Director of Public Works

Job Description

Description

The City is seeking a forward-thinking and accomplished individual to fill the role of Director of Public Works. Reporting directly to the City Manager, this executive-level position provides strategic direction and oversight for the City's Public Works Department, including infrastructure planning, capital improvement programs, engineering, maintenance operations, wastewater services, and essential municipal services. As a key member of the City's leadership team, the Director serves as a trusted advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and community partners while guiding the department's long-term goals, developing innovative solutions, and ensuring the effective stewardship of public resources. Please note the City is currently evaluating whether wastewater services will remain within the Public Works Department.

Apply now to be part of the first review! Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, with a first review on Thursday, September 10 , 2026.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee the daily operations, strategic direction, and overall performance of the Public Works Department.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies for infrastructure planning, maintenance, and capital improvement projects.
• Direct the planning, development, and implementation of major public works projects and programs.
• Provide executive oversight of the City’s wastewater utility, including operations, regulatory compliance, capital improvements, and coordination with regional partners.
• Prepare and manage the department's operating and capital budgets, including development of the City's 10-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Oversee the development, negotiation, and administration of contracts for public works projects and professional services.
• Provide expert technical guidance and strategic advice to the City Manager on public works, utilities, and infrastructure matters.
• Prepare and present reports, studies, contracts, and recommendations for City Council consideration.
• Represent the department before the City Council, commissions, community organizations, and professional groups by presenting programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Build and maintain collaborative partnerships with City departments, contractors, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Foster a culture of exceptional customer service, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop managers, supervisors, and staff while overseeing recruitment, hiring, training, performance management, and employee development.
• Evaluate departmental performance and ensure programs and services are delivered efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with City goals.

The Ideal Candidate

• Provides strategic, visionary leadership while balancing long-term infrastructure and utility planning with operational excellence.
• Has a track record of completing projects in a timely manner, within budget, and sticking to timelines.
• Inspires, mentors, and develops high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Builds trusted relationships with elected officials, staff, community members, contractors, and regulatory agencies through open and transparent communication.
• Is able to navigate competing interests, including complex project reviews with multiple stakeholders.
• Communicates complex technical, infrastructure, and regulatory information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, including the City Council and the public.
• Exercises sound judgment and political acumen when navigating complex issues, competing priorities, and high-profile initiatives.
• Builds consensus, resolves challenges, and makes thoughtful, data-informed decisions.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to exceptional customer service and responsive public service.
• Identifies opportunities for innovation, continuous improvement, and operational efficiency.
• Successfully manages multiple priorities while maintaining a focus on organizational goals, fiscal stewardship, regulatory compliance, and project delivery.
• Leads with integrity, professionalism, and accountability while serving as a trusted steward of public resources and infrastructure.
• Fosters collaboration across departments and cultivates partnerships to advance Citywide priorities.
• Brings a passion for improving public infrastructure, ensuring reliable utility services, and delivering meaningful results for the organization and the community.

Examples of Duties

The normal duties for the position can be found in the job description for Director of Public Works . These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Qualifications

Any combination demonstrating the ability to effectively and successfully perform the duties of the position is considered qualifying. A typical combination is as follows:

Education : Bachelor's degree in public administration, construction management, engineering, environmental science, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of California is desirable. Master's degree is highly desirable.

Experience : At least five (5) years of experience in public sector management, preferably in Public Works management with experience in professional civil engineering involving contracts administration, projects management and supervisory experience.

License/Certificate Requirements : Due to the performance of some field duties, which may require the operation of a personal or City vehicle, a valid California Driver's license and an acceptable driving record are required.

Supplemental Information

This recruitment will establish an eligibility list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the same or lower classifications.

Application/Selection Process: Applications will be screened carefully, and selected applicants will be invited to participate in the Structured Panel Interview. The appointing hiring authority will further review the job-related qualifications of those deemed eligible for hire before making selection decisions. The selection process may be modified based on the needs of the City.

Pre-employment Process: Selected candidates must successfully pass a fingerprint check with the State Department of Justice. Education and employment verification and reference check(s) will also be conducted.

Why work for Laguna Beach: Laguna Beach is a beautiful coastal city located in Orange County, California, with a vibrant art scene and cultural events. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, including City paid health insurance for employees, retirement plans, and paid time off. The City has a strong commitment to its employees, providing opportunities for professional growth and development through training and education programs.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Laguna Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. We encourage you to inform Human Resources at least two business days prior to the first phase of the selection process if you have a disability that may require an accommodation. EEO/ADA.

Click here for the link to the MOUs.