Job Description

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

SALARY: $9,770-$12,042/month

DEFINITION:   Under administrative direction, plans, directs and manages a variety of City operations and business services including water, sewer, storm drain, refuse, laboratory, utilities maintenance, streets, traffic, recycling, wastewater treatment, and fleet maintenance; performs related duties as required. The Director performs complex supervisory functions and oversees the public works staff to ensure effective operation of all divisions.

DISTINGUISHING  CHARACTERISTICS:  This is a department director position and serves as a member of the City’s management team. The employee in this position works under the direction, is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.

REPRESENTATIVE  DUTIES:

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         1. Plans, organizes and manages such City operations and regulatory compliance within the scope of Public Works, which includes refuse collection and recycling, maintenance of streets, sewer, storm drainage systems, traffic signal systems, water utilities, wastewater treatment, environmental laboratory, recycling, and fleet maintenance.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Supervises key management employees (e.g., Field Services Manager and Superintendents.), responsible for specific operations, regulatory compliances, reporting, and activities, and administrative support staff.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Implements City policy and applicable laws and regulations relating to Public Works.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Provides staff assistance to the City Manager in conducting and presenting administrative studies and impact reports; prepares and monitors the department’s annual budget that includes general and enterprise funds; prepares and recommends funding sources for long range capital improvement plans; prepares and presents a variety of reports, both verbally and in writing.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Investigates and resolves complaints and disputes regarding subordinate activities and personnel; acts as source of information for City public works activities.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Serves as a member of the City’s management team; serves on the management team for meet and confer sessions; may participate in administrative studies in areas outside the scope of regular duties. Perform emergency management functions as assigned.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Represents the City at, and may serve on, various local, State and Federal regulatory boards and agencies for the City’s water system, sewage collection and treatment systems, and collection and recycling of the City’s solid waste.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. May be assigned additional professional/managerial duties as necessary.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

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         1. Represents and supports the policies and procedures established by the City Council and City Manager.
         
         
         
         
         
      
      
      
      
      
   
   
   
   
   

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and/or Experience:

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering and /or public administration; applicable State certificates in support of Public Works activities, and five years of managerial experience which includes responsibility in municipal public works operations, or any combination of training and experience that provides the desired knowledge and abilities. A Master’s degree in public administration or a related field is desirable.

Knowledge of:

Theories, principles, methods and techniques of management, supervision and operation; operation and work methods typical of the function areas described above including budgeting and administration; Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA); equipment, facilities, methods and procedures used in maintenance, construction and repair techniques on publicly owned structures, public water systems, sewer, storm drain and streets; and laws, regulations, and practices applicable to Public Works projects.

Ability to:

Manage diverse operational activities; supervise employees including subordinate managers; understand and follow verbal and written directions; analyze unusual situations and resolve through application of City policies; develop comprehensive plans to satisfy future needs of department services; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships; communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; deal with conflict situations and direct effective resolutions; establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, outside agencies and the general public.

REQUIREMENTS :  Possession of or ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License.

SELECTION:  Screening will consist of a competitive assessment of relevant education, training and work experience to be followed by an interview before an Oral Board to determine the most qualified candidates. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement to the interview, and the decision of the screening committee is final . Applicants will receive electronic notification regarding results for all phases of the recruitment up to the establishment of the eligibility list, if applicable. Candidates will be notified of the date and time of scheduled interviews and/or tests. The City of Porterville reserves the right to alter the testing process at any time, without notice, as needed.

TO APPLY:  Apply online at governmentjobs.com/careers/porterville. Applications must be received by 4pm, Friday, August 29, 2025.

The City of Porterville is an equal opportunity employer (EEO) and is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you believe you need accommodation under the ADA in the testing process for any position for which you intend to apply, please contact the Human Resources Division at (559) 782-7441 to request such accommodation. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability or medical condition, Acquired Immune Deficiency (AIDS/HIV) or AIDS related conditions, political affiliation, sexual orientation, ancestry, marital or domestic partner status, gender identity, parental status, veteran status, height, weight, or any other basis protected by law.

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