, three community/technical colleges, and several trade and business schools are within Tacomas geographic area. Downtowns Cultural District is the site of the Washington State History Museum, Museum of Glass, the Tacoma Art Museum, and Americas Car Museum.

With its affordable housing and distinctive neighborhoods and business districts, the city has been recognized numerous times as a best city to live in the nation. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!

View this exciting video to learn more about the City of Tacoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5MWl8KFvI

Application Process

Interested individuals should apply online and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes job experience, major responsibilities and accomplishments related to this position. Applications received without attaching the required materials may not progress in the selection process.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received for interview consideration.

Get Assistance

For assistance with the application process or questions regarding this job announcement please contact the Human Resources office at (253) 591-5400 by 5:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.

For technical difficulties using the Neogov system, call the applicant support line at 1-855-524-5627 between 6:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. This will allow us to assist you before the job announcement closes.

Communication with the City of Tacoma

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from Tacoma.gov and/or governmentjobs.com should be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

Compensation & Benefits

Pay Details:

Hourly Rate: $67.84 - $95.51

Annual Salary: $141.107.20 - $198,660.80

Employee Benefits | City of Tacoma

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

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.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

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

The Supplemental Questionnaire is part of the examination process; accordingly, it should be completed carefully. It must be submitted with your application. Do not indicate "see resume" or copy unrelated content from your resume when answering these questions. Answer all information requested in each question. Failure to do so may result in rejection of your application.

Responses to supplemental questions must be the original product of the applicant. The use of the internet online tools including the use of Artificial Intelligence (ChatGPT, etc.), or plagiarism is considered cheating and falsification of the application. I understand that any form of cheating or falsification will disqualify my application for further consideration. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment. I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes
• No

02

Which best describes your level of education?

• High school or equivalent
• Associates degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree

03

Do you have an equivalent combination to Bachelors degree in planning, engineering, business or public administration, communications or directly related field AND 6 years of progressively responsible Transportation related experience including 1 year prior as supervisor or manager OR an equivalent of 10 years of experience? *Equivalency: 1 year of experience = 1 year of education Please note, education and experience can be substituted on a year for year basis.

• Yes
• No

04

Please highlight how your education, work experience, and training meet the description for this position. (300 words or less)

05

Please describe your experience leading a team, including aspects of your leadership style that demonstrate your understanding and application of the Essential Leadership Duties and Skills noted in this announcement. (300 words or less)

06

Equity is one of the guiding principles of the City. In detail describe what equity means to you and describe a transportation planning project or program where you helped to create and sustain an organizational environment that acknowledges and celebrates diversity and employs inclusive practices. (300 words or less)

07

Please tell us how you learned about this job opening.

• Job Interest Card notification
• Internet search
• Professional organization
• Community organization
• Military organization
• Union job posting
• City of Tacoma employee
• Online job board posting
• Word of mouth
• Other

08

Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Thank you, your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings.

Required Question

Employer City of Tacoma

Address Human Resources Department

747 Market Street

Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone 253-591-5400

Website http://www.tacoma.gov