Public Works Director

Salary : $159,832.40 - $228,678.84 Annually
Location : La Mirada City Hall, CA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 2026-17
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/26/2026
Closing Date: 6/22/2026 4:00 PM Pacific


Job Description
Salary information:
Public Works Director: $159,832.40 to $198,942.64 annually Public Works Director/City Engineer: $183,722.76 to $228,678.84 annually *Candidates must have a valid PE license to be considered in the higher classification salary range.
Under the general direction of the City Manager, plans, organizes, and directs the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including traffic engineering, street and landscape maintenance, parks and facilities maintenance, general engineering, and contract services. The Public Works Director is part of the City's management team, and provides highly responsible and complex support to the City Manager relative to public works and engineering related issues.

Typical Duties Performed


(These examples do not include all the duties which may be assigned)

• Develops goals, objectives, and priorities of the Public Works Department; makes appropriate recommendations to the City Manager.
• Plans, directs, and supervises construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair schedule of buildings, parkways, public rights-of-way, parks, and other city infrastructure.
• Assists in the planning and implementation of major public works improvements and capital projects.
• Coordinates the city's capital improvement budget.
• Prepares, submits, and monitors the department operating budget; authorizes purchases, monitors expenditures, and makes mid-year adjustments.
• Prepares bid specifications for contracted services, equipment and major purchases; administers contracts and coordinates utility services.
• Coordinates department activities with engineers, developers, individual property owners, and community associations in acquiring and advising public information pertaining to public works and engineering matters.
• Coordinates the approval of final parcel maps, tract maps, lot line adjustments, and other improvement plans.
• Coordinates departmental activities with other departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
• Selects, trains, and supervises staff; directs division supervisors.
• Adheres to City and departmental policies and procedures; performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of: Methods, materials, and equipment utilized for buildings, public rights-of-way, mechanical, parks, and general maintenance divisions. Principles of organization, administration, budgeting, and personnel management. Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures of municipal public work facilities. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
Ability to: Understand and coordinate work from engineering plans, blueprints, drawings, and programs. Communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing. Supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates, and develop and maintain effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, and contractors. Utilize quality customer service skills and techniques.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION:

Any combination of experience or education that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying.
Experience: Five years of responsible public works management experience in the public sector or a combination of public and private sector experience is required.


Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Environmental Studies, Public Administration, or a related field is required. A Master's degree is highly desirable.


LICENSES OR CERTIFICATES:

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License is required.
• Possession of a valid Certification of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is desirable.

Supplemental Information
SELECTION PROCESS:

A completed online application and supplemental questionnaire (if applicable) are required to be considered for this position. Resumes are accepted along with the application form but will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.
Applicants will be screened based on the qualifications for the job as described. Applications evaluated as best matching the needs of the City will continue in the selection process. The selection process may include any or all of the following: oral interview(s), a written or practical examination, a skills test, and an assessment center examination. The selection process may be changed as deemed necessary by the City Human Resources Office.
Candidates will be required to pass City administered pre-employment requirements to include live scan fingerprinting and a medical examination as part of the Selection Process. Candidates who do not pass any portion of the above processes will be disqualified and removed from proceeding in the selection process.
The provisions of any job flyer or job application do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. The provisions may be modified or revoked without notice.
The City of La Mirada offers a competitive compensation and benefits package based on the adopted Appointments are normally made at the first step of a five step salary range. One year of City service is required to advance to the next pay step in the salary range.

For detailed salary and benefits information, see current
01


This position requires at least 5 years of public works management experience in the public sector, or a combination of public and private sector experience. Which one applies to you?

• I have 5 years or more of public works management experience in the public sector.
• I have 5 years or more of public works management experience in the private sector.
• I have 5 years or more of combined public works management experience in public and private sectors.
• I have less than 5 years of public works management experience.

02


Describe your experience with personnel management, including the number of employees supervised, and your management style.
03


Have you ever been responsible for overseeing a division or department budget? If so, provide details of your experience, including capital improvement projects.
04


Describe your experience writing reports, policies, and other documents.
05


Describe your experience in the following municipal public works areas: (1) Parks Maintenance, (2) Facilities Maintenance, (3) Street Maintenance, and (4) Equipment and Fleet Maintenance.
Required Question