Summary Why It's a Great Opportunity: In this influential administrative leadership role, you will serve as a key partner in advancing the mission of the Office of the County Engineer by leading its financial management, budgeting, compliance, reporting, performance measurement, data analytics, and technology support functions. You will oversee a diverse and highly visible portfolio of capital and operating funds that are essential to delivering critical infrastructure projects, programs and services throughout the county. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine strategic financial leadership with operational excellence. You will lead and develop a talented administrative and support team, setting priorities, assigning and reviewing work, and providing coaching and guidance to ensure high-quality, timely service to both internal and external stakeholders. Beyond day-to-day management, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organization by identifying and implementing innovative solutions, improving business processes, strengthening financial stewardship, and leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the division. Why It's a Great Department: PPW stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in our people, infrastructure, systems, and policies. PPW’s team has more than 800 members that collaborate, innovate and inspire in performing essential services to the community. The department is responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement - just to name a few! Learn more about Planning and Public Works here. How to be Successful in the Role: Success in this role requires collaboration and partnership with colleagues throughout the Office of the County Engineer, Planning and Public Works, and other county departments, making it an excellent opportunity for a leader who enjoys driving organizational improvement, building strong working relationships, and making a lasting impact on public service delivery. Your Future in this Role: You will have access to professional development through robust online learning and other training opportunities throughout your career to ensure your success. This position has multiple career growth and promotional opportunities in Pierce County to build on a great career while directly impacting the communities in Pierce County.
Core Daily Responsibilities:
- Manage and oversee the daily operations of a specific department or section and ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of a designated work unit; determine work procedures, prepare work schedules and determine methods for expediting work flow; assign, review, and approve the work of subordinate staff.
- Conduct performance evaluations and develop performance measures and standards.
- Investigate grievances involving subordinates and recommend resolution; recommend promotional and disciplinary actions; approve leave requests and overtime; provide adequate coverage during staff absences.
- Develop and implement operating policies and procedures consistent with established parameters and guidelines.
- Participate in and support development, measurement and execution of the mission, goals, and objectives of the County, department, division and individual work groups.
- Ensure effective communication with County departments and staff to facilitate and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
- Participate in recruitment and make recommendations for the selection of staff; oversee employee training and staff development programs.
- Evaluate the need for employing temporary hires and outside consultants, including preparation, review, and evaluation of performance.
- Responsible for the preparation and presentation of the budget and its subsequent cost control and monitoring; determine priorities on budget items, develop alternatives, and provide fiscal analysis.
- Work closely with other County departments, local, state and federal agencies and private businesses to coordinate activities and comply uniformly with requirements.
- Develop and maintain records and reporting systems per county, state, and federal guidelines, providing for proper quality control.
A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here. Minimum Qualifications
- Additional education or experience may substitute equally for the position requirements.
- Four or more years of experience in an administrative position requiring budgetary, personnel and supervisory skills.
- Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in business or public administration or a related field.
- A resume and cover letter are required for this position.
As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration. Supplemental Information
How to Apply:
- Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” above or visiting www.piercecountywa.gov/jobs.
- If you have questions about this opportunity, email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and include the job number and title.
- Individuals who need accommodation in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources at (253) 798-7480 at least two days prior to the need.
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.
Our Recruitment Practices: This is a competitive and meritorious selection process. Pierce County applications are reviewed by human hiring staff in accordance with the qualifications listed for the position. Pierce County understands applicants may use AI tools when preparing application materials. We recognize these tools can make the process easier; however, we ask that everything you submit genuinely reflects your own experience, skills, knowledge, and writing style. During the interview process, you may be asked to demonstrate your skills, including writing and subject knowledge, and to speak to your experience in your own voice. Applicants should be prepared to respond to interview questions without relying on AI-generated responses or reading prepared answers from a screen. Any misrepresentation may result in disqualification or separation. Applicants whose qualifications most closely align with the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status typically occurs within two to three weeks after the closing date. Some applicants may receive short notice to participate in additional selection steps, which may include assessments, phone screens, or interviews. Upon offer, compensation is based on a range of job-related factors, including the requirements of the role, your skills and experience, and internal pay equity. Our Welcoming Workplace Commitment: Pierce County is committed to fostering a Welcoming Workplace where employees are supported, respected, and able to thrive. We believe a strong public workforce is representative of the community it serves and that fair and just access to opportunity strengthens public service. Guided by the County Executive’s Forward Together mission, Pierce County works to build communities that are safe, welcoming, and connected. This same commitment shapes how we recruit, develop, and retain our employees. County employees make a direct and visible impact in the lives of residents every day, and we invite you to join us in helping keep Pierce County a place people are proud to call home.
