Public Works Director

American Water Works Association; Eugene (OR); On-site; USD 152,000 - 208,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County is seeking a strategic, politically astute Public Works Director to lead eight divisions including Engineering, General Services, Land Management, Parks, and Waste Management. The role requires balancing long-term priorities with day-to-day service delivery while aligning with county goals.

The Director reports to the County Administrator, works with the Executive Leadership Team and Board, and serves as a liaison to elected officials, partners, and the public, ensuring high-quality,

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration with a focus on public works is required.
• A strong background in land management is essential.
• At least six years of supervisory and management responsibilities over significant operations is preferred.
• A thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of public works administration is essential.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for Lane County’s Public Works Department, overseeing its people, assets, resources, programs, and services.
• Report to the County Administrator and work with the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of County Commissioners.
• Establish priorities, develop short- and long-range plans, and align Public Works with the County’s goals and objectives.
• Serve as a liaison with elected officials, County leadership, other departments, and the public.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration, empower managers, and develop staff.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial acumen

Stakeholder management

Public administration

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, civil engineering, environmental services

Job description

The Position

Lane County is seeking a strategic, thoughtful, and politically astute leader who understands the important role Public Works plays in the success of the County and the quality of life of its communities. The Public Works Director brings a clear vision for the department and recognizes that achieving it requires sound judgment, strong relationships, and the ability to connect the dots across a complex organization. Comfortable navigating competing priorities and political dynamics, this leader provides candid, well-informed advice while remaining focused on organizational and community needs. They bring an experienced public-sector perspective and understand both the opportunities and constraints of delivering services in a complex environment.

The Public Works Director provides leadership and direction for Lane County’s Public Works Department, overseeing its people, assets, resources, programs, and services. This position reports to the County Administrator and works closely with the Administrator, the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of County Commissioners. The Director establishes priorities, develops short- and long-range plans, and aligns Public Works with the County’s broader goals and objectives. As a member of the County’s executive management team, the Director also contributes to countywide policy, strategy, and organizational priorities.

The Director provides vision, high-level administrative leadership, and operational oversight across eight diverse divisions: Administrative Services, Engineering and Construction, General Services (including Animal Services and Fleet), Land Management, Lane Events Center, Parks, Road and Bridge Maintenance, and Waste Management. This executive-level role requires a person who is driven to connect across varied public works disciplines, breaks down operational silos, and cultivates cross-functional collaboration. Success requires balancing long-term priorities with day-to-day service delivery, empowering managers, developing staff, and relying on the technical expertise of a talented Public Works team.

This position also serves as a careful steward of Public Works’ financial and organizational resources, overseeing the department’s budget, expenditures, and allocation of resources to support effective and cost-conscious service delivery. The Director serves as a key liaison and spokesperson for Public Works, building effective relationships with elected officials, County leadership, other departments, community partners, governmental agencies, and the public.

A people-centered leader, the successful candidate prioritizes knowing and understanding the people doing the work. Visible and accessible, they spend time in each division, engaging with employees and demonstrating genuine interest in their work. The successful candidate is a collaborative and effective partner, building strong relationships across the County and with elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders. They work effectively across departments and divisions with different cultures and needs, flexing their approach when greater engagement is needed and bringing people together around shared goals.

Compensation and Benefits

The hiring range for the Public Works Director is $151,694 – $207,584 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Lane County provides a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the physical, financial, social and mental well-being of employees and their families, including a near site wellness clinic exclusively for Lane County employees and their families. For more information about the County’s options, please review the Employee Benefits.

Qualifications

Ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration with a focus on public works is required. A strong background in land management is essential. At least six years of supervisory and management responsibilities over significant operations is preferred. A thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of public works administration is essential, with demonstrated success in leading organizational change and process improvement initiatives. Strong financial acumen, including budget development, long-range financial planning, capital planning, asset management, and funding strategy development, is essential. Experience working in a unionized environment is ideal.

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, civil engineering, environmental services, or a closely related field is required. The County may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.