Job Description:
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE
Description
DESCRIPTIONTHE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE (This is an at-will position) Salary Range: $174,568.632 to $ 244,396.085 ABOUT US The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, serves as an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with facilitating approximately $300 billion in trade, the Port serves as a vital hub for international commerce and is a major transportation hub. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a significant economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit both the region and the country as a whole.
THE TEAM The Maintenance Division is responsible for maintaining the Port's Infrastructure and Port-owned facilities. Their sections include Utilities, Fleet, Facilities, Infrastructure, Marine, and Administration, including regulatory compliance, emergency response, commercial diving, and inventory management. Work is performed in response to work requests from other Divisions of the Harbor Department, through scheduled/planned maintenance activities, or for the Port's tenants on a for-hire basis.
THE ROLE
The Assistant Director of Maintenance is responsible for leading and overseeing the specialized operations of the five maintenance sections. This includes guidance on regulatory compliance, best management practices, the overarching Harbor Department Strategic Plan, and policy direction by the Board of Harbor Commissioners to ensure the safe and effective 24/7/365 availability of the Port’s common-use infrastructure to maximize the uninterrupted velocity of cargo for Port terminal operators, tenants, and other valued stakeholders. The Assistant Director provides day-to-day operational leadership for the Division, leading five section managers and approximately 100 teammates, and serves as the Division’s second-in-command.
CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION) To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 5:00 PM PDT via Microsoft Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. Click here to join the meeting.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIESHOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE - Oversee a variety of infrastructure, including utilities, cranes, marine structures, roadways, public spaces, and underwater maintenance.
- Execute a multi-year asset management program.
- Chart the course for updates on stormwater systems for regulatory compliance.
- Transition the Port’s vehicle and vessel fleet to zero emissions, along with transitioning the Division’s associated workforce and electrical infrastructure.
- Ensure clean and safe navigation of waterways, roadways, and functional utilities.
- Provide exceptional leadership and guidance to subordinate managers overseeing the specialized day-to-day operations of five maintenance sections.
- Recommend effective policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent and compliant practices.
- Offers strategic recommendations to align maintenance services with the goals of the Harbor Department, ensuring optimal performance and results.
- Effectively interacts with tenants and other stakeholders/customers, fostering positive relationships and addressing their needs and concerns.
- Demonstrate foresight and expert assistance in resolving complex business and maintenance-related issues, problems, and concerns.
- Perform thorough research, analysis and provides well-reasoned recommendations through oral and written reports to Port leadership, the Board of Harbor Commissioners, and other stakeholders.
- Exercise strong leadership, guidance, and oversight of the Division's regulatory compliance policies and practices, including maintaining air and water quality permits, fueling facility requirements, stormwater pollution protection, and occupational safety. Ensure adherence to building code-compliant occupancy and fire/life/safety systems within facilities and workplaces.
- Effectively manage work requests from the Engineering Services Bureau and other Harbor Department Divisions, overseeing special project requests.
- Represent the Division as Acting Director when required, demonstrating professionalism and competence in decision-making and management responsibilities.
- Goes above and beyond by performing additional duties necessary to advance the Division to a high standard of excellence and ensure exceptional service delivery.
REQUIREMENTS TO FILEEDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE: - Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Facilities Management, Public Administration, Development Studies, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Construction Management, or a related public service field. Experience offering specific and substantial preparation for the duties of the position may be considered for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- Seven years or more of increasingly responsible management experience.
- Must have knowledge of federal, state and local laws, permits, codes, ordinances and regulations pertaining to construction and facilities management.
- Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License (will be verified at the time of appointment).
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) during the course of employment.
TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED: - Broad knowledge of the general methods, materials, and equipment used in construction and maintenance trades, building and pavement maintenance, vessel maintenance, and commercial diving activities.
- Knowledge of environmental regulations governing maintenance operations (air and water quality, permits, and related compliance).
- Managing multiple priorities at once; handle frequent interruptions and competing deadlines; set priorities, take initiative and exercise sound independent judgement; and work independently without extensive direction or oversight.
- Ability to review engineering plans and specifications.
- Strong employee-development and labor/HR-management capabilities.
- Knowledge of workplace safety, occupational safety, ADA, and related regulations.
- Excellent oral and written English language skills for business applications.
DESIRABLES: - Previous experience with public sector maintenance operations.
- Previous experience with sea port/airport or harbor maintenance operations.
- Previous experience in public procurement processes.
- Previous experience working within a 24/7/365 operation.
- Second language speaking skills are a plus.
SELECTION PROCEDUREThe final filing date for this recruitment is
Monday October 26 , 2026, 11:59pm PDT. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format. Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.
Submissions will be evaluated to determine the most qualified applicants. Individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written assessment and panel interview, to evaluate candidate qualifications further. An employment offer is contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive background check and favorable references.
Individuals determined to be most qualified will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related assessment to evaluate candidate qualifications further. First-round panel interviews are scheduled to take place in-person the week of
November 9 , 2026. Candidates selected to advance will participate in a writing prompt and in-person panel interview the week of
November 16 , 2026 . Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter.
On January 1, 2018, the California Fair Chance Act, also known as the Ban the Box law, was enacted to address the issue of employment discrimination against individuals with criminal records. The law prohibits employers with five or more employees from asking job applicants about their criminal history until after a conditional offer has been made. The City of Long Beach (City) believes in fairness and equal opportunity for all job seekers, regardless of their past convictions. To ensure the city is complying with the requirements of the California Fair Chance Act, the Department of Human Resources (Human Resources) has worked diligently to review current processes and identify areas of opportunity for improvement. This memorandum will provide an overview of the Fair Chance Act, the City’s current background check process, legal requirements, and potential actions that will be taken to help remove hiring barriers that may prevent qualified candidates from being considered for employment due to prior offenses.
THE BENEFITS: The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of
$174,568.632 to $ 244,396.085 (this is an at-will position). Placement will be based on qualifications. An attractive package of executive-level benefits is also included with the opportunity of working in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States. The Port’s generous benefits package includes:
- Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security (with a 7.25% payroll contribution).
- Deferred Compensation - City match of up to 2% of base salary for all qualified members that are contributing to the 457(b) plan.
- Group Health Insurance - The current standard group health insurance includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. The Port currently offers an HMO and PPO medical option, and two dental plans to choose from.
- Life Insurance - City-paid life insurance policy of $20,000 plus executive insurance benefit equal to three times annual salary up to a maximum of $500,000.
- Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Pay for Performance - Pay-For-Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
- Vacation - Vacation is accrued at 3.7 hours per pay period to begin, which is equivalent to two weeks on an annual basis. The accrual rate is predicated upon the length of service. Vacation can be used after six months of service.
- Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
- Paid Parental Leave - after 6 months of employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours), taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
- Executive Leave - 40 hours per year.
- Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year, and 4 personal holidays.
- Bereavement Leave - 3 days for death or critical illness of immediate family member.
- Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement is available for employees to obtain additional education or training.
- Annual Physical - Eligible to receive an annual physical examination at City expense through the City-provided program.
The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity EmployerWe do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com Employee BenefitsThe City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:
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Medical and Dental Insurance•
Life Insurance•
Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)•
Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave•
Deferred Compensation•
Credit Union Membership•
Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)•
Flexible Spending Accounts•
Free Employee Parking•
Paid Parental Leave* *Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).
Closing Date/Time: 10/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Salary:
$174,568.63 - $244,396.08 Annually