Public Works Operations Manager

Application Deadline: Monday, October 26, 2026 at 10:00 AM

The City of Paso Robles is seeking an experienced public works leader to serve as its public works operations manager. This is an opportunity to lead two essential areas of City operations and help shape how Paso Robles maintains and strengthens the infrastructure our community relies on every day.

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and practical leader who builds strong teams, approaches challenges thoughtfully, and understands the importance of responsive and reliable public service. This position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact while supporting a safe, connected, and thriving community.

If you’re ready to bring your leadership and public works experience to Paso Robles, we invite you to apply today!

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life. 

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm. 

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Department

The Public Works Department maintains and improves the infrastructure and public facilities that support everyday life in Paso Robles. The Department’s work includes streets, stormwater systems, traffic infrastructure, the Municipal Airport, City-owned buildings, fleet services, and capital improvement projects, helping keep the community safe, connected, and moving forward. 

Within the Department, the Streets and Stormwater divisions provide essential services that residents and visitors rely on every day. The Streets Maintenance Division maintains more than 150 miles of City roads and related public right-of-way infrastructure, while the Stormwater Division maintains the City’s drainage system and supports compliance with water quality requirements. Together, these divisions play an important role in protecting public infrastructure, supporting safe travel, and preparing the community for changing operational and environmental needs.

• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the operations, services, personnel, projects, and programs of the City's Streets and Stormwater divisions; establishes priorities and ensures efficient, effective, safe, and compliant service delivery.
• Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and support to staff; establishes performance expectations; oversees staffing, recruitment, employee development, succession planning, and performance management; evaluates outcomes; and promotes accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Manages the City's street maintenance program, including maintenance and repair of streets, pavement, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, alleys, signs, striping, drainage facilities, and other related public right-of-way infrastructure.
• Evaluates the condition and maintenance needs of City streets and related infrastructure; establishes maintenance priorities; develops recommendations for preventative, routine, and corrective maintenance; and coordinates implementation with division staff and contractors.
• Manages the planning, implementation, and administration of the City's stormwater management and compliance programs, including compliance with applicable NPDES permits, water quality requirements, and other federal, state, and local regulations.
• Directs and monitors stormwater inspection, illicit discharge, maintenance, documentation, reporting, public education, and related compliance activities; evaluates program effectiveness and recommends improvements as needed.
• Manages assigned public works projects involving streets, storm drains, drainage facilities, and related infrastructure from project development through completion, including defining project scope, developing schedules and budgets, coordinating resources, monitoring progress, and resolving issues.
• Coordinates with the City's Capital Improvement Program division on the planning and delivery of large-scale street, drainage, and other infrastructure projects; provides operational and maintenance input regarding project scope, constructability, long-term maintenance needs, and service impacts.
• Manages contracted construction and maintenance projects from scope development through completion, including developing scopes of work and specifications, coordinating the bid process, evaluating bids and proposals, recommending contract awards, administering contracts, monitoring project performance, and overseeing inspection and closeout.
• Reviews plans, specifications, technical reports, studies, and other project documents related to assigned operations and projects; identifies operational, maintenance, safety, regulatory, or constructability concerns and coordinates with appropriate technical staff or consultants.
• Conducts field inspections and site visits as necessary to evaluate maintenance conditions, project progress, construction quality, operational issues, and compliance with contract and regulatory requirements.
• Oversees the investigation of public concerns and service requests involving streets, drainage, stormwater, and related infrastructure; coordinates appropriate follow-up and communicates resolutions to the public.
• Develops and monitors division budgets; prepares budget recommendations; forecasts staffing, equipment, material, contract, and operational needs; monitors expenditures; and ensures responsible use of City resources.
• Participates in the development of long-range infrastructure planning efforts by identifying maintenance needs, infrastructure deficiencies, operational priorities, and project recommendations.
• Develops, implements, and monitors division goals, objectives, policies, procedures, performance measures, and operational standards; evaluates service delivery and recommends improvements.
• Monitors changes in federal, state, regional, and local laws, regulations, permits, standards, and industry practices affecting streets, stormwater, public works operations, and infrastructure maintenance; evaluates impacts and implements necessary changes.
• Prepares and reviews reports, correspondence, staff reports, budget documents, project updates, regulatory documents, and other materials related to assigned programs and projects.
• Represents the City in meetings with regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, other governmental agencies, community organizations, and the public.
• Participates in emergency response and recovery activities involving streets, drainage, flooding, stormwater, debris, and other public infrastructure; coordinates staff, contractors, equipment, and resources as needed.

• Principles and practices of public works administration, operations, maintenance, construction, and infrastructure management. 
• Principles and practices of management, supervision, leadership, organizational development, workforce planning, employee development, and performance management.
• Street maintenance and repair practices, including asphalt, concrete, pavement preservation, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, alleys, signs, striping, drainage facilities, and related public right-of-way infrastructure.
• Principles and practices of stormwater management, water quality protection, stormwater compliance, and illicit discharge prevention and response.
• Federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and requirements applicable to municipal stormwater programs and public works operations, including NPDES requirements.
• Principles and practices of project management, construction management, contract administration, procurement, and public agency bidding.
• Methods, materials, equipment, and practices used in the construction, maintenance, repair, and inspection of streets, drainage systems, and related public infrastructure.
• Budget development, fiscal administration, purchasing, contract administration, resource allocation, and public-sector financial management.
• Methods for evaluating infrastructure conditions, maintenance needs, project priorities, service levels, and operational effectiveness.
• Principles and practices of preparing scopes of work, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, and contract documents for public works projects and services.
• Applicable safety practices, procedures, and regulations related to public works operations and construction activities.
• Organizational analysis, strategic planning, process improvement, and change management principles.
• Modern office practices, methods, technologies, and computer applications.
• English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, business writing, and presentation techniques.

• Effectively plan, organize, direct, manage, and evaluate complex public works operations, programs, and projects. 
• Provide effective leadership, direction, coaching, and support to staff and foster a high-performing, customer-focused, and accountable work environment.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic initiatives, operational plans, policies, procedures, performance measures, and organizational improvements.
• Evaluate street, drainage, stormwater, and related infrastructure conditions and develop practical maintenance, operational, and project recommendations.
• Manage multiple projects, contracts, regulatory requirements, operational priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Effectively manage public works projects from initial scope development through procurement, construction, contract administration, and completion.
• Develop and administer procurement and contract documents, including scopes of work, specifications, bids, proposals, and contractor agreements, in accordance with applicable requirements.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with contract requirements, schedules, budgets, specifications, safety requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Read and interpret plans, specifications, maps, technical reports, and other documents related to public works projects and infrastructure.
• Understand and apply stormwater regulations, permits, and compliance requirements and ensure assigned programs remain in compliance.
• Coordinate effectively with engineers, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, other City departments, and the public.
• Develop, administer, and monitor budgets and make sound recommendations regarding staffing, equipment, materials, contracts, and other resources.
• Analyze operational and infrastructure problems, evaluate alternatives, exercise sound judgment, and implement effective solutions.
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate reports, recommendations, budget documents, project updates, correspondence, and presentations.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with employees, management, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and members of the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and represent the department in a professional and effective manner.
• Effectively manage multiple priorities, projects, deadlines, and operational demands while maintaining a focus on service delivery, compliance, and organizational objectives.

• Possession of a bachelor's degree with coursework in public administration, business administration, construction management, environmental studies, civil engineering, or a related field; and
• Six years of experience in public works operations, infrastructure maintenance, stormwater management, construction, project management, or a closely related field, including at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity.

• A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit a completed employment application, resume, and cover letter by the application deadline. Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include written, oral, and/or performance examinations. 

This is a confidential recruitment. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. All information provided in application materials is subject to verification. False statements may result in disqualification or discharge.

Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a background investigation and criminal history check. Before beginning employment, applicants must provide documentation of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as well as a current DMV driving record.

Following appointment, employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period as the final phase of the appointment process. 

The email address provided on the City application will be the primary means of communication regarding this recruitment. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify. More information is available at www.PRCity.com/HR. For questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962 or [email protected].

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.