Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer
City of Manhattan, KS

The City of Manhattan is seeking a Deputy Director of Public Works/City Engineer. Reporting to the Director of Public Works, the Deputy Director/City Engineer is a senior leader responsible for planning, directing, and delivering essential public infrastructure services. This role operates with a high degree of independence and is considered the City’s technical authority for engineering, with direct influence on policy, investment, and service delivery.

Core Responsibilities
  • Leads operations across Engineering, Traffic, Project Delivery, and Stormwater divisions
  • Directs major capital projects from concept through design and construction
  • Oversees budgets, including operational funds and multiple infrastructure funding sources
  • Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
  • Partners with developers, consultants, and community stakeholders to guide sustainable growth
  • Mentors and develops staff, building organizational capacity and future leadership
The City is seeking a forward-thinking, community-minded engineering leader with technical depth and the ability to lead people, projects, and priorities. This individual will be equally comfortable navigating complex infrastructure challenges, mentoring staff, and engaging with the community to deliver practical, lasting solutions.
This role is suited for a leader who excels at solving complex, real-world challenges and addressing neighborhood needs while advancing citywide infrastructure by balancing competing priorities, stakeholder expectations, and long-term system performance. At its core, the ideal candidate is a problem solver, communicator, and builder of both infrastructure and teams.
Location: Manhattan, Kansas
Salary: $120,568 - $156,453
Final filing date: First review of applications: May 1, 2026
Please make sure to have your Resume, Cover Letter, and List of References ready for upload before you start the application process. One combined document that includes all three items is preferred.