ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Civil Works Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Hopewell

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA · On-site

$160K/yr

... civil engineering principles and best practices. Extensive knowledge of construction inspections, quality control methods and practices, and of municipal public works administration. Skills:

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Civil Design Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

Lead or support the design and construction administration of civil works projects, including dams, levees, and floodwalls. * Develop and review plans and specifications to ensure high quality ...

Tetra Tech

Civil Design Engineer

Columbus, OH

Lead or support the design and construction administration of civil works projects, including dams, levees, and floodwalls. * Develop and review plans and specifications to ensure high quality ...

City of Dickinson, ND

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$118K - $131K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field. * Twelve (12) years of progressively responsible public works experience. * Minimum ...

Lincoln County, OR

Public Works Director

Newport, OR · On-site

$133K - $179K/yr

ADMINISTRATION Opening Date: 06/22/2026 Position Summary PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR $133,694.00 - $179 ... A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and ten (10) years of progressively re ...

Lincoln County

Public Works Director

Newport, OR

$133K - $179K/yr

Public Works Administration Engineering Facilities Fleet Services Road Maintenance & Operations ... in civil engineering or a related field, and ten (10) years of progressively re-sponsible ...

City of St Marys

Public Works Engineer I

Saint Marys, GA · On-site

Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering and public works administration. * Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs. * Knowledge of surveying technology and ...

Apply Early

Garver

Civil Engineer- Federal Projects

Austin, TX

... works, and other related general civil engineering task. Typical clients are those from the Air ... construction administration, and submittal reviews for projects under construction. Design ...

Garver

Civil Engineer- Federal Projects

Austin, TX · On-site

... works, and other related general civil engineering task. Typical clients are those from the Air ... construction administration, and submittal reviews for projects under construction. Design ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCivil Works Administration Jobs

Civil Works Administration information

See salary details

$38K

$82.7K

$123K

How much do civil works administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for civil works administration in the United States is $82,674.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some examples of civil works administration?

Civil Works Administration (CWA) projects included constructing roads, bridges, schools, and public buildings to improve infrastructure and create jobs during the Great Depression. These projects often involved manual labor, heavy equipment, and coordination with local governments to enhance community facilities and transportation networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Civil Works Administration, and why are they important?

To excel in Civil Works Administration, a strong background in project management, civil engineering principles, and public works regulations is essential, typically supported by a degree in civil engineering or construction management. Familiarity with project management software, GIS tools, and compliance systems is often required. Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills help coordinate teams and liaise with stakeholders effectively. These abilities ensure efficient project delivery, regulatory compliance, and the successful management of large-scale civil infrastructure projects.

What is the difference between Civil Works Administration vs Civil Engineer?

AspectCivil Works AdministrationCivil Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some positions may need technical trainingBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentField sites, construction areas, government projectsDesign offices, construction sites, project planning environments
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily government agencies during the New Deal era; modern usage is limitedEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies

The Civil Works Administration was a short-term government program focused on infrastructure projects, often employing laborers with minimal formal education. Civil Engineers, on the other hand, are licensed professionals responsible for designing, planning, and overseeing infrastructure projects. While both roles are involved in construction and public works, Civil Engineers require formal education and licensure, whereas Civil Works Administration roles historically did not.

What are some common challenges faced when managing large-scale civil works projects within an administrative role?

In a civil works administration role, managing large-scale projects often involves balancing tight deadlines, budget constraints, and regulatory compliance. Coordinating between contractors, engineers, government agencies, and local communities can be complex, requiring strong communication and organizational skills. Administrators must also anticipate and address unexpected issues, such as weather delays or changes in project scope, to keep projects on track. Developing effective project management strategies and maintaining detailed documentation are crucial for success in this dynamic environment.

Does the public works administration still exist?

The Civil Works Administration was a New Deal agency created in 1933 to provide temporary jobs during the Great Depression and was disbanded in 1934. It no longer exists, but its functions were later absorbed into other government agencies involved in public works and infrastructure projects.

What kind of jobs did the Works Progress Administration create?

The Civil Works Administration created jobs primarily in public works projects such as building roads, bridges, schools, and airports. These jobs aimed to improve infrastructure and provide employment during the Great Depression, often requiring skills in construction, carpentry, and engineering. The program focused on short-term employment to stimulate economic recovery.

What is the Civil Works Administration?

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was a short-term U.S. government agency established in 1933 as part of the New Deal. Its primary purpose was to create jobs for millions of unemployed workers during the Great Depression by funding and organizing public works projects such as building roads, schools, and other infrastructure. The CWA provided much-needed relief by offering immediate employment, helping to boost the economy and improve public facilities. Although it was discontinued in 1934, its projects laid the groundwork for future public works programs.

What does the Civil Works Administration do?

The Civil Works Administration was a short-term New Deal program that employed workers on public projects such as roads, bridges, and public buildings. It provided temporary jobs to alleviate unemployment during the Great Depression and involved skills in construction, project management, and public infrastructure development.
More about Civil Works Administration jobs
What states have the most Civil Works Administration jobs? States with the most job openings for Civil Works Administration jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Civil Works Administration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Civil Works Administration jobs are:
Civil Works Administration jobs near you

Public Works Director

City of Hopewell, VA

Hopewell, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Salary: Negotiable
Location : 300 N Main St , Hopewell, VA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: PW100125
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 03/26/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Description
Performs complex professional work planning, organizing, directing, and administering the activities of the department including street maintenance, building maintenance, stormwater program, fleet maintenance, solid waste collections, and construction project management, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel.
Examples of Duties
  • Directs and coordinates the operations of stormwater management, building construction and maintenance, street and drainage maintenance, grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, solid waste collection, management of inactive landfills, and fleet services.
  • Manages construction contracts for the City; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; coordinates and monitors the work of contractors; makes field inspections of public works or engineering projects to review progress, ensures completion and compliance with contract requirements.
  • Works closely with the City Council, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, other City departments, and a variety of public and private organizations in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to public works issues.
  • Participates in planning activities for the City; serves as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Virginia Waste Management Organization.
  • Evaluates and develops City ordinances and policies for effectiveness and appropriateness.
  • Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Public Works Department, division, and capital improvement budgets; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.
  • Coordinates and/or facilitates department activities with the needs of other City departments.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and explains department programs to citizens; investigates and takes necessary actions.
  • Serves as the City's resource for technical engineering expertise; provides engineering consultations with staff and community.
  • Recruits and selects department personnel; assigns, directs, trains, and inspects the work of staff; rewards, disciplines, coaches, counsels, and evaluates staff performance; develops staff schedules; recommends transfers, promotions, suspensions, terminations, and demotions.
  • Ensures the proper safety training and practices of staff.
  • Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and extensive progressively responsible experience in civil engineering and public works services, maintenance and operations, including considerable supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and/or Certifications:
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge:
  • Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles and best practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of construction inspections, quality control methods and practices, and of municipal public works administration.

Skills:
  • Leadership and communication skills.
  • Strong technical problem solving and analytical skills.

Abilities:
  • Ability to deal with multiple projects/issues concurrently.
  • Ability to work with others and to communicate engineering solutions clearly and concisely.

Other Requirements:
  • Ability to work on rotating shifts during snow and natural emergencies.

Supplemental Information
Work Environment:
  • Work is primarily performed indoors but is exposed to temperamental changes (warehouses, covered loading docks, garages, etc.) or extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

Essential Physical Activities:
  • Stooping, crouching, walking, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception.
  • Typical weight handled: up to 75 lbs.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
NA

Apply