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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
CAPITAL PROJECTS ASSISTANT DEPUTY DIRECTOR - PROJECT PLANNING AND DELIVERY
(Capital Projects Assistant Deputy Director)
This recruitment is open to the public and is being held to establish an open eligible list to fill current and future Capital Projects Assistant Deputy Director vacancies. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately on both the ADK website and through the County of Orange's website.
The ADK Executive Search link will be provided below.
Please note - in order to be considered, all candidates must complete the County of Orange's application.
The deadline to apply for this position is Monday , January 12, 2026 at 11:59PM PST.
To view the full recruitment brochure with ADK Executive Search, please click here !
JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT
Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 and 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.7 million annual passengers. We strive to provide a superior guest experience to ensure travel is convenient and stress-free. The County of Orange owns and operates the airport and the service area includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.
As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.
- Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
- Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
- Core Values: REACH
- R espect
- E nvironmental Stewardship
- A ccountability
- C ollaboration
- H onesty
To learn more about working at John Wayne Airport, click here. To learn more about the County of Orange, click here.
THE DIVISION
The newly reformed Planning and Development Division brings the airports infrastructure under the direct management of the airport. This Division oversees and delivers the airport's $700 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which includes airside, landside, and terminal renovations, as well as major utility projects and long-term infrastructure planning. The Division is also a key partner in the implementation of the General Aviation Improvement Program and the Terminal Tenant Concession Redevelopment Program. This team has 28 professionals in a variety of roles. This Division’s functional areas include engineering, A/E design standards, land use and airport planning, environmental compliance, capital project programming, project management, project controls, and construction Coordination and Logistics Management (CALM).
THE OPPORTUNITY
John Wayne Airport is seeking an experienced Capital Projects, Assistant Deputy Director. The position will serve as a technical consultant to senior management on complex and strategic issues and will coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to utility companies, real estate companies, survey companies, regulatory permitting agencies, engineering and construction companies, cities, and the public on capital improvement and facilities alteration projects primarily related to John Wayne Airport. Projects include taxiway reconstruction, baggage handling system replacement, power generation and electrical distribution system upgrades, vertical conveyance upgrades, and facility accessibility improvements.
KEY RESPONSIBILTIES- Oversee a multidisciplinary project management team dedicated to the implementation of airport capital improvement projects, as well as the Construction and Logistics Management team (CALM)
- Execute the airport’s $700 million Capital Improvement Plan and other improvement plans in a variety of vertical and horizontal projects. Requires coordination of multiple concurrent projects, while minimizing impacts on airport operations
- Partner with procurement in contracting appropriate Public Works Construction Projects, consultant services, A/E services, and Job Order Contracts (JOC)
- Plan, assign, and supervise work to ensure projects are timely, cost effective, and of high-quality
- Effectively manage programs, plans, budgets, resources and procedures
- Serve as the primary back-up to the Deputy Airport Director, Planning and Development
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Six (6) years of professional project management, engineering and/or construction management experience related to long-range programs or large-scale infrastructure projects, such as airports, public buildings, roads, bridges, flood control facilities, or landfills from the inception phase through the close-out phase; must include three (3) years of lead/supervisory experience; must include at least four (4) years of aviation specific experience.
A bachelor's degree in engineering, planning, architecture, construction management, or a related field; Master's preferred.
A certification in Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) is desirable.
The ideal candidate’s work experience will also demonstrate the core competencies outlined below:
Technical Experience | Technical Knowledge- Experience and knowledge in professional project management, engineering, construction management, architecture
- Ability to evaluate, analyze, and apply technical information across multiple disciplines
- Demonstrate the ability to provide technical explanations and recommendations in terms readily understood by executives
- Demonstrate sound management and leadership skills to guide a team of professional project managers, construction managers, contractors/consultants, and CALM team
- Work independently to provide planning, administrative, and technical review for design and construction of capital projects
- Knowledge and application of principles of project management, architectural/engineering design and construction practices in multiple disciplines such as architectural, civil, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and heating, ventilating and air conditioning
- Knowledge of California Public Contracting Code, uniform building codes, Cal-OSHA building construction regulations, FAA Grant Assurance requirements, Federal, State and local codes and regulations and other pertinent safety rules and regulations
- Experience in contract administration
- Ability to apply Project Management industry standards and practices in the areas of project planning, coordinating, budget management, scheduling and monitoring
- Knowledge and literacy in the use of project management software and GIS/BIM software
Supervision | Leadership Skills
- Delegate, review, and monitor assigned work for quality, timeliness, and accountability
- Conduct performance planning, performance evaluation, and coaching to develop and mentor staff
- Ability to proactively lead project team and collaborate with stakeholders from project concept to completion
- Provide leadership and guidance to internal and contracted staff to achieve project and developmental goals that are aligned with overall business objectives, budgets, and priorities
- Monitor team members and enforces safety guidelines to ensure safe work practices
Analysis and Problem Solving- Ability to understand, interpret and enforce compliance with plans, specifications schedules and contract provisions
- Ability to recognize and anticipate problems of project scope, budget, schedule, and plans and specifications and determine necessary changes
- Resolve escalated issues and escalate where appropriate
- Ability to perform calculations necessary to determine quantities and prepare estimates
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, contractors, and representatives of other agencies and departments
- Ability to research, evaluate, estimate and accurately interpret and apply technical data and policy information to solve problems and/or make recommendations to management
Planning and Organization- Plan and organize work effectively to ensure that assignments are on schedule
- Complete assignments on time and within budget and policy
- Ability to manage multiple projects at one time
- Ability to manage changing and competing priorities/interests
Communication Skills | Oral & Written- Experience in presenting orally and in writing, proposals, progress reports, and recommendations to the highest levels in the organization including the Board of Supervisors, County executive management, private sector executives, contractors, and external stakeholders
- Demonstrate political savvy when dealing with both internal and external stakeholders, including other airport staff, staff from other County departments, airport tenants, the public, community groups, city staff, and the Board of Supervisors
- Effective in orally and written communication, including the ability to provide technical information in a clear and concise manner
- Communicate in an effective manner to individuals and/or groups with diverse interests including contractors and departmental representatives
- Negotiate and manage competitive bidding processes for complex contracts
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications and the physical & mental requirements as well as the environmental & working conditions for the Capital Projects Assistant Deputy Director.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
While this is mostly a daytime assignment, projects construction mostly occurs at night. Given the airports 24/7 operations, there may be responsibilities on nights or weekends.
LICENSE REQUIRED
The successful candidate must obtain, possess, and maintain the following licenses:- Valid California Driver's License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment
- Valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment
AIRPORT ACCESS REQUIREMENTS
The successful candidate must clear a background check which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Security Threat Assessment (STA). Airport Access Badge must be maintained and renewed every two (2) years.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and/or desirable qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)
Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applications exhibiting qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) | (Weighted 100%)
An Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate the application, supplemental questionnaire, and resumes for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above.
Structured Oral Interview (SOI) | Exam (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant's rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the candidate's qualifications for the job.
Eligible List
Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Please note: The information you provide on your application and/or response to the supplemental questions may be used as a scoring device, so please be thorough and complete in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.
Based on the Department's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Veterans Employment Preference
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
EMAIL NOTIFICATION : Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Michelle Bocicor at mbocicor@ocair.com or (949) 252-5174.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:
- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information. - Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 1/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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