Deputy Director of Development and Right-of-Way Services

An Overview
Are you a Professional Engineer (P.E.) geared to make a difference by leading in a high- impact role within the City of Alexandria, VA?

The Department of Transportation and Environmental Services (T&ES) is seeking its next Deputy Director of Development and Right-of-Way Services (DROW) to manage the development review process and teams that provide survey/land records management, issue right-of-way permits and perform construction inspection. This leader will also represent the Department at major public meetings and requires strong oral and written communication skills.

A successful applicant will be capable of providing leadership for a diverse team of professional, technical and front-line staff. This position is also responsible for exercising effective judgment in working with the development community and others to solve problems, resolve conflicts and take actions appropriate to the needs and interests of affected parties while considering the best interests of the City. This position reports to the T&ES Director and manages a Permit Center, survey team and construction inspectors.

The Opportunity

• Leads in the planning, organizing and directing of T&ES permit center staff and actions including issuance of permits, plans review, and field inspection activities carried out by the division, as well as liaising with other associated departments, outside agencies, builders and the general public;
• Prepares and manages annual operating budget and capital budget submissions, oversees the DROW budget for both operating expenses and Capital Improvement Projects;
• Supervises the administrative and permit center technical staff by developing annual goals and objectives, providing guidance, resolving complex customer service experiences, maintaining and approving employee leave, and completing performance evaluations;
• Leads, plans, and evaluates customer service and ongoing operating improvements in development services and a multi-departmental permit center with strong focus on customer service and transitioning to electronic plan review;
• Supervises a land records/survey team, a utility coordination unit and construction inspectors who must review and accept public improvements constructed through private development. Focusing on insuring compliance with stormwater management regulations including erosion and sediment control;
• Represents the department before the Planning Commission, City Council, other boards, commissions, committees and civic associations to defend and discuss projects, programs, and operations. This includes the ability to prepare written materials and make oral arguments that address complex issues with clarity and diplomacy;
• Establishes standards and procedures to guide the development review and right of way processes within the City;
• Builds and maintains relationships within the development community and other stakeholders by acting as the liaison for the department, reporting and/or presenting to various community groups and serving on various committees, maintaining positive and productive working relationships with departmental and City staff, the public and adjacent jurisdictions;
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations pertaining to the work of the group and make the procedural changes necessary to keep the city in compliance;
• Performs other duties as required.

The Ideal Candidate
To qualify for this position, all candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering; five years of progressively responsible at a management level in civil engineering design, construction practice, and/or plan review and registration as a professional engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia and/or ability to obtain registration within 6 months from the date of employment.

To be considered as an ideal candidate, one should also possess a master's degree in an area of Civil Engineering; municipal government experience; post PE registration experience seven (7) to ten (10) years. The candidate should have the ability to lead and coordinate a diverse team of engineers and front-line staff. The candidate must possess a strong oral and written communication skills, as this position requires representing the City before public bodies.

About the Department
T&ES is a community partner in shaping a livable, green, and prospering Alexandria. We plan, build, operate, and maintain transportation systems and infrastructure that improve mobility and provide people and businesses with core public services. The work we do keeps Alexandrians moving, growing sustainability, and thriving. If you are curious for a broader view of our City government click here , or for a broader view of the City of Alexandria click here .

Notes

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks including but not limited to drug testing, criminal background.