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Public Works Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lincoln County, OR

Public Works Director

Newport, OR ยท On-site

$133K - $179K/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 ...

Mille Lacs County, MN

Public Works Director

Milaca, MN ยท On-site +1

$132K - $173K/yr

Continuous Description The Public Works Director serves as the department head for the Public Works Department and the County Engineer pursuant to Minnesota Statute ยง 163.07, providing leadership ...

City of Beaufort, SC

Public Works Director

Beaufort, SC ยท On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 07/01/2026 Closing Date: 7/31/2026 5:00 PM Eastern The Public Works Director oversees and manages the Public Works Department, including streets, , stormwater, sanitation ...

Town of Elon

Public Works Director

Elon, NC ยท On-site

$92K - $115K/yr

Description General Statement of Duties The Public Works Director will be the ORC for both a water system and a sewer system. They are responsible for ensuring the water and sewer systems are ...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Public Works Director

Plummer, ID ยท 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 ...

City of Pflugerville

Public Works Director

Pflugerville, TX ยท On-site

$152K - $190K/yr

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, the Public Works Director provides strategic leadership and management for a department that is comprised of over 130 full-time equivalent employees ...

City of Jonestown

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Leander, TX ยท On-site

$84K - $90K/yr

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

Mille Lacs County

Public Works Director

Milaca, MN

$132K - $173K/yr

Description The Public Works Director serves as the department head for the Public Works Department and the County Engineer pursuant to Minnesota Statute 163.07, providing leadership and direction ...

City of West Covina

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

West Covina, CA ยท On-site

$155K - $210K/yr

Description The City is looking for its next Public Works Director-a dedicated leader committed to enhancing the quality, safety, and reliability of our community's infrastructure. Note: Application ...

City of York

Public Works Director

York, PA ยท On-site

$83K - $125K/yr

The Director manages the Public Works Department (including Recreation & Parks Bureau, Highway & Fleet Maintenance Bureau, Building & Electrical Maintenance Bureau, Environmental Services and the ...

City of Bowie, Maryland

Director, Public Works

Bowie, MD ยท 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 Hopewell, VA

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA ยท On-site

Public Works Opening Date: 03/26/2026 Closing Date: Continuous Description Performs complex professional work planning, organizing, directing, and administering the activities of the department ...

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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 Jul 3, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,107 per year, or $65 per hour.

Public Works Director

destinationone Consulting

Detroit, MI

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

destinationone Consulting specializes in recruitment across diverse sectors, including CleanTech, Education and EdTech, Government (Municipal, State/Provincial, and Federal), Health and MedTech, Healthcare and Wellness, Legal, Not-For-Profit, and Sustainability. We are committed to building a robust talent databank, enabling our recruiters to quickly connect job seekers with relevant opportunities as they arise. Our dedication to Integrity, Transparency, and Innovation ensures a professional and honest experience for all candidates.

Location: Various municipalities across Michigan Overview: As a Public Works Director, you will oversee the operations and maintenance of public infrastructure, including streets, parks, water systems, and waste management. You will develop and implement policies and programs to ensure efficient public services. Responsibilities: Oversee the maintenance and repair of public infrastructure.

Develop and implement policies and programs for public works. Manage budgets and allocate resources for public works projects. Ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations.

Collaborate with other municipal departments and external stakeholders. Requirements Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or related field. Proven experience in public works management.

Strong knowledge of public infrastructure and maintenance practices. Excellent leadership and organizational skills. Good communication and interpersonal abilities.

Disclaimer: We are proactively building a databank for future opportunities in CleanTech, Education and EdTech, Government (Municipal, State/Provincial, and Federal), Health and MedTech, Healthcare and Wellness, Legal, Not-For-Profit, and Sustainability. These are not currently active jobs. By applying, you will be part of our trusted network, ensuring our recruiters can promptly match you with suitable roles as they become available.

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