Public Works Superintendent

City of Vernon; Vernon (CA); On-site; USD 124,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Vernon is seeking a Public Works Superintendent for the Public Works Department. The role requires overseeing staff, budget input, contract administration, and safety program oversight, with potential involvement in regional committees.

Two years of college-level coursework in related fields plus six years of experience (three in supervision) are required. A CA Class C driver’s license is required. This full-time position offers a strong benefits package.

Qualifications

• Two years of college level course work or equivalent, in Public Administration, project management, construction management, or a closely related field.
• Six years of experience, including three years of supervisory experience, in Facilities Maintenance, Street, and/or Garage management.

Responsibilities

• Supervises subordinate staff; sets work priorities; creates work schedules; provides training; resolves workload and technical issues; conducts performance evaluations; rewards and/or disciplines employees.
• Assists department director with budgetary recommendations; provides assistance with public policy reviews and department goal and objective development.
• Develops request for proposals, bids and requisitions for services, supplies and materials; oversees contractors' work and invoicing; administers contracts for City services.
• Oversees safety training programs and enforces safety procedures; conducts site inspections.
• Prepares and presents reports on Public Works activities.
• Responds to public and City staff concerns and complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Represents the City on regional committees and Joint Power Authorities.
• Maintains confidentiality and performs other duties as required.

Skills

Administrative management

Supervision

Regulatory management

Contract administration

Public works maintenance

Public finance

Project management

Strategic planning

Customer service standards

Communication skills

Diplomacy

Team building

Policy interpretation

Computer skills

Education

Two years of college level coursework in Public Administration / project management / construction management or related field

Job description

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY WITH THE CITY OF VERNON

PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT

MONTHLY SALARY: $11,122 - $13,518

PLUS, AN EXCELLENT BENEFITS PACKAGE

FINAL FILING DEADLINE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2026 11:59 PM OR ONCE 100 QUALIFIED APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

External Panel Interview Date: Tentative December 1, 2026
Selection Panel Interview Date: Tentative December 9, 2026

THIS RECRUITMENT IS TO FILL ONE FULL-TIME VACANCY IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND TO ESTABLISH AN ELIGIBILITY LIST TO BE USED FOR FUTURE VACANCIES.

SUMMARY:

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed below; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job flyer does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises subordinate staff; sets work priorities; creates work schedules; provides training; resolves workload and technical issues; conducts performance evaluations; rewards and/or disciplines employees.
• Assists department director with budgetary recommendations regarding Public Works divisions; provides assistance with public policy reviews and department goal and objective development.
• Develops request for proposals, bids and requisitions for a variety of services, supplies and materials; oversees contractors' work and invoicing; administers contracts for various City services.
• Coordinates and oversees the department's safety training programs and ensures employee compliance and enforcement of safety procedures in accordance with applicable policies, procedures and regulatory statutes.
• Conducts site inspections to monitor and ensure safety precautions are followed to protect employees and the general public.
• Conducts studies, prepares and presents reports regarding Public Works Department activities.
• Reviews and responds in a timely and professional manner to public and City staff concerns and complaints.
• Represents the City at various regional committees and Joint Power Authorities.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Vernon and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Two years of college level course work or equivalent, in Public Administration, project management, construction management, or a closely related field; AND six years of experience, including three years of supervisory experience, in one or a combination of Facilities Maintenance, Street, and/or Garage, management.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of administrative management.
• Principles and practices of effective employee supervision.
• Principles and practices of regulatory management.
• Principles and practices of contract administration.
• Principles and practices of public works maintenance operations, time management and benchmarking.
• Principles and practices of public finance.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Principles and practices of strategic planning.
• Customer service standards and protocols.

Skill in:

• Directing the work of subordinate staff.
• Defining problems, establishing facts and drawing valid conclusions.
• Managing situations requiring diplomacy, fairness, firmness and sound judgment.
• Interpreting and applying City, state and federal policies, laws and regulations.
• Building effective teams and providing efficient customer services.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Dealing tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with managers, supervisors, staff, external public agencies and other entities.
• Operating a personal computer and various software applications.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid State of California Class C Driver's license is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in an office and outdoor work environment and offsite field work. May be required to climb ladders and enter confined spaces. May be exposed to dangerous machinery and extreme weather conditions.

Pursuant to California Government Code §3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisors or by law.

JOB SERIES

Public Works Superintendent

Deputy Director of Public Works

Director of Public Works - City Engineer

The City of Vernon is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CITY OF VERNON - HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

Lisette Grizzelle, Human Resources Manager

[e-mail]

[phone], ext. 166