Assistant Deputy Director - Capital Project Delivery

Assistant Deputy Director - Capital Project Delivery

Salary

$140,670.40 - $194,833.60 Annually

Location

Orange County

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

8184MA-0726-280(O)

Department

John Wayne Airport

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

CAREER DESCRIPTION

ASSISTANT DEPUTY DIRECTOR - CAPITAL PROJECT DELIVERY

(Capital Projects Assistant Deputy Director)

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and the successful candidates qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Capital Projects Assistant Deputy Director positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

The deadline to apply for this position is Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST.

JOHN WAYNE AIRPORT

Ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among Large Airports in the J.D. Power 2024 and 2025 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, John Wayne Airport (JWA) has been a major cornerstone of Orange County for more than 100 years. Located in beautiful Southern California, we currently serve approximately 11.7 million annual passengers. We strive to provide a superior guest experience to ensure travel is convenient and stress-free. The County of Orange owns and operates the airport, and the service area includes more than three million people within 34 cities and unincorporated areas of Orange County and beyond.

As a medium hub airport, we have commercial flights to more than 40 nonstop destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Eleven commercial airlines and two air cargo airlines fly out of the Airport. It is home to nearly 500 general aviation (private, non-commercial) aircraft, representing 60% of total operations, and includes two full-service fixed base operators and one limited use general aviation facility.

• Mission: Connecting People, Places and Opportunities.
• Vision: To be an airport of choice by creating exceptional experiences.
• Core Values: REACH
• Respect
• Environmental Stewardship
• Accountability
• Collaboration
• Honesty

To learn more about working at John Wayne Airport, click here.

To learn more about the County of Orange, click here.

THE DIVISION

The newly reformed Planning and Development Division brings the airports infrastructure under the direct management of the airport. This Division oversees and delivers the airports $700 million Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which includes airside, landside, and terminal renovations, as well as major utility projects and long-term infrastructure planning. The Division is also a key partner in the implementation of the General Aviation Improvement Program and the Terminal Tenant Concession Redevelopment Program. This team has 28 professionals in a variety of roles. This Division's functional areas include engineering, airport land use planning, environmental compliance, and capital project delivery.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Assistant Deputy Director, Capital Project Delivery, provides strategic and technical leadership for the planning, design, construction, and delivery of complex capital improvement projects within a highly regulated, security-sensitive, and continuously operating environment. This role oversees the design development, constructability review, procurement, construction execution, commissioning, and close-out while ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to ongoing facility operations.

Serving as a senior advisor and owner's representative, the Assistant Deputy Director leads multidisciplinary project and logistics teams; manages consultant and contractor performance; and partners closely with procurement to develop and administer public works contracts. The role requires coordination with internal divisions, external agencies, utility partners, and community stakeholders to ensure compliance with public contracting codes, building and safety regulations, environmental requirements, and security protocols.

Capital projects may include modernization of vertical and horizontal infrastructure, structural improvements, utility and electrical distribution upgrades, accessibility enhancements, and campus-wide facility renovations. The position also serves as the primary backup to the Deputy Airport Director, Planning & Development, contributing to division strategy, long-range planning, and executive-level decision-making. This is a highly visible leadership role suited for an experienced project delivery professional who can navigate complex operational constraints while driving excellence in scope, schedule, budget, and stakeholder outcomes.

For additional details about John Wayne Airport's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), please click here.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the full project delivery lifecycle, including scope definition, pre-design planning, design development, technical review, constructability analysis, construction oversight, commissioning, and close-out
• Oversee multidisciplinary project management and logistics teams responsible for delivering complex capital projects in an active operating environment
• Plan, prioritize, and manage multiple concurrent projects while minimizing operational disruptions to the facility and its stakeholders
• Partner with procurement teams on public works contracting, including A/E selection, construction contracting, job order contracting, and alternate delivery methods (CMAR, DB, PDB)
• Guide development of scopes, schedules, budgets, technical requirements, security coordination needs, and resource allocations
• Ensure strict compliance with public works contracting requirements, building codes, safety programs, and regulatory frameworks
• Maintain effective communication with internal departments (Operations, Maintenance, Finance, IT, Security, Environmental) and external agencies, cities, and utility providers
• Serve as a technical representative in meetings with contractors, consultants, community groups, and internal leadership
• Monitor and report on project performance, risks, and milestones; recommend corrective measures when issues arise

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Six (6) years of professional experience in project delivery across both design and construction for large-scale public works or complex capital infrastructure projects, including work within active, operating, secured, or campus-scale environments, as well as three (3) or more years of supervisory or lead experience directing professional staff, consultants, contractors, or technical teams.

Aviation experience remains beneficial but is not required.

A bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or construction management is preferred, with a master's degree strongly desired. Licensure as a Professional Engineer or Architect in the State of California is also preferred, along with professional certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM).

The ideal candidate will also have extensive experience in the following key competencies:

Technical Experience | Technical Knowledge

• Significant experience delivering large-scale public works or capital infrastructure projects, including design coordination, constructability review, construction oversight, commissioning, and close-out
• Ability to lead and integrate multidisciplinary technical teams spanning engineering, architecture, construction management, and project controls
• Demonstrated experience managing projects within operationally constrained and security-sensitive facilities, such as hospitals, campuses, transportation hubs, secured government complexes, or similar occupied environments
• Knowledge of public-sector contracting requirements, including relevant building codes, California Public Contracting Code, Cal-OSHA, and Federal/State/local regulations
• Familiarity with utility system upgrades, vertical conveyance, fire/life-safety systems, MEP/HVAC systems, central utility plants, seismic improvements, or comparable complex infrastructure
• Experience with alternative delivery methods such as design-build, CMAR, progressive design-build, and job-order contracting
• Aviation-specific technical knowledge (FAA standards, airport security protocols, airfield/terminal/landside development) is valued but not required

Supervision | Leadership Skills

• Ability to delegate, review, and monitor complex work for quality, timeliness, and accountability
• Skilled in coaching, mentoring, and developing staff in a fast-paced, operational environment
• Proven leadership in guiding diverse stakeholder groups from project concept through completion
• Experience enforcing safety guidelines and promoting safe construction practices

Analysis and Problem Solving

• Ability to interpret and enforce compliance with plans, specifications, schedules, and contract provisions
• Strong analytical skills to anticipate project challenges related to scope, budget, schedule, or operating constraints
• Ability to assess technical data, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions in clear, actionable terms
• Experience resolving escalated issues and coordinating remediation or corrective actions
• Skilled in performing quantity calculations, estimates, and data-driven evaluations
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with internal and external staff, contractors, agencies, and regulatory bodies

Planning and Organization

• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and deliver multiple projects simultaneously within active operational settings
• Proven record of completing assignments on time and within budget
• Ability to manage competing priorities, shifting deadlines, and multifaceted stakeholder needs
• Experience coordinating work phases to minimize disruption to facility operations and public services

Communication Skills | Oral & Written

• Experience presenting technical and project information to executive leadership, elected bodies, private-sector partners, community groups, and regulatory agencies
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, concise communications suited for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated political and organizational savvy when navigating sensitive issues across departments and stakeholders
• Skilled in written and oral communication for proposals, reports, briefings, and collaborative discussions
• Experience negotiating and managing competitive bidding processes for complex public works contracts

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Please click here for details on the Capital Projects Assistant Deputy Director classification, including the physical, mental, environmental, and working conditions.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

While this is mostly a daytime assignment, projects construction mostly occurs at night. Given the airports 24/7 operations, there may be responsibilities on nights or weekends.

LICENSE REQUIRED

The successful candidate must obtain, possess, and maintain the following licenses:

• Valid California Drivers License, Class C or higher, by date of appointment
• Valid Airport Access Badge with an Airport Driving Endorsement within ten (10) days of employment

AIRPORT ACCESS REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate must clear a background check which includes a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Security Threat Assessment (STA). Airport Access Badge must be maintained and renewed every two (2) years.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.

Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)

Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants who meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview (SOI) | Exam (Weighted 100%)

Applicants will be interviewed and rated by an oral interview panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicants rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicants qualifications for the job. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List

Once the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.

Please note: The information you provide on your application and/or response to the supplemental questions may be used as a scoring device, so please be thorough and complete in your response. "See Resume" is not a qualifying response and will not be scored in lieu of the required information.

Based on the Countys needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.

Veterans Employment Preference

The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:

Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.

NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.

User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Michelle Bocicor at mbocicor@ocair.com or (949) 252-5174.

EEO INFORMATION

Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Please note that Extra Help employees are not eligible for the benefits listed.

Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.

http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information

01

Please select the option that best describes your professional experience in project delivery, including project management, construction management, engineering, or related experience for public works or capital infrastructure projects:

• 6 years or more of experience
• 4 to 5 years of experience
• 2 to 3 years of experience
• 1 year or less of experience
• No experience

02

The Assistant Deputy Director will lead multidisciplinary professional teams. How many years of experience do you have supervising or leading project managers, engineers, construction managers, consultants, or other technical staff?

• 3 years or more of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 1 year of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• No experience

03

Aviation-specific experience is preferred but not required. Please select the option that best describes your experience working on projects within aviation, transportation, or other highly regulated, security-sensitive operating environments:

• 6 years or more of experience
• 4 to 5 years of experience
• 2 to 3 years of experience
• 1 year of experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• No experience

04

Please select all the project areas listed below that you have experience in:

• Horizontal Projects: Work on airfield, roadway, landside, and campus-wide civil and site infrastructure. Examples include: runways/taxiways, airfield lighting, circulation/roadway work, parking facilities, and other site-civil improvements.
• Vertical Projects: Building-based and structural improvements to terminals, tenant spaces, and facility interiors. Examples include: terminal renovation, architectural/structural upgrades, ADA improvements, vertical conveyance, and seismic upgrades.
• Utility Projects: Infrastructure and system upgrades supporting airport operations. Examples include: central utility plant systems, electrical distribution, HVAC/building automation, plumbing/sewer, fire/life-safety, and other MEP-focused work.
• Design Management: Planning, design coordination, engineering oversight, and reviewing technical studies. Examples include: architectural/engineering design reviews, constructability analysis, integration of building systems, ALP/master planning inputs.
• Construction Management: Oversight of construction execution, logistics coordination, project controls, and safety compliance. Examples include: CALM oversight, schedule and budget tracking, construction phasing in operating environments, contractor administration, safety program implementation.
• Procurement: Public-sector contracting and acquisition of professional and construction services. Examples include: scope development, RFP/RFQ preparation, A-E procurement, job-order contracting, FAA grant-related procurement compliance, and public works contracting support.

05

From the following options, please select any license, certificate, or academic credentials that you possess: Please note: If you select any of the options below, please attach a copy of your license, certificate, and/or degree to your application.

• Masters degree in airport management, aviation, architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or closely related field
• Bachelors degree in airport management, aviation, architecture, civil engineering, construction management, or closely related field
• Architects license issued by the California Board of Architectural Examiners
• Professional Engineering License (PE) issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers
• Architects license issued by a state other than California
• Professional Engineering License issued by a state other than California
• Project Management Professional Certification (PMP)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• N/A

06

By date of appointment, a valid California drivers license, Class C or higher, is required for this position and must be maintained throughout employment. Do you currently possess or have the ability to obtain a valid California Drivers License?

• Yes
• No

07

Please briefly describe the most significant capital development or construction project you have managed within the past five years. In your response, include the project type and scope, your role and key responsibilities, the project budget, major milestones or outcomes achieved, and the project's current status (if it is still in progress).

08

Briefly describe the largest team you have supervised. Please include the number of staff, types of disciplines represented (e.g., engineering, construction management, project controls, logistics, consultants), and describe your leadership responsibilities.

Required Question

Employer County of Orange

Address 400 W CIVIC CENTER DRIVE

Santa Ana, California, 92701

Phone 714-834-2555

Website https://hrs.oc.gov