Manager Department Public Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary : $161,328.00 - $216,192.00 Annually
Location : Public Works Service Facility - 825 Mission Street, South Pasadena, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2526-050
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/17/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
Position Overview
First Review of Applications: July 6, 2026
The recruitment is open until filled and subject to closure at any time.
The City of South Pasadena is committed to fostering a culture of Collaboration, Accountability, Courage, Ownership, Professionalism, and Service Excellence. Candidates are expected to demonstrate these values in their work and interactions with colleagues and the community.
Purpose
Under administrative direction, manages the City's public works programs, including Administrative and Operations & Maintenance Divisions. Programs and activities within Operations & Maintenance Division include maintenance of streets, sewer, fleet, facilities, water production, utility systems, contract administration, and customer service; under Administrative Division include engineering, environmental services, and administrative operations, coordinates the development and execution of complex capital projects. Both divisions provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Public Works. May also act in the absence of the Director of Public Works.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This single-incumbent managerial and professional class serves as a division-manager with specific responsibility for Public Works Department related functions and reports directly to the Director of Public Works. This class is designated as "at-will" and is exempt from the classified service; the incumbent shall serve at the pleasure of the City Manager. An employee in this class exercises supervision over multiple functions through assigned managers and supervisors and exercises considerable discretion and independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties, based on extensive experience and training in municipal public works engineering and field operations.
Supervision Exercised
Exercises direct and indirect supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, clerical, field, and paraprofessional staff.
Duties & Responsibilities
The duties listed below are examples of the work typically performed by the employee in this position. The employee may not be assigned all duties listed and may be assigned duties which are not listed below.

• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies and priorities of the assigned division within Public Works; evaluates division plans, policies and procedures to achieve goals and objectives.
• Provide administrative guidance and supervision to support staff in water, parks & recreation, facilities, streets, sewer, engineering, environmental services, administration, contract maintenance and customer service.
• Manage and participate in the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies and procedures, and priorities for assigned division.
• Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; and direct the implementation of improvements.
• Participate in the selection, training, evaluation, and motivation of public works staff; work with employees to correct deficiencies and implement discipline and termination procedures when appropriate.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise, review, and participate in the work plan for assigned division; meet with staff to identify and resolve problems; assign work activities, projects, and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepares and/or participates in preparation of applications for State and Federal funds or grants; monitors compliance with applicable terms of such grants.
• Prepare and manage budget, including identification of staffing, equipment, material, and supply needs; assist in the preparation of project costs; monitors and approve expenditures.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation and evaluation of requests for proposals relating to assigned projects; directs the preparation of project cost estimates for competitive bidding.
• Manage and administer consulting and other related contracts; review work to ensure compliance with specifications, and ensure compliance with codes, ordinances, and standards.
• Serve as a liaison for the department with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.

• Provide staff support to boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends within the department.
• Provide staff support and make formal presentations to the City Council, Commissions, and the general public. Prepares related comprehensive written reports and oral presentations.
• Conduct special surveys and studies, including gather information from other cities and agencies and make recommendations.
• Answer inquiries from the public and staff, review and investigate citizen complaints and service requests ensuring appropriate disposition.
• Assist with the development and implementation of short and long-range planning activities and strategies.
• Create and foster an environment and culture of collaboration, teamwork, innovation, and efficiency.
• Provide technical guidance in water production, sewer, street, parks, and facilities maintenance, general services, utility systems, fleet services, contract maintenance and customer service.
• Direct and manage construction and maintenance of City streets, water, wastewater systems, facilities and fleet maintenance activities.
• Develop fleet management programs and quality control strategies to enhance fleet performance and capabilities; establish standard maintenance repair methods and replacement schedules.
• Maintains inventory of supplies and requisition materials.
• Coordinate stand-by emergency response and/or respond to emergencies.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Qualifications
Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination includes:
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or related field, and six (6) years increasingly responsible professional experience in the construction industry, civil engineering field, or public works profession, including four (4) years in a supervisory capacity. A Master's Degree in a related field is highly desirable.
Licenses/Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required at the time of appointment and throughout employment.
• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is highly desirable.

