Public Works Director

To be considered for this outstanding opportunity, a completed employment application, cover letter, and resume must be received by the final filing deadline of October 4, 2026. 

• Assumes full management responsibility for all programs, services, and activities of the Public Works Department including providing oversight and administrative direction to Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer and related duties and responsibilities.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Public Works Department.
• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly. 
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Department’s operating and capital improvement budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of changes.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.  
• Oversees traffic engineering and transportation planning activities; develops local, State and Federal funding sources for such activities.
• Oversees the provision of contracted services; prepares specifications and requests for proposal; evaluates bids and makes recommendations for contract aware; manages and administers contract to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and approved budget. 
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the Public Works Department’s work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to department programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. 
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public services.
• Represents the Public Works Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Directs and participates in the preparation, review, and presentation of reports; provides recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, various boards as required; manages special projects as assigned by the City Manager. 
• Receives, investigates, and responds to the most difficult and sensitive complaints, inquiries, and requests for services and takes necessary action to resolve.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. 
• Performs related duties as required. 

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Possession of a valid California registration as a Professional Engineer (PE), highly desirable.

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the Public Works Department. 
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures. 
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards. 
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Principles, practices, techniques, procedures and standards of capital improvement engineering, design, construction, inspection, funding, and long-term maintenance.
• Principles and concepts of municipal infrastructure maintenance, repair, and replacement.
• Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Technical, legal, financial, and public relations problems associated with the management of public works programs.
• Grant application and administration.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff. 
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner. 
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards. 
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Public Works Department.
• Plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review, and evaluate a comprehensive public work design, engineering, construction, and maintenance program.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Conduct effective negotiations with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Make accurate arithmetic, financial and statistical computations.
• Direct the maintenance of and maintain accurate records and files.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. 
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.