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PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

COMMUNITY

Chowchilla is an 11-square mile rural city of between 19,000 and 20,000 residents. Located in California’s San Joaquin Valley, Chowchilla is home to some of the state’s most productive agricultural areas. Many of California’s iconic travel destinations such as the Yosemite, Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Parks, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Pacific Coast are within an easy two-hour drive.

Area residents enjoy a Mediterranean-type climate of abundant sunshine with dry, hot summers and mild to cool winters. The rain months of January through March can provide an average 12 inches of annual precipitation to the region.

The community has the benefit of an established commercial downtown surrounded by a mix of varied older homes. In recent years, newer housing developments were built on the east and west sides, as well as retail properties and industrial developments. Three school districts provide a strong educational foundation for families. The community also has a municipal airport, an 18-hole public golf course and a fairground that accommodates numerous events through the year.

POSITION

The Public Works Director is appointed by and works under the direction of the City Administrator and serves as a member of the City’s executive team. The Public Works Director supervises 20+ employees and directs the operations and activities of the City’s Public Works Department including streets and sidewalks, water drainage, parks, facilities, water and sewer utilities, storm drainage, manages all municipal construction, and prepares and administers departmental budget.

The ideal candidate will be a proven leader with the ability to direct and manage office and field staff.  The Public Works Director is a highly visible position with frequent public interaction. This position will have oversight over Planning and Engineering; general background of these two fields is preferred.

The Public Works Director will be familiar with the dynamics of rural communities and be able to ensure ongoing city services within the constraints of limited budgets. Candidates with the education and/or experience that demonstrate the ability to perform the functions of the position will be considered.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: November 21, 2025

Submit the following documents to CalOpps or to the City of Chowchilla, City Hall

• Cover Letter
• Employment Application
• Resume
• References
• Copies of Pertinent Certificates

About Oceanside’s Water Utilities Department & Our Water Treatment Plants
The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Water Treatment Superintendent in the Water Treatment Plants Division, which is responsible for the efficient production and delivery of safe drinking water to all Oceanside residents.

The Oceanside Water Utilities Department is an innovative and forward-looking organization whose goal it is to ensure ongoing access to safe, affordable drinking water & reliable wastewater collection & treatment services by maintaining top talent, resource resiliency, dependability, and system efficiency.

About the position
Under the general direction of the Water Utilities Division Manager, the Superintendent will supervise, plan and coordinate the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, oversee operation of water testing and labs, participate in capital improvement projects related to water treatment facilities, and perform a variety of related tasks. This position is essential to ensuring our dependable water treatment system continues to operate well.

You should be excited about this opportunity because you will…

• Apply various levels of training and experience to become an integral part of our water treatment system.
• Oversee regulatory compliance and day-to-day operations of water treatment facilities.
• Be progressively relied to manage each aspect of our water treatment plants.
• Collaborate with operation and maintenance staff to improve processes and protect our capital assets.
• Utilize a modernized SCADA system to remotely monitor processes in addition to manually reading and operating the system.

Who we are looking for…
The ideal candidate for this position will be confident in water treatment processes and plant oversight, and will be able to make decisions that ensure safe, efficient and reliable production of drinking water for Oceanside’s residents, businesses and tourists.

TO VIEW JOB ANNOUNCEMENT, CLICK JOB PDF OR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT URL BELOW.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

$13,612.44 - $16,546.95 Monthly (paid bi-weekly)

OPEN: November 14, 2025 CLOSES: December 4, 2025

City website:  www.ci.ceres.ca.us

Application submissions on:  www.calopps.org/city-of-ceres

The Director of Public Works is a regular, full-time, administrative, at-will, exempt position. Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Public Works Services Department including street maintenance, facility maintenance, landscape maintenance, equipment maintenance, wastewater collection and treatment, and water production and distribution; coordinates assigned activity with to other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

