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Public Works Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Government Jobs

Public Works Director

Hopewell, VA · On-site

Serves as the City's resource for technical engineering expertise; provides engineering ... and public works services, maintenance and operations, including considerable supervisory ...

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City of Dickinson, ND

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$118K - $131K/yr

Partner with City leadership, engineers, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to deliver high-quality public services. * Develop future leaders through mentoring ...

City of Beaufort, SC

Public Works Director

Beaufort, SC · On-site

$104K - $131K/yr

Lead, direct, and supervise the Public Works Department, including staff in operations, maintenance, engineering, and planning. Determines work procedures, work schedules, and guidelines. * Develop ...

City of Dickinson

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Dickinson, ND

$118K - $131K/yr

Partner with City leadership, engineers, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to deliver high-quality public services. Develop future leaders through mentoring ...

Town of Seabrook

Public Works Manager

Seabrook, NH · On-site

$78K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's degree in public administration, civil engineering, construction manager, public works administration, business administration, or a closely related field is preferred. * A combination of ...

City of Elmhurst

Public Works Inspector

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$33.91 - $50.87/hr

Performs public works, capital improvement, engineering and developer-built project inspections, for conformance with City, Federal, state and industry plans, specifications, codes and contract ...

Town of Seabrook

Public Works Manager

Seabrook, NH · On-site

$78K - $90K/yr

Bachelor's degree in public administration, civil engineering, construction manager, public works administration, business administration, or a closely related field is preferred. * A combination of ...

Town of Mooresville

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Mooresville, NC · On-site

$135K - $150K/yr

About the Role The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Town ... Coordinate project activities with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders. Perform other ...

Lincoln County

Public Works Director

Newport, OR

$133K - $179K/yr

Public Works Administration Engineering Facilities Fleet Services Road Maintenance & Operations Solid Waste District The Public Works department maintains 334 miles of roads and 87 bridges. The ...

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All JobsPublic Works Engineer Jobs

Public Works Engineer information

See salary details

$37K

$87.2K

$136.5K

How much do public works engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works engineer in the United States is $87,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $97,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Public Works Engineers face when managing multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously?

Public Works Engineers often juggle multiple projects at different stages, which can present challenges such as prioritizing tasks, coordinating with various stakeholders, and ensuring that each project stays on schedule and within budget. Effective time management and strong communication skills are essential, as the role frequently involves collaborating with contractors, government officials, and community members. Additionally, unexpected issues like regulatory changes or unforeseen site conditions may arise, requiring adaptability and problem-solving abilities to keep projects moving forward smoothly.

What does a Public Works Engineer do?

A Public Works Engineer designs, constructs, and maintains infrastructure projects that serve the public, such as roads, bridges, water supply systems, and sewage treatment facilities. They work for government agencies or contractors and are responsible for ensuring that projects meet safety standards, environmental regulations, and community needs. Their duties often include project planning, budgeting, supervising construction, and coordinating with other engineers, public officials, and stakeholders. Public Works Engineers play a crucial role in improving and maintaining the quality of life in communities by delivering essential public services.

What is the difference between Public Works Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPublic Works EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public infrastructure projectsPrivate firms, consulting, construction sites, public projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in government and municipal sectorsWide industry use including private and public sectors
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Public Works Engineers focus on planning, designing, and managing public infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, and water systems within government agencies. Civil Engineers have a broader scope, working in both private and public sectors on various infrastructure and construction projects. While both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in work environment, Public Works Engineers specifically serve government projects, whereas Civil Engineers may work in diverse settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Works Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often accompanied by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and infrastructure design tools is commonly required, along with knowledge of public safety and environmental regulations. Strong communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you coordinate with stakeholders and navigate complex projects. These abilities are crucial for ensuring that public infrastructure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulations.
More about Public Works Engineer jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Public Works Engineer jobs? The top employers for Public Works Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Engineer jobs are:
Public Works Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,220 per year, or $41.9 per hour.
Public Works Director

Public Works Director

Government Jobs

Hopewell, VA • On-site

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Title

Public Works Director

Job 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.
  • Supervises and participates 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.

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