Public Works Director / County Engineer

Job Description

Public Works Director / County Engineer 

Department: Public Works – Reports To: Board of County Commissioners

Full wage range: $127,000 – $165,000 annual salary

Employment agreement will be applicable.

Benefits include: Subsidized medical insurance for the employee. Optional dental, vision, and medical coverage for dependents is employee-paid. Washington State retirement pension is applicable, plan choices vary. County-paid benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 12 company-paid holidays. Eligible for Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Pend Oreille County offers a wide range of optional benefits, we are sure that there is a plan to suit your needs.

Position Details:

• Full-time (40 hrs/week) | Exempt | Non-represented
• Location: Pend Oreille County, Washington
• Budget Oversight: ~$15 million annually
• Infrastructure Managed: ~550 miles of roads, 39 bridges, 3 solid waste transfer stations
• Direct Reports: Division Managers (indirectly all Public Works staff)

 

Job Summary:

Serves at the pleasure of the Board, managing all operations of the Public Works Department with strategic direction from the Board but full autonomy in daily decisions. Oversees engineering, infrastructure, construction, maintenance, budgeting, and intergovernmental relations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage department personnel and operations
• Plan, design, and oversee construction and maintenance of county infrastructure
• Prepare and manage budgets for multiple divisions
• Coordinate disaster response and recovery
• Ensure compliance with state and federal regulations (e.g., RCWs, WACs, CRAB standards)
• Represent the department in public and interagency settings
• Handle citizen complaints and public outreach
• Supervise permitting, contracts, and utility coordination
• Maintain accurate infrastructure records and reports

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Engineering and public works operations
• Budgeting, contract management, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Personnel management and leadership
• Communication with diverse stakeholders
• Use of modern technology (e.g., GIS, asset management systems)

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering
• 8+ years of relevant experience (incl. 5 years in director-level management)
• Proven experience in grant writing, public engagement, and intergovernmental collaboration

Licenses & Requirements:

• PE license (Washington or ability to obtain within 6 months)
• Valid driver’s license
• Must pass background and driving checks
• U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency

Work Environment:

Mix of office and fieldwork; exposure to varied weather conditions; must be able to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical fieldwork tasks as needed.
** Warning: If you are having technical difficulties with our online application submission, you can call our office or email your resume and application to HR@pendoreille.org. **