[ref. t5510821] Assistant Director, Public Works

Job Description:

Assistant Director – Public Works

Posted Date: May 1, 2025

Closing Date: May 22, 2025, 4:30 PM PST

Number of Vacancies: 1

The City of Victoria is seeking an experienced and dynamic Assistant Director, Engineering and Public Works Department to lead its Public Works Division, comprised of over 300 dedicated employees. We are looking for a highly motivated, results-driven individual with exceptional technical expertise and leadership skills to oversee the City’s public works and operational services, including streets, underground utilities, cleaning services, fleet, surface infrastructure, and support services.

You also demonstrate strength in financial management, customer service, and policy development, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and operational execution. Knowledge of BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and experience with complex administrative systems will be highly valued.

The successful candidate must also have outstanding problem solving and communication skills, as this role will astutely balance complex priorities such as public safety, climate action, environmental stewardship, and fostering truth and reconciliation.

This is a career-defining opportunity to lead the City’s trades with the operation, maintenance, and enhancement of City infrastructure, ensuring long term safety, efficiency and sustainability. If this role aligns with your expertise and passion, we look forward to receiving your application.

EDO

The successful candidate may be eligible for earned days off, earning up to two days per month in recognition of the time worked beyond core operational hours. Such arrangements are subject to change based on operational needs.

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Engineering and Public Works, the Assistant Director, Public Works leads and manages the City’s Public Works division. This portfolio includes the complete suite of operational and capital programs to support City infrastructure needs for residents, visitors, business and other City departments.

Major Accountabilities:

This position is responsible for developing and managing the provision of Public Works management, operations, construction and maintenance programs including:

• Participating with senior managers in the development of departmental strategic direction, organizational and performance outcomes, priorities and administration
• Coordinating the preparation and management of the Public Works operating budget
• Developing approaches to improve the organizational culture and climate to build employee commitment and engagement
• Providing professional advice, reports and recommendations to senior managers, community stakeholders and elected officials

The position is responsible for directing and managing approximately 300 managerial, technical, construction and labouring staff of Public Works, including responsibility for:

• Providing leadership to managers and staff to understand and support change
• Overseeing selection of staff
• Overseeing the Division’s management of employee conduct, performance and attendance
• Responding to grievances
• Overseeing the Division’s safety program

The role professionally represents Public Works across all City departments, including:

• Representing the City with all other external organizations, including private, public and government agencies
• Establishing effective relationships with all relevant stakeholders, and works collaboratively alongside contractors, union representatives, regulatory and other stakeholder groups.
• Working with other public works organizations to develop and implement best practices, innovate, and establish benchmarks
• Responding to escalated public service enquiries, requests and complaints

The role manages the delivery of public works operations, construction and maintenance services including:

• Overseeing operations to ensure the delivery of sustainable, high quality, cost effective and socially and environmentally responsible services
• Responding to issues regarding work performance and adherence to standards, public expectations, economy, and work methods.

Perform other related activities as and when required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Diploma in Civil Engineering supplemented by management and leadership coursework (ML). A Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering or other advanced related education is considered an asset.
• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), Applied Science Technologist (AScT) or other related credentials considered an asset.
• Minimum 10 years progressively responsible management experience in municipal Public Works, engineering construction and management.
• Alternate combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Please be prepared to provide proof of qualifications as outlined in your resume.

Individuals who are Indigenous, racialized, immigrants, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+, or facing any additional barriers are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be available upon request throughout the application and selection process.

If you require assistance, please email us at careers@victoria.ca.