Public Works Office Manager

SALARY RANGE:    $89,428.97 - $117,760.88/year       

CLOSING DATE:       First review August 27, 2026.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

The Public Works Office Manager is a supervisory position responsible for comprehensive administrative, analytical and operational support for the daily operations of all divisions within the Public Works Department including Water, Stormwater, Capital, Parks, Streets and Operations/Maintenance. These functions include overseeing programs, business systems, records management and compliance activities to support efficient operations and regulatory requirements.

Under the general direction of the PW Director, the PW Office Manager works independently with minimal supervision in performing the following duties:

Supervision and Leadership

• Provides direct supervision to front office and administrative staff, backflow coordination, and utilities technician.
• Provides supervision by inspiring employees, creating a culture of trust, communicating openly and listening actively, thinking innovatively, providing direction without micro-management and having the ability to lead and/or overcome challenges when there is not a guide.
• Establishes and achieves short- and long-term program goals, allocates resources and assures that work is completed on time, effectively and in accordance with applicable laws, standards and policies.
• Facilitates collaboration and communication across divisions in the department to achieve program success.

Administrative

• Ensures quality customer service for internal and external customers, handles complex customer questions and de-escalates angry customers when necessary.
• Handles development, oversight and completion of basic and complex administrative processes such as document and data management, conducting research, creating and managing written communication, using office related technology.
• Represents the department at meetings, conferences and regional coordination efforts.

Analytical and Operational

• Evaluates work procedures, schedules and workflow; studies and recommends changes to our new policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
• Manages department software systems such as Citizen Request Management and workflow automation (CRM System), backflow prevention management (TOKAY), cemetery management (Crypt Keeper) and Asset Inventory (Asset Essentials).
• Manages specialized programs such as streetlight repair and replacement, and cemetery administration.
• Supports continuing operations and emergency response during inclement weather and natural disaster related events.

Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires ability to adapt to and lead through change and responsiveness to changing goals, priorities and needs. Work is performed in a moderately noisy office.

The Public Works Office Manager is a regular, non-bargaining, exempt position based on-site.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Any combination of experience and education which provides the applicant with the level of required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

The City is seeking an experienced and professional PW Office Manager with:

1. Education: Associate degree or equivalent.
2. Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible administration, program management, public works; experience with a public entity is preferred. Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
3. Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, protocols and systems.
• Skills in an array of software applications and other technology, coordinating regulatory programs and leading complex projects.
• Strong communication, analytical, problem solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to organize, plan and prioritize work and develop specific goals and plans to accomplish tasks.

All employees are expected to work in a manner consistent with the City of Ridgefield’s Team Philosophy: work diligently to provide quality service and make a better community; with accountability, reliability, and integrity; be innovative, efficient, proactive, and adaptive; work as a cohesive team with compassion, leadership, and professionalism; and know how to have fun.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

The City of Ridgefield currently provides medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents. Employees currently contribute $179.48 per month for their medical premium. The City also provides life insurance at two times your annual salary, long-term disability insurance, flexible spending account options, a VEBA account, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Other benefits include career development training, an Employee Wellness program, voluntary life insurance, paid vacation and sick leave. Leave benefits currently accrue up to 96 hours during your first year of employment, 11 paid holidays per year, 24 additional paid personal hours, and 8 hours accrued sick leave each month. Enrollment in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) is automatic.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates must submit the following materials:

1. A completed Application for Employment.
2. A current resume.
3. A cover letter explaining why the candidate is interested in the job position, strengths and weaknesses in the job, and a short summary of why the candidate is qualified for the position.

Finalists will be invited to recruitment activities scheduled to take place in Ridgefield. References will be contacted following candidate approval. The final candidate will be required to successfully complete a background investigation.

More information about the Public Works Department and job opportunities is available on the City’s website at www.ridgefieldwa.us or by calling Human Resources at 360-887-3557.

The City of Ridgefield is an equal opportunity employer committed to attracting and retaining a diverse mix of talented people who want to come, grow, and do their best work here. Together, we strive to create and maintain a working environment that is inclusive, equitable, welcoming and that provides the best possible services for our community.

This announcement is meant only as a general descriptive recruitment guide. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract and is not a complete description of the job.