Public Works Director

Salary : $108,156.00 - $132,708.00 Annually
Location : Montesano, WA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: PW-08072026.1
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/07/2026
Closing Date: 8/21/2026 5:00 PM Pacific


Summary


This is an executive management position performing administrative, operational, and strategic leadership functions for and reporting to the Board of County Commissioners. The Public Works Director serves as the administrative department head managing, directing, and coordinating assigned Public Works functions, including Solid Waste, Utilities, Parks, Public Works Engineering, Facilities, Project Manager functions, and other related programs or staff assigned by the Board. The position assists in the administration of the County's involvement with federal, state, tribal, regional, and local agencies in the development of plans, programs, grants, contracts, and services for assigned Public Works functions. The position is expected to coordinate across departments, support Board adopted priorities, provide timely and accurate information for decision-making, and seek countywide solutions whenever practical. As a key management position, the Public Works Director may be required to work outside regular business hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as needed to respond to situations and emergencies.

ORGANIZATIONAL SCOPE
The Public Works Director may coordinate with the Roads Department and County Road Engineer on shared projects, budgets, emergency response, permitting, facilities, utilities, grants, interdepartmental issues, and public communication. Such coordination does not alter the separate reporting, professional, or statutory responsibilities assigned to the Roads Department or County Road Engineer.

Essential Duties


1. Supervises assigned Public Works employees and managers; prioritizes, assigns and monitors work; evaluates performance; recommends and implements decisions regarding employee selection and discipline; ensures resources are available for operations; works with employees to improve performance; and provides or coordinates staff training.
2. Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates assigned Public Works activities, including sanitary sewer systems, water systems, solid waste systems, parks, county facilities, non-road capital projects, and other assigned public works programs.
3. Provides executive-level direction and coordination for the Public Works column of the adopted organizational chart, including Solid Waste, Utilities, Parks, Public Works Engineering, Facilities, Project Manager functions, and other related functions assigned by the Board.
4. Develops, prepares, reviews, and administers contracts, interlocal agreements, consultant agreements, grants, leases, service agreements, and other agreements with outside agencies, vendors, consultants, contractors, and other governmental agencies.
5. Oversees preparation and administration of assigned budgets, capital improvement plans, rate studies, fee schedules, financial analysis documents, and related fiscal materials; reviews and recommends adjustments to rates, charges, assessments, and funding strategies for assigned Public Works activities.
6. Serves as a key advisor to the Board of County Commissioners on assigned Public Works matters, including utilities, solid waste, parks, facilities, capital projects, non-road public works engineering, regulatory compliance, service levels, operational risks, and long-range needs.
7. Handles or directs timely response to citizen requests and complaints, inquiries, vendor concerns, consultant negotiations, public records coordination, and customer-service issues related to assigned Public Works functions.
8. Ensures coordination and cooperation of assigned Public Works divisions with other County departments, elected offices, cities, citizen groups, tribes, state and local agencies, and regional partners in meeting mutual responsibilities.
9. Coordinates planning needs, studies, design requirements, environmental review, permitting, grant applications, and federal and state funding applications for assigned Public Works systems, projects, and facilities.
10. Prepares and presents clear reports, agenda items, briefings, policy options, and recommendations on program performance, service needs, capital needs, demographic information, operational risks, and regulatory compliance.
11. Provides direction for assigned Public Works functions according to federal and state law, County policies, Board-adopted priorities, budget authority, collective bargaining agreements, and applicable rules and regulations.
12. Develops and implements short- and long-range strategic plans for assigned Public Works programs; recommends organizational improvements, staffing plans, service models, policies, procedures, and capital priorities.
13. Provides leadership during emergencies and service disruptions involving assigned Public Works functions and coordinates with Emergency Management, Roads, Public Health, law enforcement, utilities, contractors, and other response partners as appropriate.
14. Maintains effective working relationships with employees, unions, elected officials, other departments, regulatory agencies, community partners, contractors, consultants, and the public.

Qualifications


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
1. Knowledge and demonstrated competence in the principles and practice of public administration and the management of complex organizations.
2. Knowledge of pertinent local, state and federal laws, regulations, and compliance requirements applicable to assigned Public Works functions.
3. Knowledge of budgeting in public sector organizations, budget administration, capital planning, rate setting concepts, grants, procurement, and contract administration.
4. Knowledge of public works operations, utilities, solid waste, parks, facilities, capital projects, environmental review, and regulatory compliance.
5. Ability to effectively negotiate contracts and agreements and manage consultant, vendor, contractor, and intergovernmental relationships.
6. Ability to develop and manage administrative systems and to anticipate and respond to administrative, operational, financial, and regulatory problems.
7. Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, elected officials, department heads, employees, labor representatives, citizens, and agencies to develop consensus on specific issues.
8. Ability to interpret policies and procedures and to analyze complex operational, organizational, legal, and policy problems.
9. Ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and manage many projects simultaneously.
10. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including the ability to make public, Board, community, and staff presentations.
11. Ability to interpret and explain County policies and procedures to guide staff in accomplishing activities.
12. Knowledge of safety and health risks, practices, emergency response needs, and state compliance standards affecting assigned Public Works programs.
13. Ability to manage and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, technical, maintenance, administrative, and project personnel.
14. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, elected officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, and the general public.


Education and Experience:
• A Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, civil or environmental engineering, construction management, planning, environmental science, public works management, or a related field, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Five years of progressively responsible administrative, managerial, or supervisory experience associated with public works functions, public infrastructure, utilities, facilities, solid waste, parks, capital projects, public administration, or closely related functions, including at least three years of supervisory responsibilities.
• Experience working with public budgets, grants, procurement, interlocal agreements, rate or fee funded programs, collective bargaining environments, regulatory agencies, or capital project delivery is desirable. Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:
• A valid Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one within a time period established by the County, and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, CPR, and Defensive Driving certifications if required by the County.
• Professional Engineer registration, APWA credentials, public works leadership training, project management certification, water/wastewater or solid waste management experience, or similar professional credentials are desirable but not required unless later determined necessary by the County for assigned duties.

Supplemental Information


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This position may require: Climbing Mobility Feeling Balancing Pushing Talking Stooping, kneeling Pulling Hearing Crouching Lifting Seeing Reaching Finger Dexterity Repetitive motion Standing Grasping Will require frequent travel within the County and occasional travel outside the County to facilitate the functions of this position.

The statements contained herein reflect general details describing the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skills typically required, and the scope of responsibility. They are not an allinclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload.


GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Grays Harbor County offers the following benefits:

• MEDICAL
• DENTAL
• LIFE
• VISION
• DEPENDENT COVERAGE - Medical, dental and vision
• EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
• FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION - includes employer match up to $50 per month
• DRS RETIREMENT
• VACATION - 8 hours to 24 hours monthly depending on longevity
• SICK LEAVE - 8 hours per month for full time employees
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE
• 2 FLOATING HOLIDAYS
• 12 PAID HOLIDAYS
• LONGEVITY PAY

Grays Harbor County pays entire medical, dental and vision for full time employees and provides up to $800 monthly towards dependent coverage for Courthouse Contract employees and $950 per month for Public Works Contract employees. Benefits are pro-rated for part-time employees.

**To view full benefits offered please visit the website and review the collective bargaining agreements and benefits page.


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