Salary : $194,185.36 - $250,363.19 Annually
Location : Sacramento, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Career
Job Number: 020021-26-PW-2
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 12/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
THE POSITIONVIEW THE FULL RECRUITMENT BROCHURE HEREUnder executive direction, the Director of Public Works serves as the principal administrator of the Public Works Department; plans, organizes, directs and reviews all the activities of the divisions that comprise the Public Works Department; interfaces with City officials, division managers, City Council, and others on transportation matters; provides professional and technical staff assistance; manages and supervises staff; serves as a member of the City's Executive Team.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-position executive-management classification. The Director of Public Works exercises management direction over the diverse major functions that comprise the Public Works Department (Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, Transportation Design & Funding, Transportation Construction, Street Maintenance, On/Off-Street Parking). The incumbent performs work that is of high complexity and often requires intense and exacting mental attention and ability to reason through and solve complex problems. The Director of Public Works operates from general directives or broadly defined missions as they relate to the Department's goals and objectives; creates and implements policies governing the department's function, and assists in policy decisions that may have citywide impact
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Executive direction is provided by an Assistant City Manager or higher-level staff. The incumbent provides direct and indirect supervision to mid-level managers as well as other professional, technical, and clerical staff members. Management authority is delegated through direct report line managers that head up each of the major functions.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Plan, organize, manage, lead, and direct the overall operations of the Department.
- Meet with Division Managers, and other key department staff to share information, discuss issues (current, emerging, potential) regarding projects, policies, and programs and to determine priorities and resource management issues, on a regular basis.
- Develop priorities, approach, and strategies regarding organizational development/ improvement initiatives; develop, plan, and implement Department goals and objectives in accordance with the core purpose, mission, vision, and values of the organization; develop, recommend, and administer policies and procedures; identify, develop, and implement initiatives to improve service delivery (transportation design/air quality, street maintenance, parking) with other city departments and public/regional agencies.
- Administer, direct, and recommend the Department budget; analyze fiscal data to identify and project resource needs; obtain needed resources; monitor and approve budget expenditures.
- Review legislation and assures compliance with laws, regulations, statutes, and codes that impact Department operations.
- Select, assign, train, direct, and evaluate subordinate staff, including subordinate managers, supervisors, professionals, and others; discuss, negotiate, and resolve personnel issues/conflicts with staff, unions, and labor relations.
- Provide consultation and oversight to citywide strategic planning efforts and participates in planning/design teams to develop direction, recommendations, and strategies for Executive Team development and citywide improvement initiatives; participates in Executive Team meetings.
- Negotiate, arbitrate, and resolve program, project, and policy issues and conflicts with the City Council, City Manager, other departments, and community/business stakeholders.
- Attend City Council meetings; meet with City Manager's office and City Council regarding new programs, project/program status, sensitive/controversial issues; coordinate assigned activities with City officials, other City departments, and outside agencies as appropriate; participate on committees and boards and in community activities as assigned; attend meetings, conferences, and workshops.
- Prepare complex statistical and narrative reports, correspondence, and other documents.
- Other related duties may also be performed.
QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of:
- Organizational development, process development, systems thinking.
- Subdivision laws and public works financing.
- Principles and practices of engineering and administration as applied to the design and construction of public works facilities and technical inspection services.
- Principles and practices of modern office management.
- Principles of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management.
- Current trends, principles, practices, methods, and techniques of public works administration; current literature, laws, regulations, and developments, as well as various agencies that impact and/or govern public works-related services.
- Federal, State, and regional transportation/air quality regulations.
Skill in:
- Interest based negotiations and consensus building.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills with diverse groups.
- Coaching and mentoring.
- Use of computers, computer applications, and software.
Ability to:
- Think and act strategically, creatively, and critically.
- Create common understanding on issues through education with relevant/factual information
- Present complex technical and operational issues simply and logically to City managers, policy makers, and community.
- Be politically astute without being political.
- Create common understanding of organizational purpose and motivate staff to provide high quality services and customer satisfaction at a competitive cost.
- Be adaptable and innovative, decisive and diplomatic.
- Problem solve collaboratively and creatively.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, public/private agencies, and the general public.
- Prepare complex narrative and statistical reports, correspondence, and other documents.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience managing a broad range of municipal services including engineering, traffic engineering, and/or street maintenance in a large public agency including a minimum of two years at a management level comparable to Division Manager.
Education:
A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public or business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
Substitutions:
A Master's Degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required supervisory experience.
Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS
Certifications:
Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California is desirable.
THE SELECTION PROCEDURE How to Apply
Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply no later than Monday,
December 14, 2026, to Ralph Andersen & Associates by sending a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to Resumes will be reviewed upon receipt by Ralph Andersen & Associates. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early in the process, as this position may close once a strong pool of qualified candidates has applied. References will not be required upon submittal but will be requested once mutual interest has been established. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an initial screening (via video) conducted by Ralph Andersen & Associates. Ideally, the new Director of Public Works will join the City of Sacramento in March 2027 or on a mutually agreed-upon date to allow for a smooth transition of leadership.
Confidential inquires and questions regarding this career opportunity should be directed to Ian Appleyard at 916-630-4900. Alternatively, reach out for a confidential discussion by sending an email to
Bilingual Pay
Did you know that the City offers bilingual pay? That's right, most labor agreements offer the option of providing employees with bilingual pay if the department deems it to be operationally necessary.
Pension Reform Act
The City of Sacramento is covered by the California Public Employees' Retirement System, and as such, must adhere to the California Public Employee's Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) of 2013. Please note that the provisions within this act may affect or impact an applicant's eligibility and/or selection for open vacancies at the City of Sacramento.
Additional Information
Civil Service Rules:
Union Contracts:
Salary Schedule:
