Make a Difference

Assistant Director of Public Works at the City of Malibu

The Community

Malibu is an iconic, world-class city in Southern California. Stretching for 21 miles along the Pacific Ocean, Malibu is a quintessential coastal community that combines the peace and tranquility of a rural town with the benefits of being a stone’s throw away from the second largest city in the country.

Known for its Mediterranean climate and access to some of the most beautiful beaches and state parks in California, the community offers an unsurpassed quality of life.

The Government

The City has a total operating budget of $58.2 million and employs a staff of 115 full-time equivalent positions providing Administration, Community Development, Public Works and Parks and Recreation services. The City contracts for fire, law enforcement, utilities, plan checking, traffic engineering and street maintenance services.

Malibu’s outstanding financial management enables funding for large projects that the community needs and ensures preparedness to weather disasters and economic downturns.

The Position

Under general direction, this position functions as the Assistant City Engineer and Assistant Public Works Director and will assist with the planning, coordination and management of all programs and activities relating to the Public Works Department; acts as Public Works Director and City Engineer during Director’s absences, plans, organizes, organizes and assists with directing city engineering services including public works, engineering, street and facilities operations and maintenance, transportation, public and private sub division development reviews, fleet operations, capital projects, grant and disaster funding support, FEMA floodplain management, assessment districts, Stormwater (NPDES) management, permitting, consultant management, working with regulatory and outside agencies, provides professional assistance to the Public Works Director, the City Council, other departments and others in areas of expertise; oversees, reviews and performs a variety of studies and prepares and presents staff reports; and performs other related work as required.

This is a single-position mid-management classification in the Public Works Department and assists with the daily operations of the Public Works Department and is primarily responsible for managing the department’s public works city engineering services activities. Working in a team environment that requires flexibility, the candidate must possess an extensive professional background in public works agencies and private civil engineering organizations relating to sub divisions and developments; city engineering; as well as planning and coordination of capital improvement projects. Work is performed within a broad framework of general policy and requires creativity and resourcefulness to accomplish goals and objectives in order to apply concepts, plans and strategies that may require a variety of non-conventional methods and systems to achieve established goals and objectives. This class is distinguished from the Public Works Director in that the latter has overall responsibility for all planning and building functions and for developing, implementing and interpreting public policy.

The Duties and Resposibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Public Works include, but are not limited to:

Assumes managerial responsibility for all services and activities of the Engineering Division including public and private sub-division projects, capital improvement programs, grading, and field inspection work.
Manages and participates in the development and
implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency andeffectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures;assesses and monitors workload, administrative and supportsystems, and internal reporting relationships; identifiesopportunities for improvement and reviews with theDirector of Public Works; directs the implementation ofimprovements.
Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for the Engineering Division; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems, assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
Recommends and administers policies and procedures such as ordinances, procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring that operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met.
Reviews, analyzes, interprets, and recommends constructive conditions relating to the City’s Floodplain management ordinance and program. Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; administers contracts after award.
Conducts capital improvement project planning activities; provides oversight and input into the conceptual design of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects. Analyzes civil engineering plan design, specifications, consultant and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes.
Reviews and approves all grading plans and permits; all plans and specifications for capital improvement projects; all tract and parcel maps, lot line adjustments, and legal descriptions; all controversial encroachment permits; and other engineering and design documents.

Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public on development issues and acquiring information. Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to engineering programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Prepares, reviews, and completes various reports, including City Council agenda reports, employee performance reviews and division related documentation and correspondence. Provides technical information and instruction regarding applicable procedures and methods; interprets and explains rules, regulations, and procedures; answers questions and resolves concerns.
Responds to and resolve various issues with residents, other departments’ representatives, outside agencies, California OES and FEMA and other state agencies, including slope and drainage, storm drain, channel rehabilitation, weed abatement and flood zones.
Serves as a liaison for the Engineering Division and Public Works Department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; attends meetings, as necessary; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
Develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering activities and services; presents reports to the City Council and various commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to planning activities.
Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and task forces; attends and participates in professional groups and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Civil Engineering.
Confers with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
Receives, investigates, and responds to problems and complaints from citizens in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Serves as Director of Public Works in the Director’s absence.
Prepares plans, specifications, and cost estimates for capital improvement projects.
Provides assistance with management and administration of Landslide Assessment Districts.

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Education & Experience

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited four- year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.
Eight (8) years of civil engineering and/or public works experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience. Possession of a Master’s Degree is highly desirable and may be substituted for one year of the required experience.
Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid California class C driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record. Must possess a valid certificate or registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California upon appointment.

Application & Selection Process

If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit a resume below.

The first resume review date will be on January 5, 2024. Candidates deemed to be the most highly qualified will be invited to participate in the selection process, which will include a phone interview, panel interview, and final interview with the Director of Public Works. Appointment is subject to completion of thorough background and reference checks and a pre-employment medical exam.

For more information, please contact Patty Francisco at pfrancisco@solutions-mrg.com or (949) 500-0436.

Compensation & Benefits

The annual salary range for the Assistant Director of Public Works is $139,332 - $181,798, with the starting salary commensurate with experience and education. The City is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensations study. The City offers a competitive benefit package, which includes:

CalPERS Retirement Plan: The City participates in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) and pays the employer and employee contributions for classic members. Classic CalPERS members 2% at age 55 retirement formula, one- year average. New members to CalPERS, new PEPRA formula 2% at age 62, three- year average. Employee pays 8.25% member contribution. The City does not contribute to Social Security.
Health Insurance: A selection of health plans are available from CalPERS. City will provide 100% paid premiums-coverage for employee and dependents up to the PERS Platinum PPO health plan level.
Dental and Vision Insurance: 100% paid premiums- coverage for employee and dependents.
Deferred Compensation Plan: The City contributes up to $50 per pay period to a qualified deferred compensation plan.
Annual Leave: Vacation starting at 96 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours beginning the 11th year of service. Administrative leave is 27 hours per fiscal year. Sick leave is 96 hours per year. The City of Malibu has a vacation and sick leave cash out provision. There are 11 fixed holidays per year.
Other Benefits: City-paid life insurance premium; tuition reimbursement; long-term and short-term disability; employee assistance program, credit union option, and flexible schedule, including 9/80 and hybrid remote opportunity after six months.