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Public Works Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Morrow County

Public Works Director

Lexington, OR · On-site

The Public Works Director, under the limited supervision of the County Administrator, is responsible for the administration and operation of the Public Works Department. The Public Works Director is ...

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 ...

City of Sparks, NV

Public Works Director

Sparks, NV · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

Public Works Division: Office of the Public Works Director Opening Date: 08/20/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Job Information Exciting things are happening at the City of Sparks! If you are looking ...

Town of Mooresville

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

About the Role The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Town's Public Works Division, directing essential municipal services including sanitation, street ...

Lincoln County

Public Works Director

Newport, OR · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

City of Sparks

Public Works Director

Sparks, NV · On-site

$142K - $214K/yr

The City of Sparks is seeking to hire one Public Works Director. This posting will be open until filled, with a first review of applications occurring by September 14, 2026. Application review dates ...

City of Culver City

Public Works Director

Culver City, CA · On-site

$211K - $258K/yr

THE POSITION DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Location/ Employer: City of Culver City, CA Salary Up To: $211,748 - $258,467 DOE/DOQ Infrastructure. Mobility. Sustainability. Community. In Culver City, Public ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Public Works Director

Plummer, ID · On-site

$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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$48K

$135.1K

$204.5K

How much do public works director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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

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

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What states have the most Public Works Director jobs?

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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, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% 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

Umatilla, OR • On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate activities related to engineering, streets, water, sewer, stormwater, irrigation, solid waste, parks, facilities, and fleet operations.

  • Manage emergency response efforts for snow, ice, flooding, and severe weather events.

  • Oversee major capital investments, infrastructure expansion, and organizational modernization initiatives.

Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Public Works Director
Public Works Director
Summary
Title: Public Works Director ID: 1254 Organization: City of Umatilla Location: Umatilla, OR First Review : 08/09/2026
More about this job >
Description

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City of Umatilla, Oregon
First Review: August 9, 2026
Salary Range: $115,476 - $141,408 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Benefits
Oregon Veteran's Preference Form
#    #    #

The City of Umatilla, Oregon is seeking a Public Works Director for this growing community located along the banks of the Columbia River, about three hours east of Portland. Umatilla is one of the fastest-growing small cities in Oregon due to its strategic location near Interstate 82 and regional transportation corridors linking eastern Oregon with the Tri-Cities region of Washington. 

THE CITY OF UMATILLA 

Incorporated in 1864, the City of Umatilla serves a population of 8,617 across 5.4 square miles with a total annual budget of $143 million and a team of 81 FTEs. Operating under the Council-Manager form of government, the six-member City Council is elected at large to staggered four-year terms. Departments include Administration, Finance and Administrative Services, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Public Works. 

THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR 

Reporting to the City Manager, the Public Works Director leads the Public Works Department, which operates with a 2026 budget of $85 million and a team of 19 FTEs across Parks & Facility Maintenance, Water, Wastewater & Sewer, and Streets divisions. Responsibilities include leading and coordinating activities related to engineering, streets, water, sewer, stormwater, irrigation, solid waste, parks, facilities, and fleet operations, as well as emergency response for snow, ice, flooding, and severe weather events.   

WHY APPLY

This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking Public Works Executive to help guide one of Oregon's fastest-growing small cities through a period of significant expansion and long-term investment. Umatilla has proactively positioned itself for substantial residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure growth already underway and anticipated over the next decade. 

The next Director will help lead major capital investments, regional water strategy initiatives, infrastructure expansion, organizational modernization efforts, and administer and facilitate large-scale private investment in a city that values innovation, collaboration, and long-range thinking. This is an opportunity to join a financially stable community with ambitious goals, strong and visionary executive leadership aligned with the City Council, and the resources to accomplish meaningful work. The role is ideally suited for a leader energized by building systems, delivering major projects, and helping shape the long-term future of a growing city with a big future. 


For questions on this position, please contact:
Dave Zabell
GMP Consultants
dzabell@gmphr.com
(509) 834-9343
Apply Now
 
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