Ready to lead with purpose, build strong relationships, and make a lasting impact? The City of Lacey is looking for a Public Works Director who leads with both head and heart—someone who can bring people together, navigate complexity, and move important work forward. We’re seeking a leader who is: • A creative problem solver who sees opportunity in challenge • A connector and collaborator who builds trust across teams and with the community • A strategic thinker who understands how to align priorities and resources • A mentor and culture builder who invests in people and long-term success
Recognized by Fortune as one of the “50 Best Places to Live for Families” in 2023, the City of Lacey is a community of almost 60,000 residents located at the southern tip of Puget Sound. Incorporated in 1966, Lacey has a bit of something for everyone with first class restaurants, limitless outdoor adventures, ample parks and open space, great entertainment options, a lively business community, and friendly community members. With clean air and water, over 1,263 acres of parks and diverse program offerings, outstanding schools, and a low crime rate, the City of Lacey is one of the most desirable places in the country to live.
Reporting to the City Manager, Lacey’s Public Works Director provides strategic and administrative leadership for a full-service department responsible for transportation systems, utilities, parks maintenance, and capital infrastructure programs. The Director oversees approximately 159 FTEs— including the City’s largest represented workforce—and manages an operating budget of $89.9 million and a capital improvement program of $87.1 million. This role sets departmental priorities, ensures efficient and compliant service delivery, and aligns Public Works operations with Citywide goals. Key responsibilities include oversight of engineering, water resources, and operations, as well as long-range planning and capital project delivery. The Director serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, advising the City Manager and City Council while fostering cross-department collaboration and regional partnerships. This position also plays a critical role in strengthening organizational culture, developing staff, and ensuring high-performing service to the Lacey community.
Requirements for this position include: • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Construction Management, Public Administration or related field and ten (10) years of progressively responsible work experience in Design, Construction, Contract Administration, Operations, Maintenance and/or Public Works Administration including a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience. Supervisory experience in a collective bargaining environment is also required. OR • Master’s Degree in Engineering, Engineering Management, Construction Management, Public Administration or related field and eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience in Design, Construction, Contract Administration, Operations, Maintenance and/or Public Works Administration including a minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience. Supervisory experience in a collective bargaining environment is also required. OR • Equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may also be considered. Preferred qualifications: • Registration as a professional engineer in the state of Washington or equivalent certification in another state.
The salary range for this position is $176,216 to $225,571 DOE/DOQ.
