Deputy Director (WMS BAND 2)

About the Department

The hiring authority reserves the right to offer the position at any time after the required posting period, and during the recruitment process.
 It is to the applicant's advantage to apply as early as possible. 
Anticipated starting date for this position is December 2026.

Note: Standard business hours are Monday-Friday from 8 am to 5 pm, but the incumbent may be expected to adjust the work schedule to meet business needs. A flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent’s request, subject to supervisory approval.

Who we are:
The Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (BRPELS) provides consumer protection to the public through the licensing of Professional Engineers (PE), Professional Land Surveyors (PLS) and On-site Wastewater Designers. The Board recommends rules and regulations for administering licensing and regulatory laws. BRPELS is a small agency that consists of eleven dedicated staff members who are knowledgeable in providing support and guidance for application of statute, laws, rules & policies on engineering, land surveying, and on-site practice. This agency is also responsible for investigating and resolving complaints, license verification and responding to general licensing questions. BRPELS is self-funded and fully supported by its licensing and registration fees.

For an in-depth understanding of the many services we provide, board meeting information, and how to contact BRPELS, we invite you to explore our website to learn more about the Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors.

About this Opportunity:
This position reports directly to the Director and is the second in line of agency leadership. In the absence of the Director, the Deputy Director (DD) will perform all Director duties including, but not limited to, managing Washington State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Under the authority and direction of the Director the DD will support the management of the administrative functions of the agency. All agency/board staff, except for the Executive Assistant and Communication Manager, will report directly to the DD. The incumbent will be part of the executive leadership of the Agency and be a significant influence on long term planning and fiscal goal setting and tracking agency performance measures as well general functions of the BRPELS mission. The results of the incumbent’s responsibilities have a statewide significance and will be a national level influence for the professions. This position requires a diplomatic, professionally mature, and trade knowledgeable professional to promote innovation and licensee engagement to keep our programs current, the impacts for success are an increase in the level of professionalism and ethics within the professions.

This position is directly engaged with other agencies and the public in developing State and National professional regulations, rules and policies within the regulated professions. The position is an integral member of the executive management team which develops and implements agency-wide policies and practices. Accordingly, this position has direct internal and external policy-setting impact.

In concurrence with the Director this position directly develops and implements the applications, development, and determination of the agencies administrative, fiscal, and programmatic policies, guidelines, and implementing procedures.

The budgetary responsibility of the Deputy Director role is to assist in the development of roughly one-third of the annual expenditure budget of $1,600,000 and staff responsible for 95% of the agency's operating revenue stream. Other financial influences include help in determining recommendations of fee and fine changes. 

This position requires expert knowledge and experiences only obtainable by a Professional Licensee. The policy and rule changes developed thru the authority of this position effect and clarify the practice and regulatory requirements for the professions. Thus, the recommendations have significant impact on the agency mission and operational effectiveness. Significant risk is involved in decisions, which have statewide effects to the health safety and welfare of the public, and protection of the environment. Therefore, the position requires a professionally licensee’s analysis, of complex, unknown and unexplored areas, and a subject matter expert’s wisdom and knowledge to determine the risks, benefits, and direct a holistic and equitable decision. 

This position will represent BRPELS on national licensing and professional committees and is an ambassador to the public representing the professions we regulate. 

The Deputy Director manages seven full-time (FTE) direct reports:
1 - Investigator
1 - Regulatory Program Manager
1- Internal Control Manager
4- Licensing Staff

To learn more about this opportunity email the recruiter: Rachel Vaughan via [email protected] and request the full job description.

Position Duties

Duties associated with this position include:

Minimum Qualifications

Required Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience to hold active Washington State Professional Land Surveying or Professional Engineer license
• Five years of executive leadership or business management experience.
  
  

Required Skills & Abilities:

• A minimum of eight (8) years of knowledge of Engineers, Land Surveyors, OS Site, licensing acts and Board rules.
• Familiarity with the Public Records Act, including the risks associated with failure to comply with requests for public records disclosure.
• Knowledge and successful application of contemporary management theory and practices as well as demonstrated ability to promote a positive work environment.
• Five (5) years of experience working with government organization and administrative procedures; government functions; office methods and procedures; research and data collection; departmental policies.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and in speech; proofreading skills; ability to obtain the cooperation of other agencies and other internal staff sections; ability to work effectively with others.
• Current Washington State Professional Land Surveyor or Professional Engineer license.
  
  

Key Competencies Expected:

• Accountability - Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of their work. Believes that the results achieved directly result from his/her personal decisions and actions. Acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Doesn't make excuses for errors or problems but learns from his/her mistakes.
• Teamwork - Fulfills commitments to other team members. Promotes a friendly climate, good morale, and cooperation among team members. Puts team success ahead of individual success. Makes sure that the practical needs of the team are met. Protects and promotes the agency's reputation with outsiders. Takes charge when it is necessary to facilitate an action or decision. Creates a feeling of belonging on the team.
• Adaptability/Flexibility - Meets changing conditions and situations in work responsibilities. Accepts constructive criticism and suggestions and uses them to advantage. Deals with anger, frustration and disappointment in a mature manner. Maintains objectivity in conflict situations and seeks acceptable solutions.
• Interpersonal Skills - Interacts with Board Members, management, staff, public and others in a positive manner. Demonstrates understanding that individuals have different perspectives and communication styles. Practices active listening. Is open and honest. Treats others with respect, kindness and consideration.
• Productivity - Produces quality, desired results in an efficient manner. Manages resources efficiently. Is self-motivated.
• Dependability - Follows through on assignments and provides completed work.
• Confidentiality - Maintains the confidentiality of ongoing enforcement actions and follows the proper public disclosure process when these requests are made.
• Organizational Skills - Has good organizational skills and tracks work needed, responses due, keeps databases up to date and maintains files so that others can locate them when needed.
  
  

Preferred/Desired Education, Experience, and Competencies:

• All the above PLUS 4-years in government organization in management or supervisory professional position.

• Take action to learn and Grow: Demonstrate a willingness to learn from new experiences, seek feedback, consider different perspectives, and continuously improve knowledge, skills, communication, and approaches to work.

• Take action to meet the needs of others: Seek to understand the needs and experiences of customers, coworkers, and communities. Identify barriers to access and participation and address them before they become obstacles for the people we serve, providing support that is respectful, timely, and effective.

Other Qualifications

Special Requirements/ Condition of Employment

• Current Washington State Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Land Surveyor (PLS) registration.

How to Apply: 
Interested? We would love to hear from you! Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application. You can save the application and come back to it, if needed. Be sure to complete the application fully to include a full work history and responses to the supplemental questions.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest that describes why you are the successful candidate and how you meet the specific qualifications for this position
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information

Do not attach any documents that include photos or private information (social security number, year of birth, etc.). 

Please Note:  By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not be substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the online application. Please do not refer to the resume for detail or your application may be disqualified. 

Background Check Notice: Prior to any new appointment into a background check including criminal record history will be conducted as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.


Contact Information:
For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan [email protected] or email [email protected].

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

Benefits

More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note:  If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits. 

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS).  New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs.  For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP).  This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays 
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday. 

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave 
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave. 

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.  

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave 
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing
Parental Leave
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Supplemental Questions

Required Question

Agency Information

EmployerState of WashingtonAddress View Job Posting for Agency Information

View Job Posting for Location, Washington, 98504 Website http://www.careers.wa.gov