Salary Range: $8,000 to $10,000 monthly
Department: Public Works
Reports To: City Administrator
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classification: Regular, full-time, after an introductory period
Effective Date: July 1, 2026
DEFINITION
The Public Works Manager oversees the daily operations of the Public Works Department, ensuring maintenance and operation of the city’s water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater, streets, parks, and other public infrastructure. This position works under the supervision of the City Administrator and provides oversight to public works staff. The Public Works Manager ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and assists with the planning and implementation of capital improvement projects. This role requires technical knowledge, leadership, and the ability to perform hands-on work when necessary.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Reports to and receives directions from the City Administrator. Exercises direct supervision over Public Works staff. Some staff are represented via a collective bargaining agreement.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This is a working manager position requiring a balance of technical expertise, leadership, and administrative oversight. The successful candidate must be able to effectively lead personnel, manage departmental operations, and perform hands-on field work when operational demands or staffing needs require.
General duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Review of the public infrastructure portion of development plans for commercial and subdivision applications in compliance with state and local regulations and professional standards.
• Coordinate with City management and consultants to ensure the smooth transition of projects through the various stages of development throughout the city.
• Oversee operational activities and collect data to ensure water and wastewater systems meet safety, performance, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Evaluate and recommend options for design and funding of public works improvements.
• Maintain effective working relationships with staff, outside consultants, vendors, and regulatory agencies.
• Exercise tact and confidentiality in matters involving personnel and other sensitive issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to present information and facilitate a group discussion in a variety of public forums including City Council and Planning Commission meetings, public hearings, and neighborhood association events.
• Provide frequent public interaction and at all times provide friendly and respectful customer service.
• Know and comply with all laws, policies, procedures, and safety practices as these relate to employment conditions and job duties.
• Perform job duties in a safe and efficient manner that protects the employee, coworkers, and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform the essential job functions with or without accommodation.
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in public works maintenance or operations, including two years of administrative and supervisory responsibility is required.
The selected candidate will be required to have one or more of the following certifications:
• Water Distribution Level 2 certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
• Water Treatment Level 1 certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
• Wastewater Treatment Level 3 certification (or the ability to obtain within two years)
• Wastewater Collection Level 2 certification (or ability to obtain within one year).
Additional certifications and licensing:
• Cross-connection specialist certification is preferred
• First Aid and CPR certification.
• A valid State of Oregon Driver’s License is required; must obtain within 30 days of hire if from out-of state
Required Skills and Knowledge:
• Municipal public works operations, including water distribution, wastewater collection, and street maintenance.
• State and federal regulations governing public works, including DEQ, OHA, and ODOT requirements.
• Materials, methods, and techniques related to construction, maintenance, and operation of public works facilities, including heavy machinery and SCADA-monitored utility systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Competence in purchasing and inventory management.
• Principles of public administration with reference to departmental personnel and the development and administration of the department budget.
• Problem-solving skills and sound judgment in public works operations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to do the following: stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. Manual dexterity and coordination are required while operating equipment such as computer keyboards, calculators, and standard office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20-25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment is mostly administrative in office settings, with occasional outdoor work and supervision of activities conducted in the field. Characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential job functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts and adverse weather conditions. Work facilities may expose the employee to various conditions such as loudness, fumes, electrical shock, vibration, chemicals, or the movement of equipment.
All resumes and cover letters should be sent to me at br******@*************on.gov. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.