Public Works Director

Lane County; Oregon (WI); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Lane County seeks a strategic, politically astute Public Works Director to lead eight divisions and align the department with the County Administrator and the Board of County Commissioners.

The Director provides vision, executive leadership, and operational oversight while prioritizing people, relationships, and cross‑functional collaboration to deliver cost‑effective services across the county.

Qualifications

• Ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration, with focus on public works.
• Strong financial acumen including budget development, long-range planning, and asset management.
• Experience working in a unionized environment is ideal.

Responsibilities

• Provide vision, high‑level administrative leadership, and oversight across eight divisions.
• Oversee department budget, expenditures, and resource allocation to deliver services.
• Collaborate with elected officials, County leadership, and community partners to advance goals.

Skills

Leadership

Public sector governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration or related field

Job description

About 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.

About the Public Works Department

The Lane County Public Works Department maintains, protects, and enhances the livability and sustainability of the region’s built and natural environments. With a budget of $148.6 million and supported by a talented and dedicated workforce of 387 employees, the department delivers critical public infrastructure and community services across eight operating divisions:

Administrative Services: Delivers department financial planning, budget management, procurement, executive support, recruitment, training, and labor relations liaison to advance operational efficiency across all Public Works divisions.

Engineering & Construction Services: Delivers comprehensive transportation planning, surveying, design, environmental permitting, and construction management for County road and bridge capital projects while overseeing right‑of‑way permitting and regional traffic safety operations.

General Services: Manages full‑lifecyle County fleet acquisition and maintenance operations while providing rural domestic and livestock animal welfare, regulatory enforcement, pet licensing, and sheltering services through Lane County Animal Services.

Land Management: Oversees rural land use planning, building safety plan review, electrical inspections, code compliance, and subsurface sanitation to balance environmental stewardship with housing development and rural economic vitality.

Lane Events Center: Operates a dynamic 52‑acre event campus hosting year‑round community celebrations, exhibitions, athletic competitions, and the production of the annual Lane County Fair.

Parks: Operates and preserves 66 recreational sites, campgrounds, boat launches, marinas, and historic covered bridges, utilizing local‑option levy funding to reduce maintenance backlogs and expand accessibility.

Road & Bridge Maintenance: Preserves and maintains more than 1,400 lane miles of roadways and 420 bridges through zone‑based pavement preservation, bridge structural repairs, roadside vegetation management, and traffic striping.

Waste Management: Directs countywide solid waste disposal, diversion, and recycling operations across the Short Mountain Landfill and 14 rural transfer sites, while advancing regional sustainability through the development of a Solid Waste Recovery Facility.

Priorities

• Strengthen the Public Works Team and Workplace Culture: Build a positive, connected workplace across Public Works’ diverse divisions and maintain strong relationships with the department’s three unions. Be visible and accessible to employees and worksites, supporting engagement, development, and retention while knowing when to lean in, when to empower managers, and how to identify challenges and anticipate customer needs.

• Strengthen Countywide Collaboration: Build stronger connections across County departments, deepen understanding of each department and division’s work, and leverage talent and expertise across the organization. As a member of the executive leadership team, contribute beyond Public Works and connect departmental priorities to broader County goals.

• Advance Customer‑Focused, Forward‑Thinking Service Delivery: Recognize Public Works’ role in supporting housing, rural prosperity, and strong communities through effective infrastructure, thoughtful regulation, and a strong customer service ethic. Bring a solutions‑oriented approach to compliance and a willingness to rethink policies and processes to remove barriers and achieve better outcomes for the community.

• Modernize Public Works Through Innovation and Technology: Advance the use of technology and other innovations that improve service delivery while thoughtfully supporting employees through change. Strengthen the systems and practices that support effective operations, including project costing, tracking, and accountability.

• Modernize Public Works Through Innovation and Technology: Advance the use of technology and other innovations that improve service delivery while thoughtfully supporting employees through change. Strengthen the systems and practices that support effective operations, including project costing, tracking, and accountability.

Schedule

Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm

*This is a non‑represented position*

Education & Experience

• 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.

Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Public Works Director Classification Details

Selection Process

Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job.

Strategic Plan

The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play.

Veteran Preference Information