Assistant Director, Public Works Operations (Street & Bridge Operations)

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

The City of Austin Transportation and Public Works (ATPW) is a department of the City of Austin responsible for a variety of transportation, mobility, and safety functions throughout the community. ATPW works with many Austin-area partners and agencies to build, maintain, and operate a multi-modal transportation system that is safe, reliable, and sustainable.

Job Description:

Under nominal direction, develops, plans, and implements operational plans and public works functions for the City of Austin.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Manages division and section activities, including audits of existing facilities, equipment, and personnel to ensure effectiveness and efficiency. Identifies and analyzes trends; determines methodologies to implement change.
  
• Develops and implements short and long range plans, programs, and personnel that provide administrative, managerial support, fiscal management, program planning, and evaluation.
  
• Determines goals, objectives, and resource requirements for activities within the division.
  
• Develops, revises, and implements standard operating practice, policy, and procedure governing the division. Ensures division is in compliance with all City practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Develops and reviews infrastructure maintenance and repair functions and technical criteria, including but not limited to roads, traffic signals, signs, pavement striping, pavement markings, facilities (mobility management center), street trees, and vehicle maintenance.
  
• Serves as the Emergency Response Management Coordinator for the Department.
  
• Reviews, approves, and implements quality and safety systems and programs.
  
• Assists in the preparation, presentation, and monitoring the departmental budget, and ensures department operates within appropriated budget.
  
• Represents the department at City Council meetings, citizens groups, boards and commissions.
  
• Provides support to other City departments and agencies on an enterprise basis.
  
• Investigates and resolves consumer and citizen inquiries and complaints.
  
• Prepares and presents reports by compiling, reviewing, and analyzing data; provides written or oral reports.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of city practice, policy, and procedure.
  
• Knowledge of technical aspects of maintenance and repair operations.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Skill in oral and written communications.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in managing multiple programs, projects, and tasks.
  
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain excellent communication and working relationships with city personnel and the public.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or Public Administration ,plus six (6) years of supervisory/management experience in road, pavement, utilities, vehicle, facilities, and other public works maintenance and repair operations.

Twelve (12) college semester hours of graduate work in one of the above-specified areas may substitute for six months of the required work experience up to a maximum of two (2) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

None.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an exceptional leader with a proven track record in Street & Bridge Operations. With the ability to look beyond one’s workgroup and see the big picture, the ideal candidate will also be a visionary for the department, with the ability to identify areas of opportunity and improvement. The candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills to establish relationships with City staff and the community. Advanced written and verbal communication skills are imperative for this position.

The following are the preferred qualifications for the Street and Bridge Operations Assistant Director:

Experience Maintaining Transportation Infrastructure - Understanding transportation asset maintenance best practices, prioritizing resource needs, budgeting, and planning for future needs.

Experience managing field crews - Understanding the complexities and safety concerns that may arise during projects.

Emergency Management Experience - Familiarity with Incident Command System (ICS) and expertise in providing critical response to emergencies such as climate change, heat, floods, and winter storms.

Data-Driven Innovation Experience - Ability to leverage data to support and enhance practices, processes, and decision making within Street and Bridge Operations.

Inclusive Leadership Expertise - Ability to connect with employees throughout the various units, locations, and shifts across the city.

Crisis Leadership Experience - Ability to navigate crisis situations with strong decision making.

Change Management - Ability to identify and lead change initiatives to move the organization forward in a meaningful way.

Relationship Builder - Ability to effectively build and leverage relationships with internal and external stakeholders and Mayor and City Council.

Cross-functional Project Collaboration Expertise - Proven ability to streamline and optimize complex, cross-functional projects by identifying inefficiencies, implementing scalable workflows, and leveraging project management tools to enhance productivity, reduce resource waste, and accelerate delivery timelines.

Notes to Candidate:

To view the detailed Recruitment Profile for this position, please click here .

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

Working with ATPW provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Regarding Your Application:

• A detailed and complete Employment Application is required. A Resume and Cover Letter are required and will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online Employment Application. Please be sure to upload your Resume and Cover Letter for consideration.
  
• Verification of employment history dates on resume should match online Employment Application.
  
• Employment history dates must include month and year.
  
• This position has been approved for a Criminal Background Investigation ( CBI ).
  
• To ensure consideration, candidates should apply by February 14, 2026. To apply, candidates must complete this online application. Interested candidates should apply early in the process for optimum consideration.
  
• This position is subject to the Texas Open Records Act.
  

Salary: $181,000 - $191,000 annually

If you are selected as a top candidate:
Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED , undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution and proof of your professional licenses or certifications.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

• 

• City of Austin

Show more