Coordinator Public Works Projects

Palo Alto Networks; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Palo Alto is seeking a Coordinator Public Works Projects to lead capital improvement initiatives in the Open Space, Parks, and Golf division. You will coordinate contractors, manage schedules, and liaise with procurement and city staff to ensure timely, compliant project delivery.

Ideal candidates will have a background in public works operations, planning, and field supervision, with strong organizational and collaborative abilities to deliver visible community benefits.

Qualifications

• Education equivalent to two years of college coursework.
• Three years of public works operations experience, including at least two years in a lead role or overseeing contractor work.
• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, schedule, and manage construction and infrastructure improvement projects from initiation through completion.
• Coordinate contractor activities across multiple maintenance and capital initiatives.
• Maintain detailed records related to billing, scheduling, and project documentation.
• Assist with preparing budget requests and regular progress reports.
• Collaborate with community groups and volunteers to support improvement initiatives.

Education

Two years college equivalence

Three years public works ops experience

Bachelor’s degree substitute for up to two years

Job description

Preserve Nature. Enhance Neighborhoods. | Join Our Team as a Coordinator Public Works Projects

We are looking for a skilled, organized, and collaborative self-starter to step into the role of Coordinator Public Works Projects within the Open Space, Parks, and Golf division of the Community Services Department.

In this role, you will take the lead on a wide range of capital improvement projects that shape the outdoor spaces where our community gathers, plays, and connects with nature. From restoring scenic trails to renovating playgrounds and sports fields, you will help ensure Palo Alto’s open spaces, parks, and golf course remain safe, sustainable, and beautifully maintained.

If you have experience coordinating field-based construction and improvement projects and you are energized by work that makes a visible impact, this is your chance to bring ideas to life and contribute to the community in meaningful ways.

About Us: Community Services Department

The Community Services Department (CSD) enhances the quality of life in Palo Alto by providing safe, beautiful, and welcoming spaces, along with a wide range of recreational, cultural, and educational programs.

This position supports the Open Space, Parks, and Golf division:

• Open Space – Over 4,000 acres of protected natural lands, with trails, wildlife habitats, and native landscapes.
• Park Services – 162 acres of developed parkland, including playgrounds, athletic fields, landscaped areas, and gathering spaces.
• Municipal Golf Course – Baylands Golf Links 18‑hole, links style course

Together, we care for the outdoor places that define Palo Alto’s character. They are spaces where the community celebrates milestones, finds peace, stays active, and builds connections.

Why Work for the City of Palo Alto?

Palo Alto, known as the birthplace of Silicon Valley is home to 69,700 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. it’s a city that leads with purpose.

We are a full-service municipality with our own utilities, airport, and emergency services, backed by a AAA bond rating and a community that values innovation, sustainability, and public service. Here, you will join a high-trust, high-impact environment where your contributions matter and your ideas are welcomed.

What You’ll Do

As a project lead, you will coordinate and oversee a variety of capital improvement and maintenance projects, coordinate contractor activities, collaborate closely with the City’s purchasing team on procurement needs, and handle key administrative responsibilities. You will:

• Plan, schedule, and manage construction and infrastructure improvement projects from initiation through completion.
• Coordinate contractor activities across multiple maintenance and capital initiatives.
• Conduct site inspections to ensure safety, quality, and compliance with project plans and specifications.
• Lead or support project meetings with contractors, City staff, and stakeholders to track budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
• Identify and resolve project challenges to maintain progress and meet deadlines.
• Maintain, submit detailed records related to billing, scheduling, and project documentation.
• Assist with preparing budget requests and regular progress reports.
• Collaborate with community groups and volunteers to support improvement initiatives.

Who We’re Looking For

You are someone who enjoys seeing projects from planning to completion, thrives in a dynamic environment, and values collaboration as much as results.

You Might Be a Great Fit If

• You enjoy working in indoors and outdoors settings making a tangible difference in your community.
• You are proactive and confident in leading complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• You can read and interpret construction plans and bring a strong foundation in construction or project management.
• You are organized, detail oriented, adaptable, and capable of working independently and as part of a team.