The ideal candidate will have a Public Works background with excellent communication skills, ability to cultivate positive relationships, approachable, responsive, and innovative.  The City is seeking a leader with emotional intelligence and knowledge of performance/change management to implement the City Council’s and City Manager’s vision.  Experience working with streets, wastewater, water distribution, parks, fleet, facilities, engineering workforce are desirable. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a  seasoned leader to advance progressive City initiatives.  The successful candidate will be offered an employment agreement based on their qualifications for the position.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including street maintenance, facility maintenance, landscape maintenance, equipment maintenance, wastewater collection and treatment, and water production and distribution; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. 1. Assume full management responsibility for all Public Works Department services and activities; manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommend and administer policies and procedures. 2. Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly. 3. Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes. 4. Plan, direct, and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the Public Works Department’s work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; conduct field inspections of work-in-progress and completed projects; ensure the maintenance of safe working conditions and good housekeeping practices; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems. 5. Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures. 6. Direct and review the work of contract consultants providing assistance to staff. 7. Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. 8. Keep informed of the status and availability of necessary tools, equipment, and material to ensure availability in advance of need; ensure that material and equipment are properly stored, protected, and maintained; initiate purchases of equipment and supplies required for the Department; coordinate and approve purchasing, bidding, and project cost estimation. 9. Provide staff assistance to the City Manager; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence. 10. Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary; provide periodic reports on department activities. 11. Represent the Public Works Department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations. 12. Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues. 13. Participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees including City Council meetings. 14. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to the operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure; incorporate new developments as appropriate. 15. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints. 16. Perform related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a comprehensive public works operations and maintenance program. Advanced principles and practices involved in the operation and maintenance of City infrastructure including: street, sidewalk, and storm drain maintenance; park and facility maintenance; wastewater collection system maintenance; wastewater treatment and disposal; water supply and distribution system maintenance; vehicle and equipment maintenance; and other services and activities related to the operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure. Operational characteristics of maintenance and construction equipment and tools used in the area of assignment. Advanced principles and practices of program development and administration. Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration. Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Principles of preventive maintenance programs. Principles of maintenance planning and scheduling techniques. Time, material, and labor cost estimating principles and practices used in maintenance and repair projects. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: Manage and direct a comprehensive municipal infrastructure maintenance and operation program. Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures. Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments. Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs. Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff. Delegate authority and responsibility. Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques. Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Prepare and administer large and complex budgets. Keep accurate material and labor cost records and to prepare required work and time reports. Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations. Read and interpret construction plans and drawings. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business administration, public administration, construction management, engineering, or a related field.

Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in public sector construction management, public works maintenance management, or related activity including three years of management and administrative responsibility in a municipal setting. License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting with some travel to different sites and locations; may be exposed to dust, noise, slippery or uneven surfaces, electric energy, machinery, moving objects and other vehicles while in the field; may be exposed to varying climates and temperatures while performing duties in the field; may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends; and may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings. Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; ability to operate a vehicle to travel to various locations; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction

The Policy Advisor for Public Safety is responsible for tracking and shaping policies related to law enforcement, emergency response services, probation, juvenile justice, and criminal justice reform. The Advisor works to ensure that public safety systems in District 1 are rehabilitative, transparent, equitable, and aligned with community needs. This position reports to the Director of Policy. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitor board items and legislative actions related to the Sheriff’s Department, Probation, District Attorney, and emergency response.
• Draft board letters, amendments, talking points, and constituent updates.
• Draft talking points and speeches that communicate the elected’s policies, priorities, and vision to constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders
• Serve as liaison with community safety coalitions, violence prevention groups, and first responders.
• Provide support to the elected at community events coordinating scheduling, logistics, and constituent engagement.
• Conduct research and communicate policy ideas in support of the elected’s legislative agenda.
• Develop strategies that promote rehabilitation, accountability, de-escalation, diversion programs and reduce recidivism. 
• Track jail conditions, behavioral health service integration, and reentry programs.

The Policy Advisor for Land Use and Environment Group (LUEG) leads the Supervisor’s agenda in areas including the Tijuana River sewage crisis, environmental policy, transportation, housing, climate adaptation, agriculture, and regional planning. This person plays a key role in the Supervisor’s priorities for equitable development and environmental justice. This position reports to the Director of Policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze and advise on policies related to planning, permitting, housing sustainability, and transportation.
• Draft policy proposals, board letters, environmental reviews, and public updates.
• Draft talking points and speeches that communicate the elected’s policies, priorities, and vision to constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders.
• Monitor the County’s Climate Action Plan, general plan amendments, and mobility investments.
• Conduct research and communicate policy ideas in support of the elected’s legislative agenda.
• Provide support to the elected at community events coordinating scheduling, logistics, and constituent engagement.
• Engage with academic researchers, environmental advocates, housing developers, and regional planning agencies.

The Policy Advisor for Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) leads on all matters related to the County’s social services, public health, behavioral health, and child and senior welfare programs. This individual tracks policies, advocates for equitable investments in District 1, and helps design board actions that enhance public health, general welfare, and access to medical care and social support systems. This position reports to the Director of Policy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze HHSA initiatives and county programs related to the safety net, public health, behavioral health, homeless service, housing development, child welfare, and services for seniors and people with disabilities.
• Draft policy memos, board letters, and recommendations to address systemic inequities.
• Draft talking points and speeches that communicate the elected’s policies, priorities, and vision to constituents, stakeholders, and community leaders.
• Serve as a liaison to County departments, community-based organizations, and health justice advocates.
• Conduct research and communicate policy ideas in support of the elected’s legislative agenda.
• Coordinate with the Director of Community Engagement to elevate on-the-ground feedback.
• Provide support to the elected at community events coordinating scheduling, logistics, and constituent engagement.
• Track state and federal funding streams relevant to HHSA priorities.

