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Civil Works Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA ยท 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:

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 ...

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 ...

... 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 ...

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... 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 ...

... 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 ...

New

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... Works Administration Opening Date 06/09/2026 Closing Date 6/22/2026 12:00 PM Central FLSA Non ... In addition, City of Ames Civil Service employees who have previously held Civil Service status in ...

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Civil Works Administration information

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$38K

$82.7K

$123K

How much do civil works administration jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 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 is the difference between the Civil Works Administration and the Public Works Administration?

The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was a short-term New Deal program created in 1933 to rapidly create temporary jobs through public works projects during the Great Depression. The Public Works Administration (PWA), established in 1933 as well, focused on long-term infrastructure projects like bridges, dams, and schools, often involving larger-scale construction and more permanent employment. Both aimed to stimulate economic recovery but differed in scope, duration, and project types.

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.

Does the Civil Works Administration still exist today?

The Civil Works Administration was a short-lived New Deal agency that operated from 1933 to 1934 and no longer exists today. It was replaced by other federal agencies focused on public works and employment programs during the Great Depression. Today, similar roles are carried out by agencies like the Department of Transportation and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

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.

What is the civil works administration?

The Civil Works Administration was a short-lived New Deal program created in 1933 to provide temporary jobs through public works projects such as road construction and infrastructure repair. It employed workers directly and often required skills in construction, engineering, or manual labor, with a focus on quickly reducing unemployment during the Great Depression.

What type of projects did workers of the Civil Works Administration work on?

Workers of the Civil Works Administration (CWA) primarily worked on public infrastructure projects such as road construction, bridge repair, school building, and other community improvements. These projects aimed to provide employment during the Great Depression and often involved manual labor and basic construction skills.
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:
Infographic showing various Civil Works Administration job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,674 per year, or $39.7 per hour.
Public Works Director

Public Works Director

City of Hopewell

Hopewell, VA โ€ข On-site

$160K/yr

Other

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

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.