Public Works Director

Salary: $131,101.00 - $176,189.00 Annually
Location : Lincoln County, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-53 (309)
Department: Public Works
Division: ADMINISTRATION
Opening Date: 06/22/2026


Position Summary
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

$133,694.00 - $179,674.00 Annually (DOQ)

Plus Excellent Benefits

(open until filled)
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
-11% County Contribution to 401(k).
-Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance. The County pays 90% of the premium and the employee is responsible for the remaining 10%.
-Life Insurance & Long-term disability, and AD&D.
-Paid Time Off accrued at 10.16 hours per pay period.
-11 Paid Holidays
-Post-Employment Health Plan Account
-Portable Health Savings Account
Yaquina Bay Bridge in Newport
Essential Functions/Major Responsibilities

THE DEPARTMENT & POSITION
The Public Works Department operates with 40 FTEs (full-time employees) on a 2026-2027 budget of $18 million.


The department is divided into six (6) divisions which include:

• Public Works Administration
• Engineering
• Facilities
• Fleet Services
• Road Maintenance & Operations
• Solid Waste District

The Public Works department maintains 334 miles of roads and 87 bridges.
The Facilities division maintains 160,000 sq/ft in 12 General Fund buildings and 42,000 sq/ft in Roads buildings.
The Fleet Maintenance division is responsible for maintaining 176 County vehicles.


Under the direction of the County Administrator, the Public Works Director is responsible for the administration, general management, policymaking, planning, and direction of the department and is responsible for supervising all employees of the Public Works Department in all divisions.


This role involves performing or directing a wide variety of advanced technical and engineering tasks in the investigation, location, design, and construction of road, bridge, and building products. Additionally, the Director represents the County at meetings and on committees at the local, state, and federal level and works at the direction of the County Administrator while implementing Board policies in all phases of the operation of the department.
Roads Crew
Typical Qualifications

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field, and ten (10) years of progressively re-sponsible supervisory and management experience in public works is required. Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Oregon, or the ability to obtain registration within one year, and prior experience as a Director or Assistant Director is preferred.
• Any combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates a candidate's ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position may be considered.

Lincoln County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by July 27, 2026 (first review, open until filled). Applications, supplemental questions, resumes, and cover letters will only be accepted electronically, and can be uploaded once logged in. If you are a veteran and wish to request veterans' preference credit, please indicate that in your cover letter, and submit a valid DD214 form.
Lincoln City
WHY LINCOLN COUNTY?

Live and work in one of the most beautiful places in the world! Located on the Central Oregon Coast, Lincoln County is a growing, dynamic community with a booming tourist industry. From the docks of Newport to the world's smallest harbor in Depoe Bay, Lincoln County has something for everyone!

Located in the heart of the beautiful central Oregon Coast, Lincoln County is home to spectacular natural beauty, a thriving arts community, and a growing ocean-based economy. Travelers from all over the world have made Lincoln County a must-see location. From the Kite Festival in Lincoln City, Founder's Days in Newport, and the La De Da Parade in Yachats there is never a celebration too far away! Our vibrant arts community, incredible restaurants and hotels, and unmatched natural beauty make this a truly amazing place to call home.
Lincoln County is one of the 36 counties in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2020 census, its population was 50,395 which can easily double with the tourist season. The County covers roughly 992 square miles with approximately 54 miles of ocean beaches. Lincoln County consists of Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Siletz, Newport, Toledo, Waldport, and Yachats. Each town along our beautiful coastline offers something a little different and unique from the others and the drive along Highway 101 is a postcard in living color.


Newport is the County seat and the location of Yaquina Bay where the ocean industry is centered. The bay and surrounding areas are home to the large commercial and recreational fishing fleet, the Coast Guard, NOAA, OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport Aquarium, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the new OMSI Day Camp. Oregon Coast Community College is also located here with branches in Waldport and Lincoln City. Many festivals take place in Lincoln County throughout the year including the Wine and Seafood Festival, Celtic Festival, Yachats Mushroom Festival, Toledo Summer Festival, Siletz Pow Wow, Lincoln City Kite Festival, Depoe Bay Salmon Bake, the Lincoln County Fair and more.


From Cascade Head at the north to Cape Perpetua at the south, Lincoln County boasts more than 40 federal, state, and local parks, along with two wilderness areas, providing an abundance of recreational opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, beachcombing, whale watching and more. Several community theatres and many art galleries are scattered throughout the County with plenty to keep cultural fans busy. One of the largest fishing fleets on the west coast is located in Newport which, along with tourism, creates a healthy economy. When you live in Lincoln County, you will feel like you're on vacation every weekend. Working for Lincoln County will offer you the chance to join a progressive, dynamic team led by a supportive Board of Commissioners and County Administrator who cares about their employees.
Annual Kite Festival in Lincoln City
CHECK OUT THESE LOCAL TRAVEL RESOURCES:
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Apply now by clicking the link above!
Lincoln County offers a comprehensive benefits package including Paid Time Off (PTO), medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance. Retirement benefits and a Post Employment Health Plan (PEHP) benefit are also available to Directors. The County's current retirement contribution rate to the 401K retirement plan is 11%, with $100 per month being contributed to the PEHP.
For a more detailed overview of our Director's benefit package, please see (add URL here).
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What have you learned about Lincoln County that makes you interested in this position, and why is now a good time in your career to consider this position?
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