Benefits
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Pierce County offers a competitive benefits package that offers flexibility and peace of mind. We are proud to offer Employee Resource Groups, a focus on professional development in our Leadership Training Program, and a County Book Club.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career and that your priority is making sure that you and your family maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Our benefits:
Vacation (Annual Leave) Employees begin accruing vacation leave as soon as they start earning it and can use their accrued leave right away. We value your experience and recognize your service by increasing vacation accrual rates the longer you work with us. Full-time employees accrue vacation leave every two weeks at the following rates:
Vacation Accruals:
During years 1-3, 12 Days During years 4-7, 16 Days During years 8-13, 20 Days During years 14-18, 23 Days During years 19, 24 Days During years 20, 25 Days During years 21, 26 Days During years 22, 27 Days During years 23, 28 Days During years 24, 29 Days During years 25 & thereafter, 30 Days
A maximum of 45 days may be carried from one year into the next. Pro-Rated for Part-Time based on % of 1.0 FTE.
Military Leave:
Pierce County has a proud history of supporting the armed forces and provides members of the armed forces with up to 21 days paid military leave per state fiscal year.
Holidays:
Some full-time employees are entitled to eleven paid holidays as follows:
New Year's Day - January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr's birthday - Third Monday in January President's Day - Third Monday in February Memorial Day - Last Monday in May Juneteenth - June 19 Independence Day - July 4 Labor Day - First Monday in September Veteran's Day - November 11 Thanksgiving Day - Fourth Thursday in November & Friday after Christmas Day - December 25
Personal Holidays:
Regular full-time and regular part-time employees, and employees occupying limited duration positions, shall also receive two additional paid personal holidays. Paid personal holidays shall only accrue for those employees on County payroll as of January 1 of each year or the first work day following January 1 and must be taken during the calendar year in which it was accrued.
Furlough:
Some Pierce County employees may be designated to receive 10 "furlough" days per year in lieu of holidays. Furlough days are available for use on January 1 and must be scheduled and taken within the calendar year. Employees who leave employment with Pierce County must reimburse the employer for used furlough days based upon the number of remaining holidays.
Sick Leave:
Sick leave accrues on a bi-weekly basis, at the rate of one day per month.
Insurance Benefits:
Employees and families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with very affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout Pierce County. Employees are eligible to enroll each year in a flexible spending plan, which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care and dependent care expenses. Employees also have the opportunity to participate in supplemental life and long term disability insurance plans. To view premium rates, summary of benefit coverage, and other information, please visit the Pierce County Health Benefits website.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation:
Pierce County employees are members of the State of Washington's Department of Retirement System (DRS) and depending on the position or previous DRS enrollment will be able to enroll in one of many programs DRS offers. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Nationwide Deferred Compensation Plan. This is a supplemental retirement savings program that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security:
All Pierce County employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The county and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
ORCA Passport Program Pierce County employees may participate in the County's ORCA (One Regional Card for All) Passport program.Your Pierce County issued ORCA card is loaded with an annual Passport pass. The pass automatically renews every year. The pass will provide you with free transportation on regularly scheduled service on several public transit systems.
Miscellaneous Benefits:
Please visit Pierce County's Benefits website for more information.
Telework/Remote Options:
Some departments allow for telework or work-from-home options dependent on the body of work. Learn more about our telework policy here. **All employees are required to be WA State residents after 30 days of employment.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
