DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Salary : $139,309.79 - $177,798.38 Annually
Location : City Hall - 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill, CA
Job Type: Full-Time (Exempt)
Job Number: 2025-0046
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/22/2026


Position Description
The City of Signal Hill invites applications for the position of

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

First Review of Applications: June 15, 2026

3% COLA effective 7/1/26

OUR CITY

The City of Signal Hill is a desirable place to live and work because of its safe neighborhoods, abundant business opportunities, inclusive culture, and beautiful green spaces. With its central location, the community takes great pride in its recreational amenities which include 11 City parks and open space area covering over 29 acres, an extensive walking trail system, abundant recreation and library programs, and an array of annual events.

The City of Signal Hill, with a population of 11,800 and covering 2.2 square miles, is located in Los Angeles County within four miles of the Pacific Ocean. Signal Hill was incorporated on April 14, 1924, roughly three years after the discovery of a vast oil field. Known for its beautiful setting, Signal Hill claims the only accessible high ground for miles around with an impressive hilltop park which provides spectacular panoramic views.

THE POSITION

Under general direction from the Public Works Director, assists, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the operations and services of the assigned divisions or programs in the Public Works City Yard, which includes water systems operation, street maintenance, fleet maintenance, and facility maintenance; coordinates activities with other City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public; and provides responsible and complex staff support to the Director of Public Works.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management level classification responsible for providing professional support to the Public Works Director in several Public Works maintenance and operations functional areas. It is distinguished from the Public Works Director in that the latter is the department head with overall responsibility for all programs, functions, and activities, and for developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.

A current resume, not to exceed 2 (8 ½" x 11") pages in length, and three professional references are required to be attached to the completed City application and supplemental questionnaire.

Example of Duties
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Oversee and direct the daily operations of divisions: water operations; maintenance operations which includes street, park and building maintenance; and vehicle and equipment services; coordinate with other City departments and outside agencies.
• Develop, implement and coordinate divisional goals and objectives, policies and procedures; evaluate the operations and activities of the Department; assist with the formulation of goals, objectives and priorities.
• Participate in the implementation and coordination of the public works maintenance management process.
• Participate in the preparation of the annual operating budget for the entire Public Works Department and prepare and monitor Division budgets.
• Supervise and participate in a variety of personnel actions, including selections, promotions, performance evaluations, disciplinary measures, and dismissals.
• Respond to public inquiries and requests relative to maintenance services.
• Oversee the preparation of plans and specifications for improvements and modifications to water systems, streets, parks, public buildings, and other public works facilities.
• Prepare RFP's and RFQ's for professional engineering and maintenance related services.
• Prepare specifications for the purchase of new equipment; monitor contract work.
• Prepare written reports regarding operations, personnel, budget and a variety of other subjects.
• Coordinate with other City management staff to meet the overall goals and objectives of the City.
• Develop/conduct training programs for staff.
• Perform the duties of the Director of Public Works in his/her absence.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

• Respond to emergency call out; subject to 24-hour call.
• Perform various related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. Typical qualifications are:


Education: Bachelor's degree in public administration, engineering or related field is required.

Experience : Six (6) years of full-time increasingly responsible professional administrative experience in major public works projects, construction, maintenance and operation of water systems, streets, parks, buildings, and fleet services, preferably with a governmental agency, including at least three (3) years increasingly responsible managerial experience is required.

License/Certification: Valid Class C California driver license, acceptable driving record, and evidence of insurance are required.

Desirable Qualifications: Possession of a certificate of registration as a professional civil engineer; water treatment and distribution certifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff.
• Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Materials, methods, tools and equipment used in construction, operation, and maintenance of municipal buildings, street systems, storm drains, traffic control devices, park and landscape maintenance.
• Related public works field operations.
• Materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in the maintenance of automobiles, trucks and heavy construction equipment as well as the uses and operation of heavy equipment and mechanical equipment in public works construction and maintenance.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations and management, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Record keeping principles and procedures.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient engineering services.
• Plan, organize, and direct effective capital improvement and related services and programs.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and public works maintenance and operations policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of public works maintenance and operations programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Supervisorial Responsibilities:

• Ability to assign, review, plan, and coordinate the work of other employees.
• Ability to provide instruction and guidance to staff.
• Ability to recommend the transfer, promotion, salary increase, discipline or discharge of staff.
• Ability to assess the work of employees and write performance appraisals.
• Ability to promote staff development and motivation.
• Ability to analyze problems that arise in the areas under supervision and recommend solutions.

Mathematical Ability:

• Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide.
• Ability to calculate decimals, ratios, percentages and fractions.
• Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability:
• Ability to estimate project and job costs.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs.
• Ability to decide the time, place and sequence of operations within an organizational framework, as well as the ability to oversee their execution; ability to analyze and categorize data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication:

• Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information, such as financial statements, technical operating manuals, procedures, guidelines, regulations and laws.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications and diagrams.
• Ability to advise and provide interpretation to others how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively with coworkers, contractors, representatives from other agencies, elected and appointed officials, and the general public, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage and direct a group of workers, including the ability to provide counseling and mediation; ability to persuade, convince and train others.

Environmental Adaptability:

• Ability to work under moderately safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to environmental factors may cause discomfort and where there is a risk of minor injury, requiring minimal recovery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.


Selection Procedure:


All statements made on applications are subject to investigation and verification. Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Signal Hill. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City application and supplemental questionnaire. Admission to competitive examination may be limited to those whose applications show the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position. Any part of the examination process may be qualifying only.


Equal Opportunity Employer:


The City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workplace diversity.


Americans with Disabilities:


Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at or (562) 989-7311/10 no later than 5 business days before the test date.


Fingerprinting:


Applicants who are selected for hire are fingerprinted during the pre- placement processing period. All fingerprints will be processed with the Department of Justice to verify criminal records or absence thereof.


Physical Examination:


Employment offers are conditional based, upon the successful completion of a medical examination which may include drug and alcohol screening. Physicals are performed by the City's designated physician at the City's expense. Candidates are cautioned not to quit their jobs or give notice to their current employers until they are determined to be medically qualified.


Oath and Disaster Service Worker:


All City employees are required to sign the Oath or Affirmation of Allegiance for Public Employees upon the beginning of employment. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all City employees are required to perform assigned emergency service duties in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to sign a Disaster Service Worker Statement upon hire.
Retirement - Provided through the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS). The City offers "Classic" members 2% @ 60. Classic members will contribute 7% for the 2% @ 60 formula. The City offers PEPRA members 2% @ 62. PEPRA members contribute 7.75%.
Medical - The City participates in the PERS health benefit program and contributes up to $1,200 per month toward medical premiums. An additional $800 is available for individuals with health, dental and/or vision premiums not fully covered with the $1,200. 75% of any monies remaining (of the $1,200) after medical premiums are paid may be applied toward optional benefits including: vision, dental, or deferred compensation plan.
Dental - The City provides $70 per month for dental insurance which is offered through Delta Dental.
Vision - The employee-only premium is paid by the City.
Insurance - The City provides life insurance equal to three times an employee's annual salary, to a maximum of $300,000. Short and Long Term Disability are also provided.
Deferred Compensation - Employees may participate in a deferred compensation program. The City will contribute up to 4% of a department head's salary upon the employee's contribution of 8% of salary. The City will contribute up to 3% of a manager's salary upon the employee's contribution of 6%.
Flexible Spending Account - Employees may elect to participate in a "pre-tax dollar" flexible spending account for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical costs.
Executive Leave - Sixty-three (63) hours per year and must be used by the last pay period in the calendar year or be forfeited.
Personal Holiday Leave - Thirty-six (36) hours of Personal Holiday Leave and must be used by the last pay period in the calendar year or be forfeited. All new employees receive 3.0 hours of personal leave for each month remaining in the year, including the month they are hired.
Vacation - 96 to 176 vacation hours per year, depending on length of service.
Holidays - 88 paid holiday hours and 36 hours personal holiday leave annually.
Sick Leave - 96 hours of sick leave annually with buyback program in June.
Wellness Reimbursement - Annual reimbursement for health club membership, formal wellness programs and medical/dental co-pays and deductibles. $500 for department heads and $250 for managers.
Social Security - The City participates in Social Security.
Retiree Health Benefits - Based on years of service with the City, a contribution may be made toward the monthly health premium for qualified retirees. Employees contribute 1% of their salary towards their future retiree health benefit.
City of Signal Hill is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws.
AN EEO/ADA/VET Employer.
01


What best describes your highest level of education?

• Master's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• College level course work

02


How many years of full-time professional experience in public works administration, including major public works projects, construction, water systems, streets, parks, buildings and fleet services, do you possess?

• 6 years or more
• less than 6 years

03


Please describe your leadership style and supervisory experience. Please include how many staff you currently supervise and what positions you supervise.
04


Please describe your budgetary experience including the size of the budget, your role in preparing and administering the budget and your purchasing authority.
05


Please describe your experience in developing and implementing departmental and/or division operating procedures.
06


Please describe your experience preparing RFPs, formal bidding and managing contracts for maintenance operations.
07


Please describe your experience introducing a new technology or implementing a new strategy that ultimately resulted in increasing the efficiency of your department.
08


Please describe your experience preparing staff reports and presenting to a City Council or Governing Board.
Required Question