You communicate clearly, listen well, and are comfortable working with a wide range of people, from internal teams to vendors, contractors, and community members.

What You’ll Need

Education & Experience

• Education equivalent to two years of college coursework or related training.
• Three years of experience in public works operations, facility or landscape maintenance, or a related field, including at least two years in a lead role or overseeing contractor work.
• A Bachelor’s degree may substitute for up to two years of experience.

License

• A valid California Driver’s License.

Bonus Skills

• Familiarity with parks and trail maintenance, playground maintenance, resurfacing, site amenities, irrigation, turf care, or construction.
• Knowledge of safety regulations, public contracting, and field inspection practices.
• Familiar with the Palo Alto procurement process.

Work Environment

This position primarily operates in an office setting, focusing on project management, procurement processing, scheduling, and coordinating with division managers to establish project priorities. The role also includes regular field visits, on‑site project oversight, and negotiation with contractors, vendors, and stakeholders.

Benefits Highlights

• CalPERS Pension – Lifetime retirement income with up to 100% of your highest salary.
• Fully Paid Medical, Dental & Vision – Coverage for you and eligible dependents.
• Six Weeks Paid Parental Leave.
• Up to $10,000/year in Childcare Assistance.
• Generous Time Off – Up to 200 hours of vacation plus 13 paid holidays.
• Commuter Perks – Unlimited Bay Area transit with Clipper BayPass, including Caltrain, BART, VTA, MUNI, and more.

Visit our Careers Page to learn more and view MOAs between the City and its employee groups.

Tentative Interview and Recruitment Timeline

• First Round Interviews: Week of October 26, 2026 (subject to change)
• Final Interviews: Week of November 9, 2026 (subject to change)
• Anticipated Start Date: January 5, 2027

Candidates selected to move forward will be notified directly of any changes to the interview schedule.

Essential Duties

• Coordinates work by contractors for various maintenance activities.
• Develops work schedules, establishes priorities, reviews and adjusts schedules to meet division requirements.
• Conducts periodic surveys to determine maintenance needs; formulates programs to be carried out by contractors or City forces to perform needed maintenance.
• Keeps accurate reports of contract and other assigned activities and submits progress, performance and completion reports, work order records, purchase requests, requisitions, and reports of claims against the City.
• Determines needs, collects data and makes recommendations to appropriate level of management on budget requirements. Works with engineers, supervisors, arborist and consultants on project planning, preparation, scheduling and execution of contracts.
• Develops plans, specifications and other requirements for each assigned contract or project; organizes work to best utilize resources. Makes public contacts as needed in relation to contract and division services; responds to complaints and explains City policies.
• Ensures compliance pertaining to all relevant and environmental codes and regulations.

Essential Functions

• Supervises contractors performing maintenance on City-owned and private trees.
• Reviews work completed and prepares daily, monthly and quarterly summaries of work accomplished and unit costs of significant operations.
• Much of the work load is self-assigned, based on short- and long-range programs.
• Makes periodic inspections of construction and maintenance work performed by private contractors in the public right-of-way.
• May supervise in-house crews and/or contract inspectors.
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

• Education and/or experience equivalent to completion of two years of college.
• Three years experience in public works operations, at least two of which have been in coordinating and monitoring work of contractors or in a lead/supervisory capacity.

Note: Bachelor's degree or completion of additional college course work may be considered in lieu of up to two years' experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License.

The Selection Process

• Applicants will receive recruitment status notifications via email. Governmentjobs.com account also has notification status updates.
• Applicants will be screened throughout the posting process and highly qualified candidates may be invited to interview at any time after the posting closes.
• The screening process for this position typically may include a virtual recorded interview and/or panel interviews preceding final interviews with the hiring manager or their designee.

This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Benefits at a Glance Booklet

See our Benefits at a Glance Booklet for more details.

Memorandum of Agreements

Learn more about our Memorandum of Agreements (MOAs) between the City and its bargaining units, by clicking HERE.

Professional Development

The City offers various training and development programs to support employee growth and career advancement.

All information above is provided for prospective applicants only. Applications must be submitted through the official City portal. All other avenues for application are not accepted.