Assistant Public Works Director - Operations

The Position

Reporting to the Public Works Director, the Assistant Public Works Director - Operations serves as a key member of the department's leadership team and provides strategic and operational oversight for Oregon City's Public Works Operations Division. The position supports the delivery of essential public services including transportation, water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater management, fleet services, asset management, and other operational functions that collectively support the City's residents, businesses, and visitors.

This position oversees division managers and operational staff while promoting a culture of safety, accountability, professionalism, and service excellence. The position provides guidance and support on operational planning, project delivery, budgeting, procurement, policy implementation, employee development, emergency preparedness, and organizational performance. The Assistant Director serves as a trusted advisor to the Public Works Director and works closely with City leadership, Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, regulatory agencies, partner organizations, and the community.

As the department continues to evolve under the leadership of a relatively new Public Works Director and a strong team of experienced managers, the Assistant Director will play a significant role in strengthening organizational alignment, supporting operational excellence, enhancing communication and collaboration, and helping position the department for continued success.

Opportunities & Priorities

Operational Excellence and Project Delivery: The Assistant Public Works Director – Operations will have the opportunity to strengthen project management practices, improve consistency in operational processes, and support the successful delivery of department priorities. The role will help ensure that projects, procurement activities, Commission materials, and other operational initiatives are coordinated effectively and executed with a high degree of professionalism and accountability.

Leadership Alignment and Organizational Development: Oregon City benefits from an experienced and committed Public Works team. The Assistant Director will have the opportunity to support managers, develop emerging leaders, strengthen cross-divisional alignment, and foster continued collaboration across the department. Building upon existing strengths while promoting consistency, communication, and accountability will be an important focus of the role.

Cross-Department Collaboration and Partnership: Public Works relies on productive partnerships with Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, Information Technology, and other City departments. The Assistant Director will play a key role in strengthening internal coordination, improving organizational responsiveness, and helping advance shared priorities throughout the organization.

Technology, Asset Management, and Data- Informed Decision Making: The department continues to advance its asset management, operational technology, fleet management, and infrastructure planning capabilities. The Assistant Director will help support these efforts by promoting the effective use of information, technology, analytics, and organizational systems to inform operational and capital investment decisions.

Workforce Development, Safety, and Culture: The Assistant Public Works Director will help cultivate a workplace culture that values safety, communication, employee development, and professional growth. Supporting staff success through coaching, mentoring, conflict resolution, succession planning, and leadership development will remain an important priority as the department continues to prepare for future opportunities and challenges.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, approachable, and highly credible public works professional who is equally comfortable working alongside field personnel, engaging with department managers, presenting to elected officials, and representing the City within the community. This person will be an authentic relationship builder who values open communication, active listening, and employee engagement while maintaining the professionalism necessary to make thoughtful, objective, and sometimes difficult decisions. The successful candidate will bring broad experience across public works operations and possess a practical understanding of transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, fleet, infrastructure maintenance, operational project delivery, budgeting, procurement, and organizational management. While technical expertise is valued, stakeholders consistently emphasized the importance of leadership, communication, judgment, and the ability to support and develop people.

The ideal candidate will be known for following through on commitments, supporting managers, building trust across the organization, and creating an environment where employees feel valued, heard, and accountable for results. This person will be a thoughtful and strategic leader who understands the importance of balancing long-term organizational goals with the day-to-day realities of public works operations.

This individual will demonstrate strong organizational skills, sound decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex operational and personnel matters with fairness, consistency, and professionalism. They will embrace a service-oriented mindset, appreciate the contributions of others, and help continue Oregon City's tradition of delivering reliable, high-quality public infrastructure and services to the community.

Education & Experience

A bachelor’s degree in public administration, construction management, business administration, engineering, public works management, or a related field, along with six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in public works or utility operations, infrastructure maintenance, asset or fleet management, construction management, or a related field would be a typical way to qualify for this role. At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience is required. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to meet the City’s driving standards. The position may require travel to City facilities, project sites, and regional meetings; work in operational and field environments; and occasional evening, weekend, holiday, or extended-hour work for public meetings, training, and emergency response activities.

Compensation & Benefits

• $114,096 - $142,488 DOQ
• Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP)
• Medical/ Vision/ RX Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability
• 15 Days of Sick Leave per Year
• Vacation
• Holidays
• HRA-VEBA
• Employer Deferred Compensation (3.0%)
• Merit Pay (up to 3% of annual wages)
• 125 Medical or Dependent Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 9-80 Work Schedule (every other Friday off)