The Position

The City of Bellevue Utilities Department seeks an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director to lead its Engineering Division. The Assistant Director – Utilities Engineering is a member of the Bellevue Utilities executive team, collaborating to lead the department in achieving its strategic, operational, and financial goals. The Assistant Director oversees a $7.4 million division operating budget and delivery of the Utilities $296 million, 6-year Capital Investment Program (CIP) encompassing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater CIP programs and projects.

The Assistant Director appreciates the role of public utilities and takes pride in ensuring services are safe, reliable, and affordable. A strong supporter of high-performing organizations, the Assistant Director values diversity of thought and encourages cross-departmental collaboration in support of broader organizational alignment.  This position collaborates with the Utilities Director, two Deputy Directors, the Resource Management & Customer Service Division Assistant Director, and the Operations & Maintenance Division Assistant Director to plan, develop, and implement policies and programs to achieve strategic outcomes. The Assistant Director – Utilities Engineering manages highly complex technical and policy work, assisting the Deputy Directors and Utilities Director in the leadership and management of the department. This position reports directly to the Utilities Deputy Director for Engineering and Operations.

The Assistant Director provides leadership to staff in the Engineering Division, which includes Water Resources Planning, Project Management, Construction Management and Inspection, Portfolio Management, Asset Management, and Development Review.

The Assistant Director establishes strong working relationships and positively represents Bellevue Utilities to the community, City Council, City Manager, other City departments, and outside agencies and may serve as liaison to the City’s Environmental Services Commission.

Compensation and Benefits

The full salary range for the Assistant Director – Utilities Engineering is $158,251-$218,385 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. The City of Bellevue provides a generous benefits package. Learn more about the options and employee-based benefits here.

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position is open until filled with first review of applications beginning Monday, April 21, 2025.

Persons needing an ADA accommodation in the application process may call the Raftelis Office at 513-221-0500 or email jsalyer@raftelis.com. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify the Search Manager before you are scheduled for an interview. 

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering, environmental studies, water resources management, construction management, or related field. An MS Engineering or MPA is preferred.
• Eight or more years of progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in public utilities systems.
• 10 years of experience developing and delivering Capital Investment Programs, including management of planning, design, and construction for municipal utility projects, with at least 5 years of experience in each utility (water, wastewater, stormwater), or a program of similar scope/complexity (at least $15 Million/year Capital program value) is highly preferred.
• Experience and knowledge of Utility operations and maintenance, system planning, and public works consultant and construction contracting laws, regulations, and work processes is essential.
• Experience and knowledge of environmental issues and permitting associated with utility work is highly desirable.
• An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
• Washington State Professional Civil Engineering license is required at the time of hire or within one year.

About City of Bellevue

Raftelis provides executive search, facilitation and strategic planning, and organizational assessment and optimization to local governments and nonprofit organizations nationwide.

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