ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Of Public Works Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Local Agency Engineering Associates

Be Seen First

Public Works Inspector

Placentia, CA · On-site

We are a provider of professional engineering, construction management and public works inspection ... Director) and Public works Inspection firm. Applications without the appropriate background are ...

Local Agency Engineering Associates

Be Seen First

Public Works Inspector

Placentia, CA · On-site

We are a provider of professional engineering, construction management and public works inspection ... Director) and Public works Inspection firm. Applications without the appropriate background are ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOf Public Works JobsDirector Of Public Works JobsDirector Of Public Works Jobs in Riverside, CA

Director Of Public Works information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$50.1K

$141K

$213.3K

How much do director of public works jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for director of public works in Riverside, CA is $140,952.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,200.00 and $169,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a director of public works do?

A Director of Public Works oversees the planning, development, and management of municipal infrastructure and public services, such as roads, water supply, sewage, and public facilities. They coordinate projects, manage budgets, supervise staff, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This role often involves collaborating with government officials, contractors, and the public to address community needs and maintain essential services. Their leadership is crucial for the efficient operation and improvement of a city's physical infrastructure.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of public works?

To thrive as a Director of Public Works, you need expertise in civil engineering, public administration, and project management, typically supported by a relevant degree and professional licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE). Familiarity with infrastructure planning software, GIS systems, and compliance with regulatory standards is important. Leadership, strategic communication, and problem-solving skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These competencies ensure effective management of public infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and the delivery of essential community services.

How does a director of public works typically collaborate with other municipal departments and external partners?

A Director of Public Works regularly coordinates with departments such as Planning, Engineering, Finance, and Parks & Recreation to ensure that infrastructure projects align with city goals and budgets. They also work closely with external contractors, utility companies, and state or federal agencies to manage permits, funding, and regulatory compliance. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as many projects require input and approval from multiple stakeholders. This collaborative environment helps ensure that public works initiatives are completed efficiently and meet community needs.

What is the difference between Director Of Public Works vs Public Works Supervisor?

AspectDirector Of Public WorksPublic Works Supervisor
CredentialsBachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, or related field; often requires management experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; some experience in public works or construction
Work EnvironmentAdministrative offices, field inspections, project planningField sites, maintenance facilities, construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipal governments, public agencies, large organizationsMunicipalities, public works departments, construction firms
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles, responsibilities, and qualificationsOperational tasks, supervision, daily field activities

The Director Of Public Works typically oversees the entire public works department, focusing on strategic planning, budgeting, and policy development. In contrast, the Public Works Supervisor manages daily operations, supervising staff and ensuring project execution. Both roles are essential but differ mainly in scope and level of responsibility.

Is a director of public works an elected position?

A director of public works is typically a hired position and is not elected. They are usually appointed by local government officials or agencies and often require relevant experience in civil engineering, public administration, or related fields. The specific appointment process can vary depending on the jurisdiction's rules and organizational structure.

What job categories do people searching Director Of Public Works jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Of Public Works jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Director Of Public Works jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Director Of Public Works job openings:

Director Of Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Of Public Works job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,952 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

Deputy Director of Public Works*

County of San Bernardino, CA

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$163K - $234K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

San Bernardino County rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

547th of 856 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Salary : $163,675.20 - $234,956.80 Annually
Location : San Bernardino, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 26-03221-01
Department: DPW-Transportation
Opening Date: 08/08/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Exempt
The Job
APPLY BY SEPTEMBER 4, 2026 FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION
The San Bernardino County Department of Public Works is seeking a visionary and strategic Deputy Director* to provide executive leadership for the Transportation and Flood Control Divisions. This is a unique opportunity to lead the planning, delivery, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of critical infrastructure that supports public safety, mobility, and flood protection throughout one of the nation's largest counties.
Under general direction, the Deputy Director plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Transportation and Flood Control Divisions. The position provides executive leadership to managers, engineers, technical staff, and field operations teams, overseeing transportation programs, flood control operations, capital improvement projects, roadway maintenance, and emergency response activities. Responsibilities include establishing strategic priorities, developing and administering division budgets, overseeing contracts and regulatory compliance, implementing policies and operational improvements, and ensuring projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and in alignment with County goals. The Deputy Director also serves as a key advisor to executive leadership and represents the Department with elected officials, partner agencies, developers, consultants, contractors, and community stakeholders.
*Official Title: Chief Public Works Engineer. For more information, please review the job description.
About the Transportation and Flood Control Divisions
The Transportation Division maintains and improves approximately 2,573 miles of County roadways, providing roadway maintenance, grading, pavement preservation, traffic operations, environmental coordination, and delivery of major capital improvement projects through a network of strategically located maintenance yards. The Flood Control Division operates and maintains an extensive system of dams, channels, conservation basins, and storm drains to protect communities from flooding, support water conservation and water quality, and coordinate regional flood control improvements throughout San Bernardino County. Together, these divisions provide essential infrastructure and services that enhance public safety, economic vitality, and quality of life for residents and businesses across the County.
To learn more about the Department of Public Works and how our divisions serve and support the community, visit the
View the Deputy Director of Public Works Recruitment Brochure
EXCELLENT BENEFITS
To review job-specific benefits, refer to: Summary of Benefits and the Exempt Compensation Ordinance
The County also offers an alternative Modified Benefits Option (MBO) that provides a wage differential.
Minimum Requirements
Candidates must possess all of the following requirements:
License: Must be a Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California. Indicate registration number in the Certificate/License section of the application.Education: A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a closely-related field.Experience:
Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in the management and supervision of professional and technical personnel involved in public works projects, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public works facilities. Candidates must have at least one (1) year of qualifying management level experience as above.
Education Substitution: Applications may be accepted from candidates who possess a Bachelor's degree in an unrelated field if they are Registered Civil Engineers in the State of California and have eight (8) years of qualifying experience.
Degree/Coursework Note: Any qualifying degree/coursework obtained outside the United States must be accompanied by an equivalency report from an accredited credential evaluation service.
Desired Qualifications
The ideal candidate will be a strategic and collaborative leader with experience managing complex public works or civil infrastructure programs. They will have a strong background in engineering, project management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, along with the ability to lead diverse teams and build effective partnerships. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is a commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering high-quality public services.
Selection Process
Interested candidates must submit:
  • Compelling cover letter;
  • Comprehensive resume;
  • Three (3) professional references.
An electronic version of all submittals are required to be sent to: ExecRecruit@hr.sbcounty.gov or candidates may complete the online application and upload the required documents.
Questions should be addressed to: Kristen Rojas (kristen.rojas@hr.sbcounty.gov)
Priority Application Review: Applications received by Friday, September 4, 2026 will be included in the first review/processing of applications; subsequent reviews may be conducted as needed to meet business needs. Recruitment may close at anytime once sufficient qualified applications are received.
To ensure timely and successful submission of your online application, please allow ample time to complete and submit your application. Applicants will be automatically logged-out if they have not submitted the application and all required materials prior to the posted deadline. Once your application has been successfully submitted you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
All communications regarding the selection process will be via email. Applications are encouraged to check their emails frequently to obtain any correspondence associated with this recruitment. Please be sure the email provided on this application is always current; it is your responsibility to update your personal information. Update your Spam, Junk, Bulk and Firewall settings as needed to ensure that you receive all information pertaining to this recruitment.
If you need technical assistance, access the or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at (855) 524-5627. Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by your internet connection, computer, or browser when submitting an application.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) / Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA):San Bernardino County is an and Americans with DisabilitiesAct (ADA) compliant employer, dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities for allemployees and applicants.
ADA Accommodation:If you have a disability and need accommodations during the testing process, please submit the within one week of the recruitmentfiling deadline.
Veterans' Preference:Eligible veterans, their spouses, or widows/widowers who are not current County employees mayreceive additional Veterans' Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request thesepoints, please refer to the
For more important details,
Exempt Unit-Group C
San Bernardino County offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. These include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of other voluntary benefits. Programs and benefit amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
Please review the appropriate * for more information
Refer to the appropriate MOU, contact the County's Employee Benefits and Services Division at (909) 387-5787 or visit the for more detailed information.
*Retirement benefits subject to change.
01
LICENSE: Are you currently a Registered Civil Engineer in the State of California.
  • Yes
  • No

02
If you answered yes above, please provide your License Number.
03
EDUCATION: List your college coursework in the box below, including any courses in engineering or a related field. List the school, course title and number, and number of units (semester or quarter) earned. Example: CSUSB, Intro to Engineering, ENG 100, 4 qtr units You may also attach copies of your college transcripts in lieu of listing coursework. Candidates who possess a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field do not need to provide list of coursework.
04
PUBLIC WORKS MANAGEMENT: Describe your experience in the management of a section or division of a public works agency involved in Flood Control, Transportation, Solid Waste Management or Land Development, including the total number of staff, types of programs and activities involved, etc. (If no experience, indicate "N/A.")
05
EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT: Describe your experience in employee development activities, including training, recruitment, succession planning, team building, performance evaluations, discipline, hiring decisions, and scheduling. (If no experience, indicate "N/A.")
06
BUDGET PLANNING: Describe your experience with budget planning and administration, including special fee programs, special assessment districts, community facilities districts, etc. (If no experience, indicate "N/A.")
07
TIME MANAGEMENT: Describe your experience prioritizing projects due to budget constraints, field issues, litigation (storms, maintenance, etc.), and contract requirements, especially in the areas of flood control, transportation and solid waste management. Include your role and responsibilities. (If no experience, indicate "N/A.")
08
LIASON WITH STAKEHOLDERS: Describe your experience as a liaison with community groups, government agencies, private developers, engineering/survey firms, City Councils, Board of Supervisors, and other elected or appointed officials. (If no experience, indicate "N/A.")
09
Applicant Acknowledgement - Notification via email: As part of our efforts to increase efficiency and promote conservation of resources, human resources uses email to communicate with applicants. Therefore, all future communications regarding this recruitment, including applicant status and testing notifications, will be made via email. Each applicant needs their own email address. We strongly encourage you, as an applicant, to ensure that the email address you have provided us with your application is current, secure, confidential, and readily accessible to you. Adjust Spam and/or other filters so that our emails are accepted. Please carefully read any notices that we send you and follow any instructions provided in a timely manner. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails (i.e., for the non-delivery of our emails or if you fail to check your e-mail on a timely basis).
  • I understand.

10
**ATTENTION GMAIL USERS**
We have become aware of an increase in Gmail's spam filter sensitivity. Due to this change, it is possible that emails coming from San Bernardino County Human Resources may be marked as spam and will not make it into your Gmail inbox.
For your convenience, the attached PDF document contains a step-by-step guide to create and apply filters within Gmail. Click this link to Once downloaded, follow the instructions so that you will receive future emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources.
Note: If you apply the filters and still do not receive emails from San Bernardino County Human Resources you can check your (Neogov) account inbox. All notifications will appear there.
  • I understand.

11
Applicant Acknowledgement - Application Complete: Thank you for taking the time to complete this application and supplemental questionnaire. Please be sure to review all information provided prior to submitting it as you cannot update or revise it once submitted. Your submitted application will be reviewed and evaluated as is. Please do not refer to a resume or other documentation in lieu of completing the employment history section or responding to the supplemental questions; they will not be reviewed or considered.
Once your application has been successfully submitted, you will receive an onscreen confirmation and an email confirmation will be sent to the email address listed on your application. We recommend that you save and/or print these for your records. Please note: if you do not receive an onscreen confirmation and an email acknowledging our receipt of your application, we have not received your application.
  • I acknowledge that I have reviewed my application and understand that I will not be able to update or revise any part of it once submitted.

Required Question

What San Bernardino County employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply