Public Works Director

The Position

Reporting to the City Manager and serving as a member of the City’s management team, the Public Works Director provides strategic and operational leadership for the Public Works Department. The Director works closely with the City Manager, department heads, elected officials, employees, consultants, contractors, partner agencies, and community members to ensure that public infrastructure and services are safe, reliable, efficient, and responsive to long-term community needs.

The Director oversees daily operations and capital projects across water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, parks, facilities, engineering, and public amenities. Responsibilities include developing policies, procedures, master plans, facility plans, asset management plans, and performance measures; preparing and administering operating and capital budgets; pursuing grants and outside funding; guiding preventive maintenance and emergency preparedness; and ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

This position also provides leadership and support to department employees, promotes safety and professional development, coordinates projects and services across City departments, and communicates plans, priorities, project updates, and technical information through public meetings, reports, media outreach, and presentations to the City Council and advisory bodies.

Opportunities and Challenges

Department Alignment and Leadership: The department has experienced leadership transition and varying expectations across teams. The next Director will have an immediate opportunity to establish clear direction, reinforce accountability, strengthen communication, and build a cohesive and collaborative culture across the department while supporting staff development and performance.

Water and Wastewater System Reliability: Stayton is planning for potential effects associated with Detroit Dam drawdowns while pursuing additional storage, secondary water-supply options, and long-term system resiliency. The Director will also guide planning and investment for an aging wastewater system, helping ensure reliable service, regulatory compliance, and capacity for future community needs.

Infrastructure Planning and Project Delivery: The City is addressing deteriorating streets, aging underground systems, deferred maintenance, and a growing list of capital needs. The Director will work with the new Infrastructure Planning and Asset Management Coordinator to strengthen asset management, prioritize investments based on system condition and risk, and ensure projects are well coordinated and delivered effectively.

Financial Stewardship and Community Engagement: With limited resources and significant infrastructure needs, the Director will align long-term planning with available financial capacity, pursue grants and partnerships, and communicate clearly with elected officials and the community about priorities, tradeoffs, project impacts, and progress.

The Ideal Candidate

Education & Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field and a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in public works, civil engineering, or a related field, including at least three (3) years in a leadership or managerial role, are required; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A master’s degree or Professional Engineer license are preferred but not required.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Comprehensive knowledge of public works operations, engineering principles, construction, and maintenance practices across water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, parks, and facilities.
• Working knowledge of local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and environmental requirements affecting public works services and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and deliver complex capital infrastructure projects on schedule and within budget.
• Experience developing and administering operating and capital budgets, evaluating financial performance, and pursuing grants and other funding opportunities.
• Familiarity with asset management, preventive maintenance, performance measures, and the use of data to guide infrastructure decisions.
• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to set expectations, support employees, develop talent, strengthen accountability, and foster a safe and collaborative workplace.
• Strategic planning and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance immediate operational needs and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present technical information clearly to elected officials, employees, community members, and other audiences.
• Ability to work effectively across departments and with consultants, contractors, utilities, regulatory agencies, and regional partners.
• Sound judgment, political awareness, and the confidence to make decisions, provide direction, and respond effectively during operational challenges or emergencies.
• Adaptability and resourcefulness in a small-city environment where responsibilities are broad and priorities may compete for limited resources.

Compensation & Benefits

• $108,355 - $143,924 DOQ
• This position is not covered by PERS. The City provides a defined benefit retirement program. After six months of employment, employees receive a 6% salary increase intended to cover their required contribution to the retirement plan. The City also contributes an additional 18% of salary directly to the plan, resulting in a total retirement-related benefit equal to 24% of the listed salary. Please note that the salary range provided does not include the additional 6% salary increase.
• Two weeks of vacation accrual per year, increasing with longevity.
• 11 paid holidays and two floating holidays annually.
• Employees receive 40 hours of compensatory time annually. The time is credited each July and must be used by June 30 of the following year. Unused hours expire and are not eligible for payout. Employees who begin employment after the start of the benefit year receive a prorated amount during their first year.
• Eight hours Sick Leave accrued per month.
• Medical, dental, and vision premiums. City pays 85% of premiums.
• Life Insurance.
• Long-Term Disability.
• City-paid training and conferences related to the position.
• Laptop and docking station for use as the employee’s primary computer.