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Public Works Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jackson County (MN)

Public Works Director

Jackson, MN · On-site

$140K - $180K/yr

The Public Works Director performs administrative and professional engineering work that includes planning, implementing, and evaluating all programs and projects related to the expansion ...

City of Muscatine

Public Works Director

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$113K/yr

The City of Muscatine, Iowa is seeking its next Public Works Director. Muscatine, Iowa, is a welcoming community located along the Mississippi River in eastern Iowa, offering a high quality of life ...

Morrow County

Public Works Director

Lexington, OR

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 La Mirada, CA

Public Works Director

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$159K - $228K/yr

Public Works Director: $159,832.40 to $198,942.64 annually Public Works Director/City Engineer: $183,722.76 to $228,678.84 annually *Candidates must have a valid PE license to be considered in the ...

City of Carmel-by-the-Sea

$197K - $239K/yr

The annual salary range for the Public Works Director is $197,417.61 to $239,962.63. Salary placement will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate The final filing ...

Carmel, CA

Public Works Director

Carmel, CA · On-site

$197K - $239K/yr

The annual salary range for the Public Works Director is $197,417.61 to $239,962.63. Salary placement will be based on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate. The final filing ...

City of La Mirada

Public Works Director

La Mirada, CA

$159K - $228K/yr

Public Works Director: $159,832.40 to $198,942.64 annually Public Works Director/City Engineer: $183,722.76 to $228,678.84 annually *Candidates must have a valid PE license to be considered in the ...

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$48K

$135.1K

$204.5K

How much do public works director jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.
More about Public Works Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Works Director jobs? 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:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Director jobs are:
Public Works Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% 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

Other

Posted 16 days ago

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 : 06/26/2026
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Description

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City of Umatilla, Oregon
First Review: June 26, 2026
Salary Range: $115,476 - $141,408 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Benefits
Oregon Veteran's Preference Form
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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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