The preceding duties have been provided as examples of the essential types of work performed by positions within this job classification. The City, at its discretion, may add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, training, evaluation, motivation and discipline.
• Principles of public administration, budget preparation and analysis, human resources, management, organizational development, systems and procedures.
• Principles of budget and contract administration, system and procedures, and public bidding process and procedures.
• Principles of civil engineering, inspection practices, and permitting procedures.
• Principles of construction practices and capital project development and execution.
• Standard safety practices required by OSHA/CalOSHA.

• Federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations pertaining to building or public works inspections
• Building construction methods and materials including structural, electrical, plumbing and mechanical
• Public Works methods and materials including process facilities and utilities, infrastructure, and rehabilitation
• Zoning regulations
• California code and local laws relating to the building constructions
• Proper inspection methods and documentation practices
• Procedures involved in the enforcement of codes and ordinances
• Methods and techniques applied to the design and construction of residential, commercial and industrial buildings
• Safety standards and methods of building construction and public works projects
• Administrative principles and techniques, including budgeting, planning, safety, staff organization, employee growth and development
• Techniques used in dealing with the public and customer service.
• Survey techniques, statistics and report writing.
• Principles and practices of supervision

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, review the work of, train, and supervise subordinate staff.
• Plan, coordinate and perform project management and coordination.
• Respond to questions from the public and staff.
• Exercise cultural sensitivity and awareness. Delegate authority and responsibility.
• Independently interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, codes and regulations pertaining to capital projects, public works inspections, and public works permitting processes.
• Read and interpret blueprints, construction plans and related documents.
• Independently research and analyze problems, identify solutions, project impacts of proposed actions and implement recommendations.
• Research, collect, compile and analyze information and data, present findings objectively, clearly and concisely and prepare reports with conclusions and recommendations; organize work to meet schedules and timelines.
• Communicate clearly both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, Commissions, the City Council, City Manager and the public.
• Conduct inspections, issue citations, notices and orders, and pursue compliance of violations
• Read and interpret building plans and specifications and enforce their application
• Prepare and to present clear oral and written reports
• Exercise judgment and creativity in analyzing situations, identifying problems and recommending resolutions
• Supervise and train others
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Travel to offsite locations within a reasonable timeframe
• Perform duties of an emergency worker in the event of a natural or other disaster.

Additional Information
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to operate computer, calculator, telephone, portable radio, copying machine and cash register Ability to understand and respond to the public's and staff's requests for assistance both on the phone and in person
• Ability to prepare reports, perform mathematical calculations, count money and sort/file documents
• Ability to sit for two hours at a time Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Ability to climb a footstool or ladder for the purposes of retrieving records
• Ability to get from one location to another in the course of doing business

Working Conditions: Environment is generally clean with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, odors, or noise. Environment is generally clean with some limited exposure to such conditions as dust, fumes, odors, or noise. Computer terminal, copier/scanner, and other office machines are used on a daily basis. Requires traveling throughout the City and adjacent areas, and the attendance of occasional night meetings.
FLSA Status
Exempt
SELECTION PROCEDURE
This recruitment will remain open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. The City reserves the right to extend the closing date or close this recruitment without notice. Individuals determined to be qualified and best aligned to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.
APPEAL PROCEDURE
If the application is rejected, the applicant can appeal the rejection to the Personnel Officer within five (5) working days of notice. The Personnel Officer shall review the appeal and affirm the rejection or reinstate the application. The Personnel Officer's decision is final.
HOW TO APPLY
To Apply:
Employment Applications are available online only. Please submit your completed application and attach copies of ALL certificates and licenses in PDF format.
For technical support with your governmentjobs.com application, please contact (855) 524-5627.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The City of South Pasadena is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of South Pasadena intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If a special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (626) 403-7239 or email The City of South Pasadena is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at