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Public Works Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$145K - $194K/yr

Under general administrative direction, to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Public Works Department; to coordinate assigned activities with other City ...

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Leander, TX · On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

Assistant Public Works Director, Public Works and Parks Department staff. EXAMPLES OF WORK Essential Duties* · Manages special projects. Responsible for planning; both short term and long term. ...

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 ...

Public Works Director

CA · On-site

$166K - $215K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 08/11/2026 Closing Date: Continuous DESCRIPTION The Director of Public Works is a key member of the County's executive leadership team and serves as the County Road ...

Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Public Works Department, division, and capital improvement budgets; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing ...

Public Works Director

Kilgore, TX · On-site

$114K - $159K/yr

The Director of Public Works is a position which includes Streets, Parks & Cemeteries, Equipment Services, and Utilities that include both a water and wastewater treatment plant. This position ...

New

Director, Public Works

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 ...

Public Works Director

Billings, MT · On-site

$145K - $194K/yr

Under general administrative direction, to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Public Works Department; to coordinate assigned activities with other City ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Works Director information

See salary details

$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.

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.

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 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:

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.

$145K - $194K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

"Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis." Position Overview Click here to view the Public Works Director brochure and to apply through GMP Consultants Job Summary: Under general administrative direction, to plan, direct, manage, and oversee the activities and operations of the Public Works Department; to coordinate assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Administrator. Scope of Responsibility: Establishes functional policies and makes tactical decisions, within overall strategic direction, with top management guidance, which affects multiple units with overall organizational impact consolidating major staff functions with critical financial impact. Solves complex technical or strategic problems, applies technology or business approaches in new ways; develops and recommends new alternatives

Impact is high, affecting long-term performance of the overall organization and gains or losses can significantly change the future of the organization. Requires regular interaction to communicate or negotiate important agreements, requiring considerable tact, sense of timing and the ability to engender trust, plus sensitivity to diverse audiences, where relationships affect morale of major work units and/or development, and maintenance of relationships with key customers or vendors. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Supervision Select, train, motivate and evaluate Public Works Department personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.

Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level managers, the Public Works Department's work plan; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures. Provide leadership and direct strategic planning for the Department. Department Operations Assume full management responsibility for all Public Works Department services and activities including street and appurtenances maintenance, traffic control, engineering and construction, environmental services, solid waste collection, landfill, storm maintenance, sanitary sewer collection, water distribution, and water and wastewater treatment operations.

Manage the development and implementation of Public Works Department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area. Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; allocate resources accordingly. 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; direct the implementation of changes.

Manage, direct and implement long-range planning activities. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, other City employees, City Council and other elected officials, City advisory boards, business and community groups, outside contractors, State and Federal officials, representatives of the media, and the public. Serve as an integral member of the City's executive leadership team to help carry out the mission, vision, and needs of the City.

Prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to public works programs, policies and procedures as appropriate. Participate on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Public Works.

Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints. Engage other City Departments in a collaborative manner. Explain and interpret Public Works Department programs, policies, and activities.

Financial Manage and participate in the development and administration of the Public Works Department budget; approve the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as necessary. Performs other duties as assigned. Qualifications and Skills Required Qualifications/Skills: Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or a related field Seven (7) or more years of public works experience Five (5) years of management and supervisory experience A valid Montana driver's license, or must be obtained within thirty (30) days of employment Must be able to successfully pass a Federal and State criminal background check.

Preferred Qualifications/Skills: An advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), or Professional Engineer (PE) or a related field. Physical Demands and Working Conditions Work is in a normal office environment with occasional field visits. Working conditions require intermittent physical effort involving lifting of 25 pounds or less.

Working conditions require high attention to detail and deadlines between 45% and 70% of the time. A typical workday involves exposure to one disagreeable element present in moderate intensity less than 15% of the time. Frequent driving is required.

Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required.

To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The City retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.