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Director of Public Works

The County of San Mateo is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Director of Public Works.

The Opportunity

The County of San Mateo is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking Director of Public Works to lead a diverse and high-impact public service organization committed to resilient infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

Reporting to the County Executive, the Director of Public Works leads a multi-faceted department responsible for the planning, construction, maintenance, and stewardship of essential County infrastructure.

The Director oversees:

• County road and transportation systems
• Facilities, capital construction and new building programs
• County fleet operations, including a transition toward electrification
• Airport operations at San Carlos and Half Moon Bay
• Utilities, environmental compliance, and stormwater systems

The Director of Public Works is an executive leader responsible for:

• Shaping long-range infrastructure strategies.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and promoting sustainability.
• Fostering collaboration across County departments, communities, and agencies.
• Leading a talented workforce and stewarding complex operations.

This role is ideal for a visionary leader who excels at navigating political environments, developing trusted relationships, and delivering practical, community-focused solutions.

Note: The Director of Public Works role is unclassified and not governed by County Civil Service Rules.

Strategic Priorities

The next Director will guide and advance several significant initiatives, including:

• Delivery of capital improvement projects on schedule and within budget, while working to strategically mitigate rising construction costs, scalability of projects, and potential fluctuations in funding, requiring agile financial planning and project delivery strategies.
• Continued progress on the County’s Strategic Energy Master Plan, energy efficient building upgrades, climate-resilient infrastructure efforts, EV charging stations, etc.
• Compliance with Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit requirements and other environmental regulations.
• Vehicle and equipment management and fleet electrification for the County.
• Capital improvement projects for utility special district infrastructure (sewer, water, drainage, and streetlights) to meet long-term service needs.
• Replacement and modernization of the County’s access control systems.
• Strategic management of a growing and evolving facilities portfolio in alignment with service demands and asset lifecycle planning.
• Expansion of service delivery efficiencies through process improvement, technology integration, inter- and cross-department collaboration.
• Development of a strong and sustainable workforce, with an emphasis on leadership growth, talent recruitment and retention, skills training, and employee engagement.

This leader will ensure alignment with Board priorities, regional partnerships, regulatory frameworks, and community expectations.

Leadership Profile

The County seeks an executive who brings:

• Strategic vision and “can-do” mindset, along with the ability to anticipate emerging issues and shape long-range priorities.
• Unquestionable integrity, strong personal accountability, even when navigating complex or sensitive situations.
• Political and organizational acumen, capable of building trust with elected officials, community leaders, staff, and partner departments and agencies.
• An adaptive and collaborative leadership style that fosters a culture of service, accountability, and performance.
• Strong people leadership skills, including the ability to develop, mentor, and coach staff; cultivate future leaders; and inspire shared purpose across diverse workgroups.
• Exceptional communication and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to integrate complex operational and policy considerations clearly and consistently while engaging effectively with the public, staff, and diverse stakeholders.
• A record of innovation and creative problem-solving, advancing new ideas, technologies, and approaches that enhance service delivery, sustainability, and organizational effectiveness.
• Flexibility and a culturally responsive approach to community engagement, ensuring effective collaboration with populations that have diverse needs and priorities.
• Fiscal accountability, budgetary, and financial management skills to effectively manage a $241 million budget.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of skills and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to qualify is six years of experience in public works administration and an understanding of the full range of public works issues, practices, policies and trends. At least two years of experience in a managerial capacity within a large, public agency and political environment is required.

Application/Examination

To apply for this opportunity, please submit the required application materials online at https://jobs.smcgov.org. Email submissions will not be accepted.

• Resume
• Cover Letter that is no more than 3-pages long that highlights the following:
• Why you are interested in this position and the relevant public works leadership experience you would bring to this role; and
• A recent and significant professional accomplishment that demonstrates your strategic leadership and innovative thinking skills.

Tentative Recruitment Timeline

Final Filing Date: Monday, January 12, 2026, 5:00 PM PST

Application Screening: Friday, January 16, 2026

Panel Interviews: Week of January 26, 2026

Finalist Interviews: Week of February 2, 2026

The City of Patterson’s Community Development Department is seeking to fill (1) one Building Services Supervisor position.  Duties include but are not limited to: Under general supervision performs responsible, complex and varied support, to include technical advisory work in processing and issuing building permits consistent with building and zoning codes; compiling monthly building reports required by state & county regulations; supervises the work of technical and support personnel assigned to the Building Services unit including, directing, organizing, scheduling, training, and coordinates work-related activities; and performs related duties as required and/or assigned. 

The City of Newark is looking to hire a Building Inspector in the Public Works Department. We are seeking a qualified individual to join our team with a strong background in construction and building codes, and a keen eye for detail and a commitment to ensuring safety and compliance in the building environment.

The Building Inspector I/II performs a variety of inspections on routine and complex building systems at various stages of construction, alteration and repair to assure compliance with approved plans; ensures compliance with various standards, regulations, ordinances, and laws; reviews plans; provides feedback; provides technical assistance at the public counter; works cooperatively with other City departments; answers general questions about the construction process; has a strong knowledge of construction standards; follows safety regulations with awareness at all times on the jobsite, and provides reports or issues corrective actions.

Building Inspector I- This entry level position works under immediate supervision and is distinguished from the Building Inspector II level by the performance of less than the full range of tasks, and progressing to general supervision as procedures and processes of assigned areas of responsibility are learned. 

Building Inspector II – This journey level position works under general supervision and is distinguished from the Building Inspector I level by the ability to perform work in all areas of building inspections.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Any combination of education, experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a High School diploma
• Building Inspector II - An Associate’s degree or certificate in building inspection is desirable.

Experience:

• Building Inspector I - Four (4) years of journey level experience in one of the major construction trades or two (2) years of recent experience in building inspection or code enforcement.
• Building Inspector II - Three (3) years of recent experience equivalent to the Building Inspector I level.

License or Certificates:

• Possession of a valid California Class C driver license is required.
• Building Inspector I - International Code Council (ICC) Certification or equivalent certification(s) as a Residential Building Inspector or Commercial Building Inspector at time of hire is desirable and will be required within probationary period and throughout employment.
• Building Inspector II - Possession of International Code Council (ICC) Certification or equivalent certification(s) as a Combination Residential Building Inspector or Combination Commercial Building Inspector. License and certification must be maintained throughout employment.

DEFINITION To plan, coordinate, supervise and review the activities and operations of the Building Inspection division; to enforce the laws, codes and ordinances dealing with the construction of new buildings and the alteration and safety of existing buildings; coordinate and manager the Permit Center; personally perform the more complex project assignments; and to do related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is a single-position classification functioning as the Chief Building Official.  This position is responsible for the building inspection program for Glenn County, the Permit Center, and oversight for the construction of/on County owned buildings.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives general direction from the Agency Director; exercises functional and technical supervision over assigned building inspection staff. 

The City of Patterson’s Public Works Department is seeking to fill (1) one full-time Maintenance Worker position within the Parks division and to establish an eligibility list.  Duties include but are not limited to: Under supervision performs routine manual labor, maintenance, and repair tasks while learning to perform a full range of semi-skilled work required in maintenance, repair, operations and construction of related facilities, parks, and services; performs other duties as assigned.

Successful candidates will be placed on an eligible list that may be used to fill future vacancies in the City’s Urban Forestry, Parks, Streets, Collections and Building Maintenance Divisions.  Eligible lists may be valid for up to twelve months.
 

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking an effective and skilled communicator, and highly motivated problem solver for the position of Principal Transportation Engineer/Planner.  This management position reports directly to the Transportation and Traffic Manager in the Public Works Department and will be responsible for:  assisting with planning, organizing and coordinating the activities of the Division of Transportation and Traffic; and perform professional traffic engineering, transportation planning, designing, and project management.

This position will supervise a small team within the Division to accomplish specific tasks and high-level, community-oriented projects. Current projects include: East Channel Trail study; Mary Avenue Overcrossing over highways 101 and 237; Bernardo Avenue railroad undercrossing; Sunnyvale Avenue and Mary Avenue railroad grade separations, liaison with the County for the Lawrence Grade Separation project; and coordinating with VTA as part of the delivering Measure B transportation projects. The position will manage multiple consultant contracts and will be expected to coordinate and work closely with other staff within the Division and with staff within other departments such as Public Works, Community Development, Environmental Services, and Public Safety, and represent the City with outside agencies such as the Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain, High Speed Rail, Caltrans, MTC, County of Santa Clara, and adjacent cities.

The position will focus on advancing the projects mentioned above, assist with oversight of the design and traffic signal operations, implementation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS); assist with the coordination of Division of Transportation and Traffic activities with other divisions and departments; oversee and assist with oversight of the grant application preparation, reporting, and management for transportation projects; assist with planning and coordinating division workload and budgets; creating and sustaining cooperative and collaborative working relationships across the City, with the development community, and residents; attend and present at public meetings/City Commissions; and provide assistance with highly complex traffic engineering work. We therefore, are looking for a candidate with strong analytical, technical and problem solving skills, who can prioritize and deliver results in a constantly changing environment, effectively communicate to various types of interested parties, and has the proven ability to establish effective working relationships with customers, co-workers, and vendors.

The City of Sunnyvale provides an excellent benefits package. A complete application consists of a City application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The position opens Monday, November 17, 2025and final filing date is Monday, December 15, 2025 5:00 PM. For complete information regarding this current opportunity, please visit: Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS.

Salary:  Principal Transportation Engineer/Planner: $166,614 - $208,268 Annually

THE DEPARTMENT

You’ll be joining a team of talented professionals in a dynamic, collaborative work environment dedicated to serving the San Mateo community. You will work alongside a team of focused and highly motivated professionals who use their talent to provide essential development review and inspection services to our residents and businesses daily basis. The Plan Checker I/II/Engineer is an exciting opportunity for a talented professional to join a great organization and make a valuable contribution to the Building Division within the Community Development Department.  You can review the detailed job description for Plan Checker I/II/Engineer on the City’s website.

THE POSITION 

Depending upon class level and assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Review and examine construction documents, plans and specifications for one and two family, and multi-family residential, and basic commercial and industrial projects.
• Conduct plan checks on commercial and residential building structures; review structural calculations, fire resistance requirements, earthquake resistance and soils engineering. Conducts plan checks for commercial buildings to be remodeled and/or altered.
• Confer over the phone or in person with homeowners, builders, engineers, contractors, architects and the public to give information and interpret building codes and regulations and permit requirements; recommends necessary changes to obtain compliance with applicable building and zoning codes and regulations.
• Review corrected plans for conformity with requirements; ensures that proper building permit requirements are met.
• Receive and assess fees for new development and construction projects.  Issue and process building permit applications.
• Maintain records of incoming plans and those completed.
• Conduct field inspections as required. Make on‑site construction inspections on occasion, when required to confirm that construction complies with approved plans and specifications.
• Coordinate plan check activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
• Initiate appropriate action to enforce code compliance.
• Prepare reports and written correspondence to architects, engineers, contractors and others related to the correction of plans and engineering detail.
• Confer with building inspectors on building related problems arising in the field during construction.
• Coordinate construction plans examination processes with those of other City departments and units.
• Monitor changes and legislation pertaining to assigned work; investigate new materials and substitute materials, and new methods of structural design; recommend appropriate changes in the building codes and regulations to the Building Official or designee.
• Assist in staffing the public counter; issue building permits as required.  Maintain accurate records and write reports regarding the work as required.

VTA’s Engineering and Program Delivery (EPD) Division is seeking a Senior Transportation Engineer for the Quality Assurance (QA) Group under the Technical Services Department.  

Quality Assurance Group: 
The QA Group supports all capital improvement programs for the Division during planning, design, procurement, construction and closeout phases of highway, rail, transit and facilities projects.  As a Senior Transportation Engineer, you will play an important role in ensuring delivery of quality products and services for the Division. It is the responsibility of the QA Group to ensure the development of each project’s Contract-specific Quality Management Plan (CQMP) and to conduct audits and surveillances, based on the approved CQMPs, to monitor and assure effective implementation. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to work with VTA staff, consultants and contractors, attention to detail and ability to lead the QA team with day-to-day activities are desirable skill sets.

What You'll be Doing: 
Definition
Under direction, to have charge of varied and difficult engineering work involving the supervision of a professional transportation engineering staff engaged in a variety of activities, such as the planning and design of transportation systems and facilities, the operation of transit systems, special studies or services, and other transportation projects.

Essential Job Functions:

Typical Tasks

• Supervises and directs projects in connection with the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of transportation systems including fixed guideways, highway transit, bicycle, airport, and other facilities;
• Supervises the design function, structural analyses and field surveys;
• Makes traffic engineering studies;
• Conducts transit planning and supervises the scheduling of transit operations;
• Supervises the preparation specifications and related documents used in advertising transportation projects for bids;
• Coordinates technical information exchanges with officials of other governmental jurisdictions, other transportation specialists and the public;
• Coordinates with utilities and land and water companies in matters of relocation and rights-of-ways;
• Coordinates legal assistance in the preparation of resolutions, agreements and other legal documents;
• Conducts special studies, and performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Employment Standards
Training and experience equivalent to graduation from college with major work in engineering and five years professional engineering experience on transportation systems or projects, including assignments which provided the opportunity to demonstrate supervisory abilities.

Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California in a field related to transportation engineering at the time of appointment.

Supplemental Information:

Knowledge of:

• Methods, materials and equipment used in the design, construction and operation of transportation systems and facilities;
• Transportation planning principles and the design and operation of public transit systems, computer model simulation techniques;
• Principles and practices of structural engineering;
• Principles of supervision and training.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and supervise the work of others;
• Analyze engineering problems and work out effective solutions;
• Evaluate and monitor consultant performance;
• Make accurate engineering computations;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

The City of Livermore is currently accepting applications for the position of Water Distribution Supervising Operator.  Under direction of the Water Distribution Operations Manager, the Water Distribution Supervising Operator plans, organizes and supervises the Water Section in the Water Resources Division of the Public Works Department; coordinates work activities with other sections, divisions, and/or departments; provides leadership, coaching and mentoring to assigned staff; and performs other duties as assigned. This position has primary responsibility for supervising the day-to-day functions of the section staff and workload.

Apply at www.livermoreca.gov/jobs.  This recruitment is open until filled.  Please apply early as the recruitment may close at any time.

Located in the heart of San Mateo County, Millbrae is a vibrant community with a rich history and an exciting future! With its breathtaking natural beauty, thriving economy, and world-class amenities, boasting top-rated schools, a beautiful downtown, and close proximity to San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the City is truly a hub of innovation and opportunity and a gem in the Bay Area.

The Public Works Inspector will help facilitate capital improvement and other projects.  This is an excellent opportunity to work with a team who is focused on continuous enhancement of the cityscape in a city who sets the bar for innovative high standard development. 

If you are a self-motivated individual, eager to contribute to a growing community, and love a fast-paced environment, then apply now!

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, inspects a variety of construction projects to ensure conformance with contract plans, specifications, standards, laws, and regulations; performs work related to plan checking, issuing permits, providing construction recommendations, and other technical functions; and performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Public Works Construction Inspector is a specialized classification that is responsible for a variety of duties related to the inspection of construction projects.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECEIVED

Receives general supervision from higher-level Public Works Department staff.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The duties listed below are illustrative only and are not meant to be a full and exhaustive listing of all of the duties and responsibilities of the position.

· Provides field inspection of public and private improvement projects that involve grading, underground utilities, encroachments, curbs, gutters, sidewalk, paving, facilities, structures, and park construction; ensures conformance to approved plans, specifications, and schedules; stipulates correction of defective work; recommends approval of acceptable work;

· Performs technical functions, such as plan checking, issuing permits, and answering construction questions, preparing checklists, guidelines and specifications;

· Ensures that all required tests, operations, measurements, and inspections are scheduled, ordered, and satisfactorily completed; ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations;

· Reviews submittals and takes samples of materials for examination or testing by laboratories; records amounts of materials used and work performed, and interprets results of soils, materials, and operational tests, including asphalt compliance, concrete strength, and soil compaction test reports;

· Inspects traffic control placed within the City right-of-way and ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations;

· Writes letters to contractors, developers, and homeowners regarding inspections; responds to inquiries and requests for assistance in person, in writing and over the phone;

· Performs contract administration duties, including preparation of daily construction reports, weekly statements of working days, change orders, progress payments, general correspondence, and checking of payroll records, material submittals, and certificates of compliance;

· Assists in investigating and resolving disputes and/or problems, and responds to complaints from the public;

· Conducts sidewalk inspections and follow-up inspections; inspects adjacent properties for damage from construction activity;

· Coordinates work with maintenance staff, other City departments, and public utilities;

· Prepares daily activity records and reports manually and in computer-based format; takes photography and prepares site sketches; and

· Prepares, files and retrieves as-built construction drawings, documents and records;

· Performs related duties as assigned.

JOB-RELATED QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Applicable laws, regulations, codes, and departmental policies governing the construction of assigned projects; materials, methods, equipment, and techniques used in the construction of a variety of construction projects and structures; basic construction safety practices; soil engineering principles; erosion control storm water protection; word processing; spreadsheets; permitting; maintenance management; pavement management; customer service software; the entire range of construction inspection activities; written reports; taking informative photography; maintaining records, logs, and databases; making mathematical calculations and accurate engineering computations and drawings; surveying procedures, instruments, and equipment; basic construction safety practices; approved engineering methods and standards to the design and construction of a variety of public works projects.

Ability to: Evaluate quality of construction; detect and locate faulty materials and workmanship and determine the stage of construction; read and interpret codes, standards, details, plans, and specifications; make oral and written presentations for meetings with consultants, contractors, property owners, staff, and project teams; communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing; provide excellent customer service to the public, other agencies, and other City employees;; evaluate CCTV video footage for sewer assessments; estimate and calculate amounts and costs of materials used in construction.

EDUCATION AND TRAINING GUIDELINES

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way would be:

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED). Technical training and/or a degree in building inspection technology, civil engineering, or a related field is desirable.

Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience as an inspector of construction for public works and engineering projects or a Building Inspector with a Municipal Building Department performing combination inspections.

Licenses: Must possess and maintain a valid Class C California Driver’s License issued by the State Department of Motor Vehicles and a satisfactory driving record. Certifications such as Combination Inspector or related are preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Physical agility adequate to inspect construction sites. Requires physical flexibility and dexterity, including the ability to continually stand, bend, stoop, reach, and crouch. Must be able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, hear voices, and operate telephones. Must have ability to quickly and accurately see, review, and interpret plans and diagrams and make inspections.