ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Works Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

ENVIROLINK

Area Manager

Raleigh, NC · On-site

... type public works related services, equipment, tools and inventory and the direct operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. Examples include the following: * Responsible for ...

Holly Springs

911 Telecommunicator I

Holly Springs, NC · On-site

$49K - $74K/yr

Works under direct supervision from the Telecommunications Shift Supervisor to ensure coordination ... Work with Public Works and Public Utilities to ensure after-hour emergencies are handled. 12.

City of Durham, NC

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$87K - $135K/yr

We help plan and direct Durham's growth to support a high quality of life, a robust economy, and a ... public works and infrastructure projects and development review processes for multi-modal ...

City of Durham, NC

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$87K - $135K/yr

We help plan and direct Durham's growth to support a high quality of life, a robust economy, and a ... public works and infrastructure projects and development review processes for multi-modal ...

City of Durham

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$87K - $135K/yr

We help plan and direct Durham's growth to support a high quality of life, a robust economy, and a ... public works, utilities, storm water, and transportation facilities/projects as well as review of ...

City of Durham

Principal Engineer

Durham, NC · On-site +1

$87K - $135K/yr

We help plan and direct Durham's growth to support a high quality of life, a robust economy, and a ... public works, utilities, storm water, and transportation facilities/projects as well as review of ...

Town of Cary, NC

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE WORKER I

Cary, NC · On-site

$52K - $65K/yr

Public Works Division: Facilities Management Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/21/2026 11:59 ... Work is performed under direct supervision of a Lead Landscape Worker or Team Lead. Facilities ...

Durham County

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE SPECIALIST

Durham, NC · On-site

$76K - $129K/yr

The PHNS works with community partners and providers to facilitate breast and cervical cancer ... Health Director. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: * A thorough knowledge of, and skill in, the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Works JobsPublic Works Director JobsPublic Works Director Jobs in Raleigh, NC

Public Works Director information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$46.7K

$131.3K

$198.8K

How much do public works director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works director in Raleigh, NC is $131,335.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $157,500.00 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.

More about Public Works Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Raleigh, NC?

The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Works Director jobs in Raleigh, NC?

For Public Works Director jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Works Director jobs in Raleigh, NC look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Works Director jobs in Raleigh, NC are:

What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for Public Works Director jobs?

Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most Public Works Director job openings:

Public Works Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Director job openings in Raleigh, NC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,335 per year, or $63.1 per hour.

Facilities Manager

Town of Apex North Carolina

Apex, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Performs difficult technical and supervisory work planning,organizing, and directing the work of employees and contractors involved in themaintenance and repair of the Town's facilities and grounds, and overseeingfacility projects for the Public Works Department.  An employee in thisclass organizes, prioritizes and supervises work of the divisions engaged infacility & grounds maintenance and repair.  Work includes developingshort and long term goals for the assigned work units, collecting and managingfacility and grounds maintenance data to identify areas for improvement andways to gain efficiencies; overseeing preventive maintenance work; inspectingwork in progress and upon completion; managing vendor contracts for a varietyof facility services; developing and overseeing budgets; procuring necessarymaterials and resources; interviewing candidates and coaching, counseling andinitiating disciplinary actions of assigned personnel.  Work requiresstrong interpersonal, technical and administrative skills. The employee issubject to working in inside and outside environments and may be subject toworking in extreme heat and cold and experience exposure to noise, vibration,oils, fumes, odors, dust, mists, gasses and poor ventilation.  Work is performedunder general supervision of the Public Works Director and is inspected forcompliance with instructions, productivity of the work units and generalacceptance of work quality.  

Thisposition reports to the Public Works Director.

Thisposition has supervisory responsibilities.

Apply