Public Works Director

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

Job summary

The City of San Carlos seeks a Public Works Director to lead the Public Works Department and guide planning, development, maintenance, and improvement of essential City infrastructure. You will manage engineering, capital improvements, asset management, facilities, contracts, and private development reviews while aligning projects with council priorities and community needs.

The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership, mentor staff, and build partnerships with the City Council,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and five years of municipal government experience in engineering or maintenance programs, including three years in a supervisory role.
• Master’s degree in civil engineering is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, development, maintenance, and improvement of City infrastructure.
• Manage the Capital Improvement Program and departmental budgets.
• Direct engineering, asset management, facilities, contracts, and private development reviews.
• Collaborate with City Council, regulators, developers, and community members.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Political acumen

Engineering management

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Master's in Civil Engineering (desirable)

Job description

The City of San Carlos is seeking a Public Works Director to lead its Public Works Department and oversee the planning, development, maintenance, and improvement of essential City infrastructure. Responsibilities include managing engineering, infrastructure maintenance, capital improvement planning and delivery, departmental budgeting, public facilities, contracts, and private development plan reviews; overseeing the Capital Improvement Program to ensure projects are completed on schedule and within budget; strengthening preventive maintenance programs and operational efficiencies; and ensuring the long-term sustainability of City infrastructure. The Director also collaborates with the City Council, City management, regulatory agencies, developers, contractors, and community members, communicating complex technical issues clearly, addressing community concerns, and providing sound recommendations to support informed decision-making. This is an exceptional opportunity for a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader with strong technical expertise, political acumen, and management skills to guide a talented team, advance critical infrastructure investments, and enhance the quality of life in the City of Good Living.

The City of San Carlos is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Public Works Director with strong engineering, management, and communication skills and a commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership, mentor staff, foster a positive and accountable work environment, and build strong relationships with the City Council, employees, community members, and regional partners. Qualified candidates will have municipal engineering experience, including oversight of capital improvement programs, infrastructure maintenance, asset management, budgets, and complex projects. The successful candidate will embrace innovation and continuous improvement, communicate technical information effectively, respond to community concerns, and demonstrate sound judgment and political acumen. A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and five years of municipal government experience in engineering or maintenance programs, including three years in a supervisory role, are typical qualifications; a master’s degree in civil engineering is highly desirable.