ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Works Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Carmel, CA

Public Works Director

Carmel, CA · On-site

$197K - $239K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 05/06/2026 Closing Date: 6/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is recruiting for a Public Works Director View thefor more information about ...

Halff

Director - Public Works

Houston, TX

Director of Public Works - Houston, TX Halff is seeking a highly skilled Director of Public Works to join our Public Works team in Houston, TX. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of ...

Halff Associates

Director - Public Works

Houston, TX · On-site

Director of Public Works - Houston, TX Halff is seeking a highly skilled Director of Public Works to join our Public Works team in Houston, TX. The ideal candidate will have at least 12 years of ...

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 La Mirada, CA

Public Works Director

La Mirada, CA · On-site

$159K - $228K/yr

Public Works Opening Date: 05/26/2026 Closing Date: 6/22/2026 4:00 PM Pacific Salary information: Public Works Director: $159,832.40 to $198,942.64 annually Public Works Director/City Engineer: $183 ...

City of La Mirada

Public Works Director

La Mirada, CA

$159K - $228K/yr

Public Works Director: $159,832.40 to $198,942.64 annually Public Works Director/City Engineer: $183,722.76 to $228,678.84 annually *Candidates must have a valid PE license to be considered in the ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPublic Works Jobs

Public Works information

See salary details

$12

$24

$44

How much do public works jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for public works in the United States is $24.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $27.88 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 are public works jobs?

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.

More about Public Works jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Works jobs? Cities with the most Public Works job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs? The most popular types of Public Works jobs are:
What states have the most Public Works jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Works jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Public Works jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works jobs are:
Public Works jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,420 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Public Works Director

City of Hopewell, VA

Hopewell, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 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.
NA

Apply