Pavement, Signs, and Markings Division Director (Executive 2)

Join us in shaping Seattles streets!

At the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), we dont just move peoplewe connect communities, build safer streets, and create a more sustainable city.

With a bold vision for the future, were tackling big challenges: making travel safer, cutting carbon emissions, and ensuring reliable, affordable transportation for everyoneno matter who they are or where they live.

Seattle is growing fast, and were growing with it. Thanks to a historic voter-approved $1.55 billion investment in transportation in 2024, were building sidewalks, fixing bridges, and improving transit connections to keep our city moving.

Were a team of problem solvers, planners, engineers, communicators, and field crewsbringing purpose-driven work to life. Now, we need passionate, innovative talent like you. Lets build a Seattle that works for everyonetogether!

Lead Major Infrastructure. Drive Strategic Impact.

Are you an experienced engineering and construction leader ready to shape the streets of one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation? Do you have a proven track record of delivering large-scale public works projects with operational excellence?

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is hiring a Division Director to lead its Pavement, Signs, and Markings Division (PSMD) - a vital leadership role responsible for the citys $10+ billion street and sidewalk network and one of the Citys most critical Infrastructure valued at over $17 billion.

About the Role

This role calls for a strategic, forward-thinking professional with a proven background in civil engineering, public works construction, and transportation planning. Youll supervise five specialized units (paving, signs/markings, engineering, customer response, and construction dispatch), manage fleet and facility operations, and ensure performance across one of Seattles most visible public services.

This high-impact role oversees:

• 210+ engineering, planning, and field personnel
• A $62M operating and capital budget
• Maintenance and capital delivery for streets, sidewalks, paving, markings, and signage
• Regulatory compliance (Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), environmental standards)
• Emergency response leadership for infrastructure-related events

What Youll Do

• Provide executive oversight for engineering design, street construction, and maintenance programs
• Lead planning and delivery of capital improvement and in-house crew construction projects
• Review project plans for constructability, cost-efficiency, and technical compliance
• Direct emergency response strategies for snow, flooding, landslides, and infrastructure emergencies
• Coordinate across departments, elected officials, contractors, and community stakeholders
• Develop and track division KPIs, cost benchmarks, and construction quality standards
• Manage a specialized fleet of 150+ assets and multiple SDOT facilities
• Represent SDOT on high-profile city initiatives and policy discussions
• Support our goals in promoting diversity and social justice

Who Were Looking For

We are seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and operationally focused leader with:

Key Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Transportation Planning, Public Administration, or a related field.

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive leadership in public works, construction, engineering, or transportation planning.
• 5+ years in a senior supervisory, management, executive role or program management.

OR: a combination of education, experience, and training that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Technical Expertise:

• Strong technical understanding of paving engineering asset management, sidewalk accessibility, curb ramp compliance, ADA design, work zone safety and construction methods.
• Familiarity with MUTCD standards, Seattle Standard Plans & Specifications, and Federal/State regulatory frameworks.
• Expertise in capital project delivery, construction management, and regulatory compliance.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and complex programs in urban environments

Strategic Leadership:

• Skilled in cross-functional team management, performance tracking, budgeting, and policy development.
• Demonstrated experience fostering diverse, inclusive, and results-driven teams.

Preferred:

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE)
• Experience working in unionized environments and managing field operations
• Familiarity with public sector budgeting and asset lifecycle management

Work Environment

• Hybrid work schedule, one day a week, with onsite presence as needed.
• Field visits required, with potential exposure to active construction sites and all-weather conditions
• May involve occasional lifting, bending, and extended standing/walking
• On-call response for major weather or infrastructure emergencies may be required

Please attach both a cover letter and resume to your application.

Failure to do so will result in your application not being considered.

Offers of employment are contingent on verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process, including potential background check. Please note this job advertisement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. The full salary range for this position is $64.56 - $106.52 per hour. The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents.
More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: style="color: inherit; font-style: normal; text-indent: 0">

Who May Apply: This position is open to all candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The Department encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, veterans and those with diverse life experiences.

Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.

The City is a Drug Free Workplace.