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Public Works Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Town of Ponce Inlet

Public Works Director

Port Orange, FL · On-site

$96K - $116K/yr

The position directly supervises the Assistant Public Works Manager, Office Manager and Custodian This position reports to the Public Safety Director. Job Duties Essential Functions: Essential ...

Santa Rosa Rancheria

Public Works Director

Lemoore, CA · On-site

$104K - $119K/yr

Director Department: Public Works Required Qualifications/Essential Duties: * Valid California Driver's License * Must be insurable by company's insurance carrier and maintain throughout employment

City of Hopewell

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA

$160K/yr

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 ...

City of Paramount, CA

Public Works Director

Paramount, CA · On-site

$170K - $206K/yr

Examples of Duties Under the direction of the City Manager, the Public Works Director will: * Assumes full responsibility for managing all activities and services of the Public Works Department.

City of Paramount

Public Works Director

Paramount, CA · On-site

$170K - $206K/yr

Examples of Duties Under the direction of the City Manager, the Public Works Director will: Assumes full responsibility for managing all activities and services of the Public Works Department. Direct ...

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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 Jun 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 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, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,107 per year, or $65 per hour.

Public Works Director

City of Hopewell, VA

Hopewell, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Salary: Negotiable
Location : 300 N Main St , Hopewell, VA
Job Type: Regular Full-Time
Job Number: PW100125
Department: 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 including street maintenance, building maintenance, stormwater program, fleet maintenance, solid waste collections, and construction project management, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves setting policies and goals. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel.
Examples of Duties
  • Directs and coordinates the operations of stormwater management, building construction and maintenance, street and drainage maintenance, grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, solid waste collection, management of inactive landfills, and fleet services.
  • Manages construction contracts for the City; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; coordinates and monitors the work of contractors; makes field inspections of public works or engineering projects to review progress, ensures completion and compliance with contract requirements.
  • Works closely with the City Council, City Manager, Deputy City Manager, other City departments, and a variety of public and private organizations in developing programs and implementing projects to solve problems related to public works issues.
  • Participates in planning activities for the City; serves as a member of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Central Virginia Waste Management Organization.
  • Evaluates and develops City ordinances and policies for effectiveness and appropriateness.
  • 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, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.
  • Coordinates and/or facilitates department activities with the needs of other City departments.
  • Receives and responds to inquiries, complaints and explains department programs to citizens; investigates and takes necessary actions.
  • Serves as the City's resource for technical engineering expertise; provides engineering consultations with staff and community.
  • Recruits and selects department personnel; assigns, directs, trains, and inspects the work of staff; rewards, disciplines, coaches, counsels, and evaluates staff performance; develops staff schedules; recommends transfers, promotions, suspensions, terminations, and demotions.
  • Ensures the proper safety training and practices of staff.
  • Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

Typical Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and extensive progressively responsible experience in civil engineering and public works services, maintenance and operations, including considerable supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses and/or Certifications:
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
  • Valid driver's license in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Knowledge:
  • Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles and best practices.
  • Extensive knowledge of construction inspections, quality control methods and practices, and of municipal public works administration.

Skills:
  • Leadership and communication skills.
  • Strong technical problem solving and analytical skills.

Abilities:
  • Ability to deal with multiple projects/issues concurrently.
  • Ability to work with others and to communicate engineering solutions clearly and concisely.

Other Requirements:
  • Ability to work on rotating shifts during snow and natural emergencies.

Supplemental Information
Work Environment:
  • Work is primarily performed indoors but is exposed to temperamental changes (warehouses, covered loading docks, garages, etc.) or extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

Essential Physical Activities:
  • Stooping, crouching, walking, lifting, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, talking, standing, finger movement, depth perception.
  • Typical weight handled: up to 75 lbs.

DISCLAIMER: The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
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