Public Works Director

City of Malibu, CA

• $220K — $287K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field
  • 8 years of public works/construction management experience
  • 4 years of management and supervisory experience
  • Valid California Driver's License
  • California Professional Engineer (PE) registration desired

Responsibilities

  • Manage and oversee all activities in the Public Works department
  • Develop goals, objectives, and policies for departmental operations
  • Monitor service delivery methods and evaluate efficiency
  • Administer the department's operating and capital improvement budget
  • Supervise personnel, providing training and evaluation
  • Oversee traffic engineering and transportation planning
  • Represent the Public Works Department to various stakeholders

Benefits

  • Retirement plan with City covering employee contributions
  • Deferred compensation contribution of $250/month
  • Accrual of vacation starting at 120 hours per year
  • 96 hours of sick leave accrued annually
  • Full health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
  • $2,500 tuition reimbursement per fiscal year
  • 9 paid holidays plus a Winter Break
  • 9/80 work schedule option for improved work-life balance
  • Employee Assistance Program for personal support
Full Job Description
Salary: $220,243.00 - $287,367.00 Annually
Location : Malibu City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26/27-00099
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 09/21/2026
Closing Date: 10/4/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, plans, directs, manages and oversees the activities and operations of the Public Works department including engineering, capital improvement project design and construction, transportation, streets and traffic control, flood plain management, solid waste management, stormwater and wastewater operations and management, management and implementation of assessment districts, and facility, equipment and infrastructure maintenance; fosters cooperative working relationships with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to City management staff and City Council in areas of expertise; performs related duties as assigned.
To be considered for this outstanding opportunity, a completed employment application, cover letter, and resume must be received by the final filing deadline of October 4, 2026.

Examples of Duties
Examples of ESSENTIAL 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 so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Assumes full management responsibility for all programs, services, and activities of the Public Works Department including providing oversight and administrative direction to Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer and related duties and responsibilities.
  • Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Public Works Department.
  • Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
  • Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Department's operating and capital improvement budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.
  • Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of changes.
  • Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
  • Oversees traffic engineering and transportation planning activities; develops local, State and Federal funding sources for such activities.
  • Oversees the provision of contracted services; prepares specifications and requests for proposal; evaluates bids and makes recommendations for contract aware; manages and administers contract to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and approved budget.
  • Plans, directs, and coordinates the Public Works Department's work plan; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
  • Conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to department programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public services.
  • Represents the Public Works Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
  • Directs and participates in the preparation, review, and presentation of reports; provides recommendations to the City Manager, City Council, various boards as required; manages special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
  • Receives, investigates, and responds to the most difficult and sensitive complaints, inquiries, and requests for services and takes necessary action to resolve.
  • Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
  • Monitors changes in laws, regulations and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
  • Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field.
Experience:
Eight (8) years of increasing responsible public works and/or construction management experience, including four (4) years of administrative, supervisory and management experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Possession of a valid California Driver's License and a satisfactory driving record, to be maintained throughout employment.
  • Possession of a valid California registration as a Professional Engineer (PE), highly desirable.

Supplemental Information
Knowledge of:

  • Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the Public Works Department.
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Principles and practices of leadership.
  • Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
  • Principles, practices, techniques, procedures and standards of capital improvement engineering, design, construction, inspection, funding, and long-term maintenance.
  • Principles and concepts of municipal infrastructure maintenance, repair, and replacement.
  • Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
  • Modern and complex principles and practices of program development and administration.
  • Technical, legal, financial, and public relations problems associated with the management of public works programs.
  • Grant application and administration.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
  • City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

  • Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
  • Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Public Works Department.
  • Plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review, and evaluate a comprehensive public work design, engineering, construction, and maintenance program.
  • Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
  • Conduct effective negotiations with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  • Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
  • Make accurate arithmetic, financial and statistical computations.
  • Direct the maintenance of and maintain accurate records and files.
  • Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.


Having trouble logging in? Contact the NEOGOV Applicant Support Hotline Toll Free at (855) 524-5627.

Need an Accommodation? If you have questions or need special accommodation with the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at (310) 456-2489 ext. 488.
COMPENSATION and BENEFITS

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

The City also offers an attractive benefits package, which includes:
  1. Retirement: 2% at 55 formula for Classic CalPERS members (City pays employee contribution). New member formula is 2% at 62 (employee contribution is the rate prescribed by CalPERS in accordance with Government Code 7522.30 - currently 8.25%). The City does not contribute to Social Security
  2. Deferred Compensation: The City contributes $250 per month to a qualified Deferred Compensation Plan
  3. Vacation: Starting at 120 hours per year, increasing to 160 hours beginning the 11th year of service. A portion of vacation leave can be cashed out at the applicable accrual year for qualifying employees
  4. Sick Leave: 96 hours accrued per year. A portion of sick leave accrued but not used can be cashed out for qualifying employees. A portion of sick leave can be cashed out at the applicable accrual year for qualifying employees
  5. Vacation and sick leave cash out provision
  6. Holidays: 9 paid holidays plus paid Winter Break (December 24 - January 1)
  7. Administrative Leave: 54 hours of administrative leave each fiscal year
  8. Health Insurance: CalPERS offers a selection of health plans. City provides 100% paid premiums-coverage for employees and eligible dependents up to the PERS Platinum PPO health plan level
  9. Dental and Vision: 100% premium coverage for employees and eligible dependents
  10. Life Insurance: Coverage equal to employee's annual salary, up to a maximum of $175,000
  11. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $2,500 maximum reimbursement each fiscal year
  12. Long Term/Short Term Disability Coverage
  13. Employee Assistance Program
  14. The City offers a 9/80 work schedule
  15. Employees have the option to sign up with the Ventura County Credit Union

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

To be considered for this outstanding opportunity, applicants must submit a complete employment application, cover letter, and resume by the final filing deadline. Following a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and selection process. Final appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background investigation and all required pre-employment screenings and requirements.

In accordance with federal law, all individuals appointed to City employment must provide documentation establishing their identity and authorization to work in the United States. Final appointment is contingent upon successful verification of employment eligibility and all other required pre-employment conditions.

Reasonable Accommodation: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, applicants who require reasonable accommodation to participate in the selection process should notify the Human Resources Division in writing by the final filing date listed on the announcement.
01

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.
  • Yes, I understand and agree
  • No, I do not agree

02

Briefly describe your experienc

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