Deputy Director of Public Works

City of Berkeley; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley is seeking a strategic Deputy Director of Public Works – Transportation & Administration to lead the Administrative and Fiscal Services, Transportation Division, and the new Measure FF division. The role directs four direct reports and about 80 staff, managing an operating budget of $25 million and a multi-year capital program exceeding $150 million.

The ideal candidate will bring deep municipal transportation and parking management expertise, strong financial stewardship,

Qualifications

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from college/university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental science, forestry, horticulture, civil/electrical/mechanical engineering or related field providing administrative knowledge.
• Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in Public Works or municipal administration, including at least three (3) years supervisory of professional and technical staff.
• Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may substitute for required education on a year-for-year basis.
• Desired: Advanced degree and/or experience in contract administration in a municipal/public agency setting, and experience working with community organizations.

Skills

Municipal transportation

Financial management

Leadership

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Job description

The City of Berkeley, California, seeks a strategic, collaborative, and forward-thinking leader to serve as Deputy Director of Public Works – Transportation & Administration (Deputy Director). Newly established as part of a strategic realignment of responsibilities within the Public Works Department, this position provides dedicated leadership for Administrative and Fiscal Services, the Transportation Division, and the recently created Measure FF division, strengthening coordination and supporting the continued success of these essential service areas. Overseeing four direct reports, approximately 80 indirect staff, and an annual operating budget of $25M and 5-year capital program of over $150M, the Deputy Director advances multimodal transportation improvements, guides critical infrastructure investments, and enhances departmental operations and financial management. The ideal candidate brings expertise in municipal transportation, parking management, financial management, and organizational leadership, along with political acumen to navigate complex challenges and serve a highly engaged community.

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from a college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, planning, architecture, landscape architecture, environmental science, forestry, horticulture, civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering or a field which provide the knowledge and skills required for administrative work in environmental resource management and community affairs.
• Experience: Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in a Public Works function or in municipal administration, which includes a minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience of professional and technical staff.
• Substitution: Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-per-year basis.
• Desired: An appropriate advanced degree and/or experience in contract administration in a municipal or public agency setting, and experience working with community organizations.

Deadline: December 7, 2026.

Applicants selected to move forward will participate in virtual panel interviews and assessments on January 7 and 8, 2027 before advancing to final in-person interviews, anticipated for late January.