2026 Public Works Operations Manager (Streets)

City of Oregon City; Oregon City (OR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Oregon City seeks an experienced Public Works Operations Manager to lead the Streets Division and oversee construction, installation, maintenance and repair of public works facilities and infrastructure. The role includes planning, supervising staff, and coordinating traffic management and related operations.

The position reports to the Assistant Public Works Director and oversees multiple divisions, with emphasis on wastewater and stormwater, water distribution, and street maintenance.

Qualifications

• Experience leading public works maintenance and construction teams.
• Knowledge of streets, water, storm and sewer systems and related maintenance.
• Demonstrated ability to enforce safety standards and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, supervise, schedule and inspect utility maintenance work.
• Manage personnel functions including leave, performance, and recruitment.
• Identify and address operational challenges to meet standards and safety.

Skills

Public Works leadership

Streets maintenance

Safety compliance

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma or GED + 5 years experience

Job description

The City of Oregon City is excited to accept applications for a Public Works Operations Manager position which will lead the Streets Division in Public Works. The position is responsible for planning, overseeing, and the assignment of construction, installation, maintenance and repair of public works facilities, systems and related operations of public infrastructure. Plans, supervises, and coordinates the work of staff engaged in the operation and maintenance of the streets system,, facility cleaning and repair, and traffic management systems

The Public Works Department includes three Operations Managers, currently overseeing and supporting the Water Division, Streets Division, and the Wastewater/Stormwater Division.

This position will be open until filled. First review of applications will happen on November 30, 2026. Applications submitted after this date may or may not be reviewed.

Classification Summary

This position reports to the Assistant Public Works Director and is responsible for planning, overseeing, and the assignment of construction, installation, maintenance and repair of public works facilities, systems and related operations of public infrastructure. Plans, supervises, and coordinates the work of staff engaged in the operation and maintenance of wastewater collection and storm drainage systems, water distribution systems, street maintenance, facility cleaning and repair, and traffic management systems.

The Public Works Department includes three Operations Managers, currently overseeing and supporting the Water Division, Streets Division, and the Wastewater/Stormwater Division.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Public Works Operations Manager is a front-line, working manager, accountable for the performance of work crews in one or more of the following areas: wastewater collection and storm drainage systems, water distribution systems, street maintenance including cleaning and repair, signs and signaling services. Advancement to this position is based on need and through appointment and compliance with stated qualifications.

The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The City of Oregon City is an Equal Opportunity Employer; it is the City’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, uniformed/military service or veteran’s status, use of the worker’s compensation system, expunged juvenile records, or any other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law. It is the City’s policy to make employment, internship, volunteer selection, etc. decisions based on its evaluation of an individual’s qualifications, ability and contribution to the success of the City.

We will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, certifications, and experience to meet the minimum positions qualifications. If you are interested in applying for this position, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skillset for the role.

Studies have shown that many candidates are less likely to apply for a job if they do not believe they meet all of the hiring criteria. Our talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of this role. We therefore encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, and to take the time to explain how those skills and experiences qualify them for this role.

Duties

• Plan, organize, schedule, supervise, and inspect the work of utility maintenance teams. Evaluate work performance, determine training needs, and implement necessary training programs.
• Manage personnel-related functions, including approval of leave requests, performance appraisals, setting performance expectations, and participating in recruitment and hiring. Address disciplinary issues and facilitate initial grievance resolution.
• Identify and resolve operational or conditional challenges as they occur, determining methods to complete projects within established standards and safety considerations.
• Determine equipment and material needs and assure timely availability for projects. Research maintenance history and provide for adequate inventory of materials within budgetary limits, to respond to ongoing and unanticipated maintenance activities.
• Facilitate the acquisition of materials, tools, and equipment based on need. Evaluate new equipment, procedures, and policies as they impact work assignment areas.
• Anticipate maintenance needs, estimate personnel and supply required to complete maintenance project, submits preliminary budget for assigned section(s).
• Monitor monthly expenses for assigned work teams and approve or recommend large purchases of supplies.
• Develop and manage service contracts, ensuring contractor compliance with performance and safety standards.
• Communicate program updates and procedural changes to team members, ensuring alignment with city and department goals and expectations.
• Promote a culture of safety, ensuring safe work practices and public safety are upheld across all job sites.
• Utilize technical knowledge to solve maintenance, repair or construction problems including the review, comment, and modification of plans. Participate in plan reviews.
• Work with other agencies and the community on the goals, priorities, and status of maintenance activities, schedules, and impact of maintenance projects on neighborhood activities.
• Respond to citizen inquiries concerning service problems, identify the source of the problem, advise citizens of recourse to resolve the concerns.
• Maintain records of projects and routine maintenance including the activity of work teams, costs, time, and technical matters such as specifications, drawings, changes and updates.
• Participate in the budget development process by researching historical and projecting future project and maintenance costs, proposing staff and equipment additions, and identifying training needs.
• Stay current with industry trends, technology, regulations, and safety standards relevant to public utility maintenance and operations.
• Prepare reports, memos, and correspondence. Upgrade maps and keeps current with changing technology as it applies to assigned area.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

Knowledge

• Specialized knowledge of the methods and techniques of general construction, maintenance and repair related to public works.
• Principles of maintenance management sufficient to put together proactive programs, establish standards, and review performance of teams and individuals.
• Policies, procedures, and laws governing work and scope of service.
• Inspection, servicing, repair, or replacement methods used in streets, water distribution systems, or storm drain and sanitary sewer systems.
• Operating characteristics and proper use of equipment and tools used in the maintenance and repair of assigned public works systems, including medium to heavy machinery, sufficient to train others and observe safe and best practice.
• Occupational hazards and safe work practices sufficient to conduct training and observe work behavior in the field.
• Skills to operate personal computers, common desktop software, and specialized mapping programs.
• Sufficient math skills to prepare cost information for budgets, record distances, and volume measurements.
• Sufficient human relation skills to work as part of a team, review performance, resolve conflicts, conduct training, and demonstrate courtesy to customers.

Skills and Abilities to

• Plan, organize, prioritize, supervise, establish work standards, review performance, and train others in a variety of skilled and semi-skilled maintenance, construction, and repair work in the assigned division, as well as related areas of work.
• Ability to evaluate and operate a variety of vehicles and stationary mechanical equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to interpret and follow oral and written instructions, diagrams, engineering plans and specifications, and maps.
• Use a personal computer to access and print maps and other printed material and to store field data.
• Accurately estimate and record labor and material costs connected with work assignments.
• Work cooperatively with the public and stakeholders, be a contributing member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City.

Education, Training and Experience

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be with education equivalent to a high school diploma (or G.E.D.) and five (5) years of progressive responsibility in public works maintenance and construction experience with at least two years in a supervisory or leadership capacity, including experience in the maintenance of streets, water, storm and sewer systems. Any combination of training and experience which supports the required knowledge and abilities.

Physical Abilities

Requires the ability to function indoors in an office environment and outdoors engaged in work of a moderately active nature. Requires the ability to maintain cardio-pulmonary fitness to engage in moderate physical activity. Requires ambulatory ability to move to different work locations and to bend, stoop, climb, and reach to perform inspections. Requires arm, hand, finger dexterity to demonstrate use or operate common tools used in public works construction and maintenance, operate rolling stock, and use a computer keyboard and other office equipment. May require the ability to lift from floor, waist, or overhead, objects up to 75 pounds on an occasional basis. Requires the ability to function with temperature variations. Requires visual acuity to observe work sites, read written materials, blueprints, plans and schematics. Requires auditory ability to carry on conversations in person and over the phone, including the ability to project voice in noisy work settings.

Other Requirements

• Must pass a criminal background check & pre-employment drug screening.
• CommercialDriver’s License (N endorsement is optional).
• WaterOperations Manager: Requires a Class 3 Water Distribution and Cross Connection Certification, or equivalent certificates.
• Wastewater/Stormwater Manager: Requires a Grade 3 Wastewater Operator or equivalent certificate.

Working Conditions/Physical and Mental Demands

Requires the ability to function indoors in an office environment and outdoors engaged in work of a physically active nature. Requires the ability to maintain cardio-pulmonary fitness to engage in moderate physical activity. Requires ambulatory ability to move to different work locations and to bend, stoop, climb, and reach to perform inspections. Requires arm, hand, and finger dexterity to operate standard tools for building construction and maintenance, operate rolling stock, and use a computer keyboard and other office equipment. May require the ability to lift from the floor, waist, or overhead objects up to 75 pounds occasionally. Requires the ability to function with temperature variations. Requires visual acuity to observe work sites, and read written materials, blueprints, plans, and schematics. Requires auditory ability to carry on conversations in person and over the phone, with projecting voice in noisy work settings. Work is performed indoors, where minimal safety considerations exist, and outdoors where exposed to adverse working conditions, including work in inclement weather, especially during emergency winter and flood events.