Pierce County is looking for a dedicated Assistant Director of Planning and Public Works who has:

Deep knowledge of strategic and operational planning, complex budget oversight, and the laws and regulations governing public sector operations, with strong expertise in process improvement and change management.
Skilled in building and leading multi-disciplinary teams, streamlining workflows, and delivering clear, high-impact messaging to internal teams, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
Experienced in providing direct executive team support and high-level leadership in executing the vision and mission of the department and increasing collaboration and relationship building both internally and externally with elected officials, department leaders, and community partners.
Committed to building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation while fostering a workplace where employees feel valued and heard.
A complete classification can be found here.

Our strategic leader will focus on:
Continuous improvement for themselves and their organizations
Fostering a growth mindset and life-long learning
Data-driven decision-making
Consideration for customer perspectives and impacts
Collaboration across large, diverse work environments
Ensuring equity and inclusion in all facets of work
Policy and guideline development; turning ideas into action
Championing the streamlining processes to create positive change

About Pierce County:
Pierce County, Washington, is a dynamic region with nearly 1 million residents, making it the state’s second most populous county. Spanning 1,669 square miles, it offers stunning natural beauty, including Mt. Rainier National Park, Puget Sound waterfront, and 361 freshwater lakes, alongside vibrant urban amenities like arts, culture, and dining. With a 16% population growth over the past decade and major employers such as Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System, the Port of Tacoma, and the Nisqually, Puyallup, Muckleshoot, and Squaxin Island Tribal Nations, Pierce County is a dynamic economic hub with deep roots and global reach. Its diverse population, outdoor opportunities, and thriving communities make it a remarkable place to live, work, and grow.

Planning and Public Works Highlights:
Planning & Public Works stewards a healthy and vibrant community by collaboratively planning and investing in its people, guided by a vision to embrace innovation and deliver excellence.
Scale & Impact: One of Pierce County’s largest departments, PPW comprises nearly 900 positions and manages a biennial budget of approximately $1.2 billion, roughly one-third of the County’s total.
Programs & Services: Public Works & Utilities covers roads, bridges, ferries, airports, flood protection, sewer, solid waste, and surface water. Planning & Community Development handles permits, land use, long-range planning, and climate resilience. Internal Services leads human resources, administration, financial operations, innovation and technology, and strategic performance.
Commitment to Excellence: As an APWA-accredited agency, PPW is committed to efficient, innovative, and collaborative service delivery, ensuring Pierce County remains a place people are proud to call home.
Learn more about Planning and Public Works here.
Minimum Qualifications
Additional education or experience, which clearly indicates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position may substitute equally on a year-for-year basis for the recruiting requirements.

Eleven (11) years of progressively responsible experience in public sector administration, operational management, organizational development, planning, transportation, utilities management, or related field which clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the functions of the position.
Must include three (3) years of responsible supervisory experience managing a department, division or cross-functional
team.
Postsecondary education in engineering, planning, public administration, business, or closely related field. field may substitute for up to four (4) years of the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Licenses or Certifications
A valid Washington State driver’s license or the ability to otherwise meet the travel requirements of the position is required.
Supplemental Information
About Pierce County:
Pierce County is a vibrant region where career opportunities intersect with an exceptional quality of life. With stunning natural landscapes, from the shores of Puget Sound to the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park, the area offers endless outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and golfing on nationally ranked courses. Urban amenities abound as well, with thriving arts, cultural, and culinary scenes that complement the area’s natural beauty. As one of the fastest-growing counties in Washington State, Pierce County is a hub of innovation and community collaboration, making it an exciting place to grow your career and make a lasting impact.

Pierce County is committed to a "Forward Together" mission that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion while tackling critical community challenges. The focus on affordable housing, reducing homelessness, expanding behavioral health services, and creating good-paying jobs ensures a high quality of life for all residents. This dedication to fostering inclusive communities, safe infrastructure, and equitable access to opportunities makes Pierce County a place where careers thrive, and individuals can make meaningful contributions to a resilient, vibrant future.