Search Jobs

The City of Berkeley invites dynamic, forward-thinking public works professionals to apply for the role of Director of Public Works and join a city known for innovation, civic engagement, and progressive leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead essential citywide services, shape long-term infrastructure investments, and help advance Berkeley’s commitment to sustainability, mobility, and community well-being. We are looking for a collaborative, people-centered leader committed to strengthening public infrastructure, supporting equity, and delivering high-quality services for all residents.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Annual Salary 

$201,678.46 - $294,945.87 (Current)

$206,720.28 - $302,319.42 (July 2026)

$210,854.80 - $308,465.73 (January 2027)

Famous worldwide as a center of academic achievement, scientific innovation, free speech, and the arts, the City of Berkeley is bordered by San Francisco Bay to the west and rolling hills to the east. The City is known for its abundant green space, mild weather, and rich cultural life. Berkeley’s international shopping districts, outstanding restaurants, cutting-edge environmental organizations, art galleries, theaters, museums, Berkeley City College, and the University of California, Berkeley all contribute to its uniquely diverse and vibrant atmosphere. With more than 50 public parks, miles of bike lanes and walking trails, and a public marina, Berkeley offers exceptional opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation.

The City is governed by a Mayor elected at-large and eight Councilmembers elected by district. The City Council appoints the City Manager, who oversees City operations. Under the Berkeley Charter, the Director of Public Works is appointed by the City Manager with the affirmative vote of five Councilmembers and reports to the Deputy City Manager.

Berkeley is also advised by 40 boards and commissions made up of community members and stakeholders who help guide policy and protect the quality of life for all Berkeley residents. Public Works staff provide direct support to the Transportation Infrastructure, Disability Advisory, Zero Waste, and Safe Streets Oversight Commissions.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

Public Works is the largest department in the City and provides essential services to the community every day. Its mission is to deliver high-quality services with pride, courtesy, and excellence. By developing and offering efficient, cost-effective services in partnership with residents, the Department strives to help Berkeley remain a leading city known for outstanding Public Works services.

Key Strategic Initiatives 

Key Strategic Initiatives: During the next 24 to 36 months, Public Works has several large initiatives underway to improve organizational performance and further advance community goals. The Zero Waste Strategic Plan and accompanying Five Year rate implementation will be key to funding new programs and infrastructure needed to achieve Berkeley’s waste diversion goals. The Bike Plan, Pedestrian Plan, and Vision Zero Plans are scheduled for large scale updates and public processes to define the traffic safety and infrastructure priorities of the future. Finally, an update of the goBerkeley Parking Program is underway to re-evaluate parking demand and transit uses to continue to drive effective curb management of metered parking and reduce emissions through improved programs.

Division Overviews

Refuse & Recycling – Berkeley has a long-standing commitment to reducing and ultimately eliminating landfill waste. The City established one of the nation’s first municipal recycling programs and, in 2019, adopted one of California’s most comprehensive ordinances regulating single-use foodware and litter. Berkeley operates its own transfer station and waste-collection franchise—an uncommon model in the region. Given its commitment to waste diversion, Berkeley is one of the few municipalities in the region that has its own City-owned transfer station and waste collection franchise operations. 

Streets & Utilities – Includes street maintenance, sewer maintenance, the Clean City Program which is responsible for illegal dumping collection, litter collection, encampment support, street sweeping).

Facilities Management – Responsibilities include electrical maintenance and Radio Shop; building maintenance and janitorial services; and property management support. This Division maintains public service facilities, traffic signals and pedestrian control devices, and streetlights. 

Public Works Administration – Leading, integrating and supporting departmental services, the administrative division provides strategic planning and policy formulation, budget administration, human resources management, payroll processing, coordination of legislative issues, and management of information systems.

Engineering & Capital Infrastructure – Under the leadership and technical guidance by the Engineering Manager/City Engineer Sidewalk Program, Sanitary Sewer Program, Pavement Rehabilitation Program, Storm Water, Utilities, Land Use Permitting, and Facilities Capital Renovations. In 2016 Berkeley voters passed the $100 million T1 infrastructure bond. There are more than $40 million in capital projects currently underway. In addition, in 2024, Berkeley voters approved Measure FF, which is a parcel that tax that is estimated to generate $15 million per year for the City to make repairs to streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian paths.

Transportation Division – The Transportation Division oversees citywide transportation planning, traffic engineering, parking, bicycle and pedestrian planning, and alternative transportation programs. In partnership with neighborhood organizations, community groups, and local business associations, the Transportation Division develops short- and long-range policy recommendations and directs program implementation to support a safe, efficient transportation environment in Berkeley.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

The Director of Public Works is responsible for leading the operations, planning, administration, financial management, and intergovernmental relations associated with all Public Works activities, including:

-Directing the operations of the Department which include streets and sanitation, engineering, traffic engineering, facilities maintenance, equipment maintenance, and solid waste management, collection and disposal; performs related work as required.

-Planning and administering all aspects of the following: streets and sanitation, including construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, storm drains, and lateral sewer lines; facilities maintenance for City buildings and grounds, and installation and repair of electrical facilities such as street lighting, police and fire alarm, and communications systems; equipment maintenance for police and fire vehicles, solid waste trucks, construction equipment, fleet vehicles and other motorized equipment.

-Overseeing operations management including solid waste collection and the long-range planning of environmentally sound solid waste collection, recycling, and disposal which meets with community standards; the planning, design, installation and maintenance of traffic signs, signals and markings; and engineering design and inspection.

-Assuming direct responsibility for dealing with complex matters involving policy, administration and operations. This position requires considerable public partnership with citizen groups, boards, commissions, other governmental agencies, and other City departments and officials.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a strong leader and an effective communicator with broad public works experience. Because this role interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders - including commissions and community interest groups - exceptional interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will bring strong management, financial, and political acumen to lead a large, complex department with extensive capital projects and contracts. They will have a passion for public service in an engaged and progressive community; a vision for expanded, energy-efficient capital investments; and a commitment to safe, low-stress, multimodal streets. They will also understand the culture of a large municipal public works agency and demonstrate the ability to lead and communicate with diverse professional and skilled-labor teams. 

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a degree in civil engineering, architecture, planning, public administration, or a closely related field. Six years of professional experience in the field of public works, planning, or high-level project management. A minimum of four years of this experience must have involved high-level management of a variety of programs and demonstrated success in supervising a sizable professional and administrative staff involving policy information, program planning, development and implementation. An advanced degree may be substituted for the non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, for up to two years of the required experience.

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 6, 2026. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application, résumé, and cover letter by clicking the "Apply" button. For further information about this opportunity, please contact Human Resources Manager, Monica Walker, at 510-981-6818.

PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION VIA THIS LINK: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

The City of San José is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Assistant Director of the Environmental Services Department (ESD). As Chief Operating Officer of ESD, the Assistant Director will help lead one of the most dynamic environmental services departments in the nation. This executive position will oversee an approximate $550 million budget and seven direct reports, providing strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of utility operations and environmental programs serving over one million residents, including the city’s solid waste, stormwater, drinking water, and watershed protection services. The ideal candidate will bring a strong foundation in utility operations, regulatory compliance, and public agency administration. They will possess excellent interpersonal skills, technical aptitude, and political acumen, and thrive in a highly collaborative, solution-oriented environment. This is a unique opportunity to help shape San José’s environmental future - apply today!

View the full recruitment brochure here: https://indd.adobe.com/view/5613b8be-7239-44f5-84c0-9e3ee91fd78c

The Environmental Services Department
 

The Environmental Services Department (ESD) is a national leader in pollution prevention, watershed protection, utility services, and climate action. With nearly 582 employees, ESD serves over 1 million residents and thousands of businesses in San José. ESD’s mission is to deliver world-class utility services and programs that enhance health, the environment, and the economy. This mission is executed through the following divisions:
 

• San José–Santa Clara Regional Wastewater Facility (RWF):The largest advanced wastewater treatment facility in the western U.S., serving 1.7 million residents and 17,000 businesses. RWF treats 110 million gallons daily, delivers recycled water, and consistently meets permit standards while earning national recognition.
   

• Capital Improvement Program:A $1.4 billion, 10-year effort to modernize the RWF’s infrastructure, enhancing resilience, treatment capacity, and sustainability for long-term protection of the South Bay.

• Water Resources Division: Operates the San José Municipal Water System, serving over 100,000 residents, and oversees South Bay Water Recycling—the largest recycled water system in Northern California—while exploring future water supply options like potable reuse and desalination.

• Watershed Protection Division: Safeguards San José’s creeks by preventing pollution from entering 30,000 storm drains. Operates an award-winning lab that conducts over 50,000 tests annually and led regional wastewater monitoring during COVID-19.

• Integrated Waste Management Division: Manages waste services for 325,000 homes and 11,000 businesses, maximizing recycling and organics diversion through five contracted haulers to reduce landfill use and maintain city cleanliness.

• Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water Division: Leads implementation of a multi-agency potable reuse initiative and administers the wastewater and air compliance programs for the Regional Wastewater Facility. Supports an integrated regulatory and legislative strategy for wastewater, stormwater, recycled water and drinking water utilities.

• Utility Financial & Business Operations: Provides core support in budgeting, hiring, IT, payroll, billing, and procurement to ensure the efficient operation of all ESD programs and services.

• Communications Division :Leads strategic, multilingual outreach through media, digital campaigns, and public education. Promotes transparency, manages public records responses, and supports emergency communications.

To learn more about ESD, follow @sjenvironment on X, Facebook and Instagram and San Jose Environmental Services on LinkedIn.
 

Position Duties:

Salary Range

The Assistant Director salary range is currently $178, 713.34 - $288, 700.62. Placement within this range will be dependent upon the qualifications and experience of the individual selected. This salary includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. The salary is supplemented by an attractive benefits package. 

The Position

Reporting to the Director, the Assistant Director serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the Environmental Services Department (ESD), overseeing a budget of approximately $550 million and seven direct reports. This executive leader provides strategic and operational direction across a broad and complex portfolio, including Integrated Waste Management, Watershed Protection, Water Resources, Wastewater Management,  Regulatory Affairs and Purified Water, Utility Financial and Business Operations, and Communications. In partnership with Deputy Directors, department leaders, and citywide stakeholders, the Assistant Director drives alignment with City priorities while ensuring regulatory compliance, operational excellence, and organizational effectiveness. Key responsibilities include leading utility rate setting, guiding long-range capital and infrastructure planning, and supporting major initiatives such as homelessness response and environmental restoration. The Assistant Director also plays a critical role in supporting the Director by overseeing the preparation of City Council presentations and tracking high-impact departmental initiatives. This position requires a leader with strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate both day-to-day operations and long-term strategic goals. They will foster a culture of ethical leadership, continuous improvement, and inclusion—strengthening collaboration, building trust, and driving accountability throughout the department. As a public-facing representative of ESD, the Assistant Director will engage in intergovernmental forums, Council sessions, and community meetings, helping to advance the department’s mission while addressing the evolving needs of San José’s residents and environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a forward-thinking and grounded leader with a strong command of utility operations, environmental services, and public sector management. They bring not only technical proficiency in areas like infrastructure planning, rate setting, and regulatory compliance, but also the ability to see the bigger picture—connecting long-term vision with practical execution. This individual excels in navigating complexity, whether managing multimillion-dollar budgets, leading large and diverse teams, or guiding cross-departmental initiatives in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment. Politically astute and operationally savvy, they understand how to build momentum around shared goals while balancing mandates, community needs, and day-to-day realities. Clear and confident communication is a hallmark of their leadership style. They are comfortable representing their department in a variety of settings—from Council presentations and regional forums to internal strategy sessions—translating complex topics into clear, actionable directions. Their presence inspires confidence, and their transparency builds trust across all levels of the organization. The ideal candidate will be a mentor and team builder who invests in people, values diversity of thought and background, and creates inclusive environments where staff feel supported and accountable. With a strong sense of purpose and humility, they bring curiosity to new challenges and a collaborative mindset to every interaction.

The ideal candidate will also have the following core competencies. You can view the full definition of all competencies here.

• Job Expertise

• Collaboration

• Fiscal Management

• Leadership

• Political Skills

• Problem Solving

• Vision/Strategic Thinking

• Communication Skills

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration, engineering, environmental sciences, or related field.

• Experience: Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in business management and/or administration, operations, or maintenance is required.

• Experience managing a work unit equivalent to a major division within a public agency is preferred.

• Seven (7) years of exemplary supervisory experience is desired.

• Licenses: Possession and maintenance of a valid license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

• Form 700: Upon commencement of employment and subsequently each spring, the incumbent of this position must file the Family Gift Reporting Form together with the Statement of Economic Interest-Form 700. Please view the following link for details related to the State-Required reporting: Form 700 (ca.gov) and the following link for the City of San José Family Gift Reporting Form.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San José will not sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa that requires an employee application.

Other Qualifications:

HOW TO APPLY:

For first consideration, apply by June 23 at: https://wbcpinc.com/job-board/

Round one virtual interviews will take place on July 14th. Round two in-person interviews will take place on July 22nd. Selected candidates must be available for both dates.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact your recruiter, Levi Kuhlman, with any inquiries:

• levi@wbcpinc.com
• 541-664-0376 (Direct) 
• 866-929-9227 (Toll Free)

Director of Administration and Services (Salary Range 56: $203,582- $247,451 per year)

Applicants will also be considered for: Assistant Director of Administration and Services*
(Salary Range 46: $159,503 – $193,893)

AHA intends to hire one of the two roles. This is an exempt, at-will position.

The Housing Authority of the City of Alameda (AHA) is seeking an exceptional, process-orientated professional to serve as the Director of Administration and Services. This is a fast-paced agency that seeks to meet the mission through a high level of accountability and transparency.

AHA is particularly interested in applications from candidates with a strong track record in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities relevant to the job responsibilities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, housing policy and programs, Housing Authority functions and activities, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. The successful candidate will also be team-oriented with the ability to coordinate and collaborate with a variety of internal stakeholders to move activities and projects forward.

Due to the diverse and public facing nature of the responsibilities in this department, candidates must have excellent planning, tracking and project management skills and be customer-oriented in their approach. Significant relevant supervisory experience is required. The department is currently budgeted for 10 staff.

The Director level position will report to Executive Director or other Director. The Director of Administration and Services provides assistance to the Executive Director and the Authority in a variety of regulatory, analytical, and supervisory capacities.

*Note: Candidates may also be considered at the Assistant Director of Administration and Services level, depending on experience and qualification. Only candidates with significant, relevant experience and supervision experience will be considered for the Director of Administration and Services level.

To be considered for this career opportunity, you must submit:

1. Housing Authority Employment Application
2. Resume (three pages maximum, include months/years of employment), and
3. Responses to the supplemental questions (two pages maximum)

Your resume and supplemental questions must be in pdf format and uploaded into the employment application form.

Final Filing Date: Open Until Filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and those received by March 26, at 5:00 pm PST will be included in the first review. AHA reserves the right to interview candidates before the deadline.

The City of Santa Clara is recruiting for the Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer for its Electric Utility, Silicon Valley Power (SVP).  Reporting to the Chief Electric Utility Officer (CEUO), the Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior management position in the City's unclassified service responsible for the oversight and direction for the fiscal, administrative, and managerial operations of the utility. The COO has supervisory and support responsibilities for the utility's divisions: Utility Operations, Customer Development and Project Management, Resource Planning and Customer Engagement, and Business Services. The COO will help guide SVP through the extraordinary period of growth related by doubling the existing capacity of the electrical system to meet new customer demands over the next 10 years. In addition to the expansion, the COO will work to ensure new renewable resources are added to meet the City's and State’s climate goals. The COO is responsible for forecasting service requirements and for planning, organizing and directing assigned resources of the electric utility division in order to meet those requirements. This includes developing and administering the department operations and capital improvement budgets. The COO is expected to exercise critical thinking and detail oriented oversight in ensuring that utility operations are smooth, efficient, and compliant, with responsibility for results including costs, methods, and staffing.
 
As a member of the City's Unclassified Service, this is an "at-will" position and the incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager.  An incumbent in this classification:  demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service-oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City's Code of Ethics and values.
 
Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of Santa Clara will not sponsor, represent, or sign documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.  
 
This recruitment is being conducted by JPowers Recruiting, Inc.  In order to be considered for this position, please apply via JPowers Recruiting Inc. at Electric Utility Chief Operating Officer (COO).  Candidates are encouraged to apply to receive first consideration.  The posting may close at any time.
 
The City of Santa Clara is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of Santa Clara is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 615-2080 or HumanResources@santaclaraca.gov.
 

THIS RECRUITMENT MAY BE USED TO FILL MULTIPLE POSITIONS IN THIS, OR OTHER DIVISIONS OR DEPARTMENTS BESIDES THE POSITIONS LISTED BELOW.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN EMPLOYMENT IN THIS CLASSIFICATION, YOU SHOULD APPLY TO ENSURE YOU ARE CONSIDERED FOR ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THAT MAY UTILIZE THE APPLICANTS FROM THIS RECRUITMENT. MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS DOES NOT GUARANTEE ADMITTANCE INTO THE EXAMINATION PROCESS.  ONLY THE MOST QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO DEMONSTRATE THE BEST COMBINATION OF QUALIFICATIONS IN RELATION TO THE REQUIREMENTS AND DUTIES OF THE POSITION WILL BE INVITED TO TEST OR INTERVIEW.