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Public Works Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

City of Bowie

Public Works Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Public Works Director THE CANDIDATE The City of Bowie is seeking a proven and experienced professional to serve as its next Public Works Director. The ideal candidate will have a broad background in ...

Grays Harbor County, WA

Public Works Director

Montesano, WA · On-site

$108K - $132K/yr

The Public Works Director serves as the administrative department head managing, directing, and coordinating assigned Public Works functions, including Solid Waste, Utilities, Parks, Public Works ...

Grays Harbor County

Public Works Director

Montesano, WA · On-site

$108K - $132K/yr

The Public Works Director serves as the administrative department head managing, directing, and coordinating assigned Public Works functions, including Solid Waste, Utilities, Parks, Public Works ...

City of Umatilla (OR)

Public Works Director

Umatilla, OR · On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

The Public Works Director performs supervisory, administrative and professional work including planning and budgeting for the Public Works Department. Functions as mandated by ORS and the Umatilla ...

Lincoln County

Public Works Director

Newport, OR

$131K - $176K/yr

Position Summary PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR $133,694.00 - $179,674.00 Annually (DOQ) Plus Excellent Benefits APPLY BY: July 27, 2026 (open until filled) BENEFITS INCLUDE: -11% County Contribution to ...

Inyo, County of (CA)

Public Works Director

Independence, CA · On-site

$166K - $215K/yr

DESCRIPTION The Director of Public Works is a key member of the County's executive leadership team and serves as the County Road Commissioner. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead a diverse ...

Lincoln County, OR

Public Works Director

Newport, OR · On-site

$131K - $176K/yr

Public Works Division: ADMINISTRATION Opening Date: 06/22/2026 Position Summary PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR $133,694.00 - $179,674.00 Annually (DOQ) Plus Excellent Benefits APPLY BY: July 27, 2026 (open ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Public Works Director

Plummer, ID

$65K - $110K/yr

Public Works Director Dept Supervisor: Tribal Administrative Director Location: Tribal Headquarter, Plummer Idaho Summary This position is responsible for planning and implementing a variety of ...

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Public Works Director information

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$48K

$135.1K

$204.5K

How much do public works director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works director in the United States is $135,107.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,500.00 and $162,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a degree to be a public works director?

A degree is often preferred for a public works director position, typically in fields like civil engineering, public administration, or related areas. Relevant experience, certifications, and knowledge of public infrastructure and management are also important qualifications for the role.

What does a public works director do?

A Public Works Director oversees the planning, organization, and management of a city's public infrastructure and services. This includes responsibilities such as maintaining roads, water and sewer systems, public buildings, and sanitation services. The director leads teams, manages budgets, ensures compliance with regulations, and coordinates projects that impact the community's safety and quality of life. They also work with other government officials and the public to address infrastructure needs and concerns.

What does a public works director do?

Public works directors are city government employees. As a public works director, you report to the city manager and collaborate with other high-level city officials to carry out your duties. Your main responsibilities are to manage several departments in the city government and to develop long-term community improvement plans. Some of your tasks are managerial, such as hiring, evaluating, and firing public works employees. Others are administrative, like overseeing public works projects, budgets, and outcomes. You present development plan proposals to city management and assist the city manager.

What is the difference between Public Works Director vs City Engineer?

AspectPublic Works DirectorCity Engineer
CredentialsOften requires civil engineering degree, PE license, and management experienceTypically requires civil engineering degree and PE license
Work EnvironmentOversees public infrastructure projects, maintenance, and operationsFocuses on designing, planning, and supervising engineering projects
Employer & IndustryMunicipal government, public sectorMunicipal government, public sector

The Public Works Director and City Engineer roles often overlap in credentials and work environment, but the Public Works Director has broader management responsibilities overseeing all public infrastructure and services, while the City Engineer primarily focuses on engineering design and project planning within the city.

What are some common challenges faced by a public works director when managing multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously?

A Public Works Director often oversees several infrastructure projects at once, which requires careful prioritization, resource allocation, and team coordination. Common challenges include balancing limited budgets, addressing unforeseen issues such as inclement weather or supply chain delays, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Effective communication with city officials, contractors, and the public is also critical to keep projects on track and maintain transparency. Strong organizational skills and adaptability are essential to successfully manage these competing demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Director, you need a strong background in civil engineering, public administration, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and significant supervisory experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, asset management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These competencies ensure the efficient delivery and maintenance of public infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and effective team management.
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Cities with the most Public Works Director job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs?

The most popular types of Public Works jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Public Works Director jobs?

The top employers for Public Works Director jobs are:

What states have the most Public Works Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Public Works Director jobs include:

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Public Works Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,107 per year, or $65 per hour.

Public Works Director

Executive Director - GMP Consultants

Billings, MT

$145K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Public Works Director
Public Works Director
Summary
Title: Public Works Director ID: 1203 Organization: City of Billings Location: Billings, MT First Review : 07/31/2026
More about this job >
Description

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City of Billings, MT
First Review: July 31, 2026
Salary Range: $145,086 - $194,222 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Benefits Summary
#    #    #


The City of Billings is seeking a Public Works Director for Montana's largest city-the county seat of Yellowstone County. With a population of 120,000, Billings offers high-quality amenities on an appealing small-town scale, set against the natural beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains. 
THE CITY OF BILLINGS

Incorporated in 1882, the City of Billings operates under a Council-Administrator form of government with an elected Mayor and 10 elected City Council members from five wards. The City serves a population of 120,000 across 45 square miles with a FY2027 budget of $447 million and a team of 1,084 FTEs. In 2024, Billings was named the 16th best-run city in the U.S. by WalletHub by comparing the quality of services residents receive against the total city budget. 
THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR 

The Public Works Director oversees one of the largest and most diverse municipal operations in Montana, with a staff of more than 270 employees dedicated to delivering essential services that support the community's infrastructure, safety, and quality of life. Billings is a rapidly growing community that offers a unique opportunity for the next Public Works Director to guide the city toward community-focused development, foster staff growth, and engage meaningfully with businesses, developers, and residents.  
WHY APPLY

The City of Billings, Montana's largest community, offers an exceptional leadership opportunity for an experienced and visionary public works professional. The Director will oversee one of the state's largest and most diverse departments, managing an expense budget of $195 million (FY 2027) and guiding major capital projects, including a $150 million reservoir and water treatment facility. City leadership fosters a culture of inclusion, involvement, critical thinking, cooperative leadership, and collaboration while striving to bring the best customer experience to both its employees and citizens. Billings is known for its strong sense of community, high quality of life, and relative affordability. 
 

For questions on this position, please contact:
Mick Monken
GMP Consultants    
mmonken@gmphr.com
(206) 883-9566
Apply Now
 
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