The Multimedia Designer is responsible for shaping the visual identity and public-facing content of the Office of Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. This creative role includes capturing and producing photos and videos, managing graphic design, and overseeing the visual design and functionality of the Supervisor’s website and digital communications. The ideal candidate has strong creative and technical skills and is committed to community-centered storytelling. This position reports to the Director of Communications. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, capture, and edit photography and video content for events, announcements, and social media.
• Design flyers, infographics, reports, and branded materials for public distribution.
• Maintain and update the website's visual layout, graphic assets, and visual consistency.
• Collaborate with the Communications Director and Digital Communications Specialist to ensure brand alignment across platforms.
• Archive and catalog media content for future use.
• Assist with livestreaming, lighting, audio, and other media production tasks at press conferences and events.
• Assist with rapid-response visual content during breaking news, emergencies, or policy rollouts.
• Create culturally competent and community-informed visual content that reflects the diversity of the district.

The Digital Media Manager is the lead writer and content strategist for the Office of Supervisor Paloma Aguirre. This position is responsible for developing and executing written content for social media, newsletters, speeches, digital platforms, press releases, and official statements. The Digital Media Manager ensures consistent voice, tone, and message alignment across all platforms and works closely with the Media Content Producer to deliver cohesive digital storytelling. This position reports to the Director of Communications. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, edit, and publish content for newsletters, social media, and the official website.
• Write press releases, talking points, public statements, and speeches.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar in alignment with office goals and public engagement efforts.
• Support rapid response communications during high-profile or crisis events.
• Collaborate with the Media Content Producer to pair visual and written content effectively.
• Track analytics on digital engagement to track performance and adjust content strategies accordingly.
• Ensure all written content reflects the values and voice of the Supervisor.
• Monitor trends and conversations in local media to inform messaging and identify opportunities for engagement.
• Assist with translation and adaptation of bilingual content for cultural accuracy and tone.

STREET MAINTENANCE OPERATOR I/II

Closes November 20, 2025 or 100 applicants, whichever occurs first. 

A completed online employment application 

Incomplete or late applications will NOT be accepted.

Resumes will NOT be considered in lieu of the required employment application.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under immediate supervision (Street Maintenance Operator I) or general supervision (Street Maintenance Operator II), performs semi-skilled to skilled maintenance, repair, and construction work assigned to the streets division; operates maintenance and construction tools and equipment; performs a variety of maintenance tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Street Maintenance Operator I: This is the entry level class in the Street Maintenance Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Street Maintenance Operator II by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to workers in this series. Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgment on matters related to established procedures and guidelines as are positions allocated to the II level. Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or non directly related work experience. Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Street Maintenance Operator II: This is the full journey level class within the Street Maintenance Operator series. This class is distinguished from the Street Maintenance Operator I by the assignment of the full range of duties assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies within the work unit. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the I level.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

1. Handle complaints and answer questions from the public.

2. Perform general electrical, painting, plumbing and carpentry work as needed.

3. Make minor adjustments on service equipment; maintain tools and equipment in working order.

4. Oversee the work of community service workers.

5. Maintain logs of daily activities.

6. Assist in other areas as needed.

7. Perform related duties as required.

8. Repair and replace street surfaces, sidewalks, curbs, and gutters including back filling trenches and evacuations.

9. Perform the maintenance, repair, construction, and installation work of streets, storm drain, parking lots, street lights, traffic striping, and traffic control signs and signals.

10. Remove hazards from the roadway and other public rights of way.

11. Operate a variety of motorized equipment and specialized maintenance equipment.

12. Perform repaving, patching, overlaying, chuck hole, and crack sealing repair of asphalt.

13. Perform underground service alert locating, marking and notification.

14. Lay out and install traffic signs and pavement markings.

15. Repair and maintain storm drain lift stations.

16. Conduct traffic count surveys.

17. Maintain storm detention ponds, including cleaning, repairing, and spraying weeds.

18. Respond to hazardous materials spills.

“This recruitment can be closed at any time without notice.”

THE POSITION Under general supervision, this non-sworn, non-peace officer position performs assignments involving responsible public contact work in crime prevention and delivers non-emergency police services; to include Public Safety (emergency/non-emergency) Radio Comm for Police & Fire responders; also performs related duties as required.

Prerequisites / Qualifications 

This is the entry-level position.   Applicants must be 18 years old at time of application, have no felony convictions, have the ability to learn and understand radio and statue codes, understand policy and procedures written in English, function without close supervision, work a variety of shifts including weekends and holidays, and lift and transport various objects.  

Education / Experience

Any combination equivalent to graduation from high school plus one (1) year of experience in a clerical of similar position; college credits in criminal justice or communication preferred. 

Licenses / Registrations / Accreditation / Etc. 

Possession of a Valid Class C California Motor Vehicle Operator License; A 35 WPM Typing Certification (Needs to be attached to application); and achieve within one year of appointment the completion of a P.O.S.T. Dispatch Certificate, completion of D.O.J. training for full access operator, and standard CