Public Works Superintendent

National Rural Water Association; Milton-Freewater (OR); On-site; USD 114,888 - 139,668; Full time

Job summary

The City of Milton-Freewater is seeking a Public Works Superintendent to provide leadership, develop strategic vision, and foster a collaborative, professional, and safe environment for its Public Works teams. The successful candidate will manage infrastructure, coordinate major projects, and oversee department operations.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree and have at least three years of progressively responsible experience in public works or municipal infrastructure management, plus a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, or related field.
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, engineering, or municipal infrastructure management.
• Valid Oregon Driver's License or ability to obtain one with a satisfactory driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all aspects of the City's infrastructure and essential services.
• Provide strategic vision and leadership to Public Works teams.
• Oversee budgets, procurement, and contract management.
• Foster partnerships with local and regional stakeholders.
• Promote clear, respectful communication and community visibility.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Staff management

Budget management

Public works operations knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, or related field

Tools

Procurement

Contract management

Job description

The City of Milton-Freewater is recruiting its next Public Works Superintendent!

The next Public Works Superintendent will have the opportunity to provide leadership, develop strategic vision for the Department, and to foster a collaborative, professional, and safe environment across experienced Public Works teams. In this role, the selected candidate can appreciate the unique opportunity to apply public works expertise across a compelling range of services, major projects, and City priorities. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a supportive and welcoming community.

The City of Milton-Freewater (population 7,321) is located near the Columbia River and Washington-Oregon border in Umatilla County. Known for its thriving artisan agricultural industry and offering unparalleled access to exceptional vineyards, the City is home to a close-knit and welcoming community. The City is a full-service municipal organization that operates under a Council-Manager form of government. The City is organized across eight departments made up of 58 City employees with 19 Public Works staff (including seasonal employees). Its 2026-2027 adopted budget was approximately $47.9 million.

The Public Works Superintendent reports to the City Manager and is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of the City's infrastructure and essential services. As a key contributor to the City's management team, the Public Works Superintendent should have strong leadership skills and a commitment to public service; a wide-ranging public works operations knowledge; demonstrated skills related to strategic and project planning; excellent staff management abilities; the skills to provide and support effective financial management; experience with procurement and contract management; a commitment to maintain and enhance effective working relationships with significant local and regional partners; clear, consistent, and respectful communication skills; and a willingness to be visible in the community and show appreciation of Milton-Freewater.

A bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, or related field, and at least three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, engineering, or municipal infrastructure management is required. A valid Oregon's Driver's License (or ability to obtain one) with a satisfactory driving record is required. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Compensation is $114,888 - $139,668 (DOQ/DOE).

The City of Milton-Freewater is an Equal Opportunity Employer.