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Public Works Manager Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Public Works Administrator

Sandusky, OH · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Project Management and Budgeting Skilled in overseeing complex infrastructure projects, including ... Public Works issues and represents the City Manager and the city on special assignments. • ...

Project Manager - Public Works

Akron, OH · On-site

$85K - $167K/yr

At CESO, a Project Manager is to plan, execute, and deliver roadway and public infrastructure projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This includes acquiring resources and ...

At CESO, a Project Manager is to plan, execute, and deliver roadway and public infrastructure projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This includes acquiring resources and ...

Project Manager - Public Works

Akron, OH · On-site

$85K - $167K/yr

At CESO, a Project Manager is to plan, execute, and deliver roadway and public infrastructure projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This includes acquiring resources and ...

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - PUBLIC WORKS

Columbus, OH · On-site

$16.75 - $22.75/hr

You will report to the Director of Public Works providing administrative support to the Public ... The ideal candidate is an experienced, reliable professional capable of managing multiple ...

At CESO, a Project Manager is to plan, execute, and deliver roadway and public infrastructure projects according to strict deadlines and within budget. This includes acquiring resources and ...

CIVIL ENGINEER, EI - PUBLIC WORKS

New Albany, OH · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Our Public Works EIs work with central Ohio's municipalities, while working under the guidance of experienced Engineers and Project Managers who provide mentorship and support throughout your career ...

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - PUBLIC WORKS

New Albany, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

You will report to the Director of Public Works (PW) providing administrative support to the PW ... The ideal candidate is an experienced, reliable professional capable of managing multiple ...

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - PUBLIC WORKS

New Albany, OH · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

You will report to the Director of Public Works (PW) providing administrative support to the PW ... The ideal candidate is an experienced, reliable professional capable of managing multiple ...

At CESO, a Program Director for Public Works is responsible for growing and maintaining a regional ... Coordinates cross-functional project teams and resources in collaboration with project managers ...

At CESO, a Program Director for Public Works is responsible for growing and maintaining a regional ... Coordinates cross-functional project teams and resources in collaboration with project managers ...

At CESO, a Program Director for Public Works is responsible for growing and maintaining a regional ... Coordinates cross-functional project teams and resources in collaboration with project managers ...

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Showing results 1-20

Public Works Manager information

See Ohio salary details

$34.2K

$82.3K

$135.5K

How much do public works manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works manager in Ohio is $82,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,300.00 and $101,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works manager?

To thrive as a Public Works Manager, you need a solid background in civil engineering or public administration, often supported by a relevant degree and several years of supervisory experience. Familiarity with project management software, budgeting tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Public Works Professional (CPWP). Strong leadership, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing teams and engaging with community stakeholders. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure efficient operations, regulatory adherence, and the successful delivery of public infrastructure projects.

What is a public works manager?

Public Works Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the planning, construction, maintenance, and repair of public infrastructure and services in a city or municipality. Their duties often include managing teams, coordinating projects related to roads, water supply, sewers, and public buildings, and ensuring compliance with regulations and budgets. They play a crucial role in maintaining the quality and safety of community facilities and services, working closely with government officials, contractors, and the public.

What is the difference between Public Works Manager vs Public Works Supervisor?

AspectPublic Works ManagerPublic Works Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple departments, manages budgets, and develops policiesSupervises daily operations, manages staff, and ensures project completion
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public administration, civil engineering, or related field; often requires management experienceHigh school diploma or equivalent; relevant experience in public works or construction
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; strategic planning focusFieldwork and site supervision; hands-on management
Industry UsageCommonly employed by city or county governments, municipalitiesTypically found in municipal departments, construction firms, or public agencies

The Public Works Manager focuses on strategic planning, budgeting, and overseeing multiple teams, while the Public Works Supervisor handles daily operations and staff supervision. Both roles are essential in public infrastructure projects but differ mainly in scope and level of responsibility.

What are some typical challenges a public works manager faces when coordinating projects with multiple departments and external contractors?

Public Works Managers often encounter challenges related to coordinating schedules, ensuring clear communication, and aligning priorities among different city departments and external contractors. These projects can involve tight deadlines, budget constraints, and compliance with regulatory standards. Successful managers use strong project management skills, maintain open lines of communication, and foster collaborative relationships to address issues promptly and keep projects on track. Being adaptable and proactive is essential for resolving conflicts and ensuring public works initiatives are completed efficiently.
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Ohio? The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Ohio are:
What job categories do people searching Public Works Manager jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Manager jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Public Works Manager jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Public Works Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Public Works Manager job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,299 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Public Works Administrator

City of Sandusky

Sandusky, OH • On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description
About the Role
With support and input from the City Manager and City Commission, the Administrator is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Department of Public Works. The Department consists of multiple Divisions including Engineering, Water Treatment, Wastewater Treatment, Public Services. Further, Public Services Division contains units including Forestry, Water Distribution, Sewer Maintenance, Streets and Cemetery.
Core Competencies
Leadership and Strategic Management
Ability to direct, evaluate, and coordinate a diverse set of divisions within the Public Works Department, establish clear goals, and lead a high-performance organization, including developing policies and procedures that align with city goals.
Project Management and Budgeting
Skilled in overseeing complex infrastructure projects, including managing contracts, timelines, quality, and budgets. Proficiency in preparing and monitoring capital and operating budgets is essential for resource allocation and fiscal responsibility.
Regulatory Knowledge and Compliance
Strong understanding of local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations to ensure that infrastructure, engineering, and public safety activities are compliant and uphold community standards.
Effective Communication and Public Relations
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to large groups, city officials, and other agencies, as well as diplomatically managing interactions with diverse stakeholders.
Grant Writing and Funding Management
Proficiency in applying for, coordinating, and monitoring federal and state grants, as well as managing awarded funds to support departmental projects and goals efficiently.
Essential Responsibilities
• Plans, directs, evaluates and coordinates the activities of the Department.
• Ensures that the health and safety of the people who live and work in the city is protected, maintained and improved through the efforts of the department as it relates to the developments, care and maintenance of the infrastructure. Ensures city compliance with local, state and federal laws and mandates policies.
• Applies for federal and state grants. Coordinates and monitors grant awards with division, other agencies and departments.
• Make public presentations to large groups, community meetings and facilitate discussions and problem solving among staff, public and agencies.
• Supervises employees and handles sensitive personnel matters, evaluates and leads a high-performance organization.
• Consults with superintendents of various divisions and monitors operations of those divisions. Conducts research and prepares and maintains records, reports, bidding documents, contract documents and other related documents.
• Make administrative/managerial decisions regarding the interpretation and application of applicable codes, ordinances, regulations and construction standards.
• Prepares and monitors departmental and divisional performance measures with goals and initiatives in the Strategic Plan, to benchmark performance toward departmental and citywide focus, goals and priorities.
• Monitors engineering and construction contracts as to budget, time schedule, quality and value.
• Prepares, in cooperation with others, the annual operating and capital budgets for the department.
• Acts as liaison between other city divisions, local industries, state, local and federal regulatory agencies, consulting engineers, Erie County Department of Environmental Services, and others relative to Public Works functions and policies of the department.
• Attends City Commission meetings and advises City Commission of technical and Public Works issues and represents the City Manager and the city on special assignments.
• Develops and modifies departmental policies and procedures.
• Manages infrastructure projects funded by federal and state government.
• The ability to complete related and other duties as required and assigned.
• Responsible to self-initiate activities consistent with the City of Sandusky's and department's goals and objectives.
• The ability to follow a supervisor's instructions and tolerate certain levels of stress.
• The avoidance of violent behavior that threatens the safety of other employees.
• Manages compliance with established city policies and procedures.
• Manages in compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Manages and supervises assigned personnel, recommend new hires, recommend terminations, disciplines, evaluate performance and develop each employee to their full potential.
• Acts as primary liaison and coordinates activities with other city departments
• Directs, manages, coordinates and evaluates the effectiveness and operations of the department and divisions of Public Works.
• Formulates and develops plans, policies, procedures, regulations necessary to achieve effective performance within the department and divisions of Public Works.
• Communicate with tact, diplomacy, one on one, small and large group discussions.
• Mediate and facilitate information and discussion.
Physical Demands
• Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or negligible amount of force frequently (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met. Seeing, Hearing, Speaking, and Walking.
Environmental Conditions
• Inside: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. A job is considered "inside" if the worker spends approximately 85 - 95 percent or more of the time inside.
Requirements
• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in one of the following preferred disciplines: Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of project management experience in public or private sector, working with local, state and federal standards and regulations. Effectively manage and interact with a large number of employees is desirable with a minimum of five (5) years' experience at the supervisory level. Redevelopment experience, including brownfields, work in urban setting serving diverse community and older infrastructure is preferred. Experience in budgeting and finance is desirable.