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Public Works Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Morrow County

Public Works Director

Lexington, OR · On-site

The Public Works Director, under the limited supervision of the County Administrator, is responsible for the administration and operation of the Public Works Department. The Public Works Director is ...

City of Umatilla (OR)

Public Works Director

Umatilla, OR

$115K - $141K/yr

The Public Works Director performs supervisory, administrative and professional work including planning and budgeting for the Public Works Department. Functions as mandated by ORS and the Umatilla ...

City of Umatilla, OR

Public Works Director

Umatilla, OR · On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 05/22/2026 Closing Date: 8/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA: Exempt Bargaining Unit: N/A General Purpose The City of Umatilla is currently recruiting for it's next Public Works ...

Lincoln County, OR

Public Works Director

Newport, OR · On-site

$131K - $176K/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 ...

Lincoln County

Public Works Director

Newport, OR · On-site

$131K - $176K/yr

Position Summary PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR $133,694.00 - $179,674.00 Annually (DOQ) Plus Excellent Benefits APPLY BY: July 27, 2026 (open until filled) BENEFITS INCLUDE: -11% County Contribution to ...

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All JobsPublic Works JobsPublic Works Jobs in Oregon

Public Works information

See Oregon salary details

$13

$25

$47

How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works in Oregon is $25.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $29.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public works, and why are they important?

To excel in Public Works, you need a background in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with project management software, GIS systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills help professionals effectively manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These capabilities are crucial for delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable public infrastructure projects that serve the community.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in public works, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals in Public Works often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments, managing large-scale infrastructure projects, and responding to public concerns or emergencies. Applicants should be prepared for dynamic workdays that may involve both office-based planning and on-site inspections. Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills are essential, as is the ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and regulations. Gaining familiarity with municipal processes and developing a collaborative mindset will help you succeed in this field.

What is a public works job?

Public works jobs refer to positions involved in the planning, construction, maintenance, and management of public infrastructure and facilities, such as roads, bridges, water treatment plants, parks, and public buildings. Employees in public works may work for local, state, or federal government agencies, and their roles can include engineering, maintenance, project management, and administration. These jobs are essential for ensuring that communities have safe, reliable, and efficient public services and infrastructure.

What is the difference between Public Works vs Civil Engineer?

AspectPublic WorksCivil Engineer
CredentialsVaries; often includes civil engineering degrees, certifications like PEBachelor's degree in civil engineering, PE license often required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, construction sites, urban planningDesign offices, construction sites, project management
Employer & IndustryMunicipal, state, federal government agenciesEngineering firms, construction companies, government agencies
Common Search/ComparisonPublic Works vs Civil Engineer

Public Works professionals focus on managing and maintaining infrastructure projects for government agencies, including roads, bridges, and public facilities. Civil Engineers design, plan, and oversee these projects, often working within the private sector or consulting firms. While both roles require civil engineering knowledge, Public Works roles emphasize project management and public sector operations, whereas Civil Engineers focus on technical design and engineering solutions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Oregon are:
What are popular job titles related to Public Works jobs in Oregon? For Public Works jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Public Works jobs in Oregon look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Public Works jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Public Works job openings:
Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,308 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Public Works Director

Executive Director - GMP Consultants

Umatilla, OR • On-site

$115K - $141K/yr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

My Account
Job Openings >> Public Works Director
Public Works Director
Summary
Title: Public Works Director ID: 1254 Organization: City of Umatilla Location: Umatilla, OR First Review : 08/09/2026
More about this job >
Description

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City of Umatilla, Oregon
First Review: August 9, 2026
Salary Range: $115,476 - $141,408 annually DOQ
View the Position Profile
Job Description
Benefits
Oregon Veteran's Preference Form
#    #    #

The City of Umatilla, Oregon is seeking a Public Works Director for this growing community located along the banks of the Columbia River, about three hours east of Portland. Umatilla is one of the fastest-growing small cities in Oregon due to its strategic location near Interstate 82 and regional transportation corridors linking eastern Oregon with the Tri-Cities region of Washington. 

THE CITY OF UMATILLA 

Incorporated in 1864, the City of Umatilla serves a population of 8,617 across 5.4 square miles with a total annual budget of $143 million and a team of 81 FTEs. Operating under the Council-Manager form of government, the six-member City Council is elected at large to staggered four-year terms. Departments include Administration, Finance and Administrative Services, Community Development, Parks and Recreation, Police, and Public Works. 

THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR 

Reporting to the City Manager, the Public Works Director leads the Public Works Department, which operates with a 2026 budget of $85 million and a team of 19 FTEs across Parks & Facility Maintenance, Water, Wastewater & Sewer, and Streets divisions. Responsibilities include leading and coordinating activities related to engineering, streets, water, sewer, stormwater, irrigation, solid waste, parks, facilities, and fleet operations, as well as emergency response for snow, ice, flooding, and severe weather events.   

WHY APPLY

This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking Public Works Executive to help guide one of Oregon's fastest-growing small cities through a period of significant expansion and long-term investment. Umatilla has proactively positioned itself for substantial residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure growth already underway and anticipated over the next decade. 

The next Director will help lead major capital investments, regional water strategy initiatives, infrastructure expansion, organizational modernization efforts, and administer and facilitate large-scale private investment in a city that values innovation, collaboration, and long-range thinking. This is an opportunity to join a financially stable community with ambitious goals, strong and visionary executive leadership aligned with the City Council, and the resources to accomplish meaningful work. The role is ideally suited for a leader energized by building systems, delivering major projects, and helping shape the long-term future of a growing city with a big future. 


For questions on this position, please contact:
Dave Zabell
GMP Consultants
dzabell@gmphr.com
(509) 834-9343
Apply Now
 
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