Deputy Director Public Works

With more than 10 million residents, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation. As the largest employer in Southern California, over 112,000 employees in more than 38 Departments provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities, and many more.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: 
We are looking for a leader and a team player to assist in the administration of the Department of Public Works and has particular responsibility for the activities of an assigned group of divisions. The ideal candidate will exercise a thorough knowledge of the principles of engineering, organization, administration, and personnel management and the interrelationship of the department's activities with those of other County departments and local, state, and federal agencies.

Essential Job Functions

WHAT THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR WOULD DO:
 

• Assist in the direction, management, and administration of all phases of the operation of the Department of Public Works.

• Formulate branch plans, policies, standards, and procedures.

• Direct the activities of the branch, usually comprised of three or more divisions, including assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of the branch.

• Direct special studies, investigations, and reports concerning departmental and branch activities.

• Coordinate work among the divisions within the assigned branch, and assists in the coordination of work among the branches in the department and with other County departments.

• Assist in the preparation and administration of the departmental budget, prepare and administer the branch budget, and serve as a fund manager for the department as needed. 

• Assist in the coordination of departmental programs with those of the Federal, state and local agencies.

• Represent the department, as needed, at public meetings, conferences, and committee meetings.

• Act for the Assistant Director in his/her absence as needed.  

• Oversee the preparation of correspondence and reports which require the special attention and signature of the Assistant Director, Chief Deputy Director, or the Director of Public Works.

Requirements

REQUIREMENTS:
Option 1:   A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university*  with specialization in engineering or architecture -AND-  one (1) year of experience at the level of County of Los Angeles class of Assistant Deputy Director, Public Works** or higher.

Option 2:  A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university* with specialization in engineering or architecture -AND - five (5) years of experience managing a staff of 25 or more, responsible for performing highly complex**** work in the field of civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, architecture, or project management.  One (1) year of the aforementioned experience must have included the performance of highly complex**** budget, administration, external affairs, and long-range planning duties.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
A valid California State Certificate of Registration as an Architect,  Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Electrical Engineer*****  -AND-

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL EXPECTATIONS:
This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT INFORMATION:
*   In order to receive credit for a bachelor’s degree , you must include a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, or official letter from the accredited institution which shows the area of specialization with your application at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from application submission. Note:  Foreign studies must be evaluated by an academic credential evaluation agency and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from the United States. (See Accreditation Information under Employment Information).

**  Experience at the level of an Assistant Deputy Director, Public Works  is defined as directing the activities of a large***  engineering, engineering support, or project management division in the Department of Public Works.

***  A large division  is defined as one consisting of two (2) or more sections.

****  Highly complex  work refers to tasks, projects, or activities that involve intricate and multifaceted elements, often requiring advanced skills, in-depth knowledge, and sophisticated problem-solving abilities to navigate and accomplish effectively. Such work typically demands a deep understanding of various interconnected components, intricate relationships, and intricate processes.

*****   In order to receive credit, you must provide a valid copy of the California State Certificate of Registration as an Architect, Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Electrical Engineer at the time of application submission or within seven (7) calendar days.  A printout from the State of California Consumer Affairs website will also be accepted. 

ENDORSEMENT OF COUNTY QUALIFICATIONS:
County employees who wish to meet the experience requirements using out-of-class experience must provide official documentation such as additional responsibility bonus, out-of-class bonus, temporary assignment bonus, or reclassification study from CEO Classification with your application at the time of filing or within seven (7) calendar days from application submission. Employees do not need to submit such verification if they hold or have held a position deemed to be at equivalent level. Out-of-class duties should be accurately described in the application work history, and questionable experience will be verified through the departmental HR Manager when necessary. 

WITHHOLD INFORMATION:
No withholds will be allowed for this examination. Required education, certification and experience must be fully met and indicated on the application at the time of filing.

Additional Information

EXAMINATION CONTENT :   
The exam consists of two (2) parts weighted 100%: 
 
PART I:  A multiple choice and/or simulation assessment(s) measuring Leading and Supervising, Deciding and Initiating Action, Adhering to Principles, Delivering Results, Relating and Networking, Achieving Work Goals, Entrepreneurial Thinking, Persuading and Influencing, Adapting and Responding to Change, Coping with Pressure and Setbacks, and Formulating Strategies and Concepts.  
 
These assessments fall under Civil Service Rule 7.19 , which means you are not able to review the questions or your responses once you have completed the assessment.
 
PART II:  A Training and Experience evaluation assessing competencies gained in the following areas:

• Experience directing the organization/function operations of a public works organization or any other comparable public/private/non-profit agency;
• Experience overseeing the annual budget;
• Experience representing a public works organization or any other comparable public/private/non-profit agency at public meetings, conferences, and committee meetings; and 
• Experience implementing a program, major project, or organization initiative.

APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE REQUIREMENTS AND ACHIEVE A COMBINED PASSING SCORE OF 70% OR HIGHER ON PARTS I AND II OF THE EXAMINATION IN ORDER TO BE PLACED ON THE ELIGIBLE REGISTER.

Information

• Location: Los Angeles, United States

Industry experience

Education: Bachelor

Seniority: Manager, Director, Professor

Taxonomy

• Public Utility
• Water Engineering Director