August 2025
FLSA: Exempt
ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DEFINITION
Under general direction, assists the Public Works Director in the overall operation and performance of the Public Works Department. Plans, oversees, manages, and coordinates the activities of the Public Works Department staff; coordinates activities with other departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public; provides responsible and complex staff support to the Director of Public Works; participates in the preparation and monitoring of the department’s budgets; and performs other duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Public Works Director. Provides direct supervision to Public Works staff. Provides direction in the absence of the Director.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is an at-will, unrepresented, exempt, management-level classification responsible for providing support to the Public Works Director in the Public Works Department. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of the Public Works staff.
Incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Assist the Director in developing, organizing, and managing the operations, services, and activities of the Public Works Department, including overseeing the daily operations of the department. Provide technical expertise to resolve inquiries and conflicts and ensure that assigned functions and activities comply with established standards, requirements, internal controls, laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct the implementation of changes. Supervise and participate in a variety of personnel actions, including selections, promotions, performance evaluations, disciplinary measures, and dismissals. Respond to public and internal inquiries and requests as they relate to the Public Works Department. Represent the Public Works Department to other City departments, elected officials and outside agencies; explain and interpret department programs, policies and activities.
Assistant Public Work Director
Participate in the preparation of the annual operating budget for the Public Works Department and monitor division budgets;
Oversees contract administration for contracted services and resolves issues associated with contract compliance; ensures services are provided according to federal and state laws, the City codes and ordinances; confers with and provides technical information/advice/reports to the Director and City Manager.
Oversee the preparation of plans and specifications for improvements and modifications to public buildings and facilities.
Prepare specifications for the purchase of new equipment; monitor contract work. Prepare written reports regarding operations, personnel, budget, and a variety of other subjects. Coordinate with other city management staff to meet the overall goals and objectives of the City. Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols. Perform the duties of the Director of Public Works in his/her absence. Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Advanced principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of public administration, specifically those related to budgeting, project management, staff management, and customer service. Principles, methods, and requirements for planning, organizing, developing, implementing and directing public works programs and operations.
Laws, regulations, standards, and requirements for planning, organizing, developing, implementing and directing public works programs and operations.
Techniques, standards and procedures involved in the design, development and implementation of capital projects and related planning, construction and public relations functions. Policies, objectives, operations and organizational structures common to City governments, including those using a contract cities model.
Advanced principles and practices of employee supervision and training, including effective motivation and mentoring techniques.
Terminology, concepts, methods and procedures associated with the management of assigned departments and programs.
Budget preparation and control;
Public speaking and public relations principles and techniques. Building systems, with a focus on maintaining city facilities Modern office practices and methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work. English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. Techniques for effectively representing the City in contracts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations. Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to effectively deal with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
Ability to:
Effectively utilize modern office equipment, including personal computers and standard business software such as Microsoft Office Suite.
Assistant Public Work Director
Safely operate one or more types of vehicles if required by assignments. Interact with the coworkers, elected officials, and members of the public using tact, patience and courtesy.
Assist in overseeing the operations, activities and services of a Public Works Department. Provide direction to managers and staff on program, budget and policy issues. Monitor, analyze and recommend modifications to organizational policies, procedures, programs and activities to enhance their financial effectiveness and operational efficiency. Interpret, apply and explain pertinent rules, regulations, policies and procedures. Plan, direct, and supervise the work of subordinate managers and supervisors, as well as professional and clerical staff.
Identify and allocate resources needed to meet department needs and ensure smooth and efficient activities.
Direct and participate in the development of department budgets. Direct the investigation of, and ensure the proper and timely resolution of, issues and disputes related to areas of assignment.
Meet schedules and timelines.
Obtain accurate information through interviews and observation. Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives and make creative recommendations. Research complex information from various sources and prepare or direct the preparation of comprehensive statistical and narrative reports, records and files. Represent the department and/or City at various meetings and events. Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing. Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, construction management, civil engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
Four (4) years of professional public works or related experience with at least two (2) years of experience at a managerial level.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Class “C” Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Assistant Public Work Director
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Work is performed indoors within a busy office environment and will involve sitting, standing, walking, twisting (neck and waist), driving, listening, writing, grasping, holding, reaching, and bending (neck and waist). Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
WORKING CONDITIONS
May be required to work occasional evenings and weekends for Council or Committee meetings and/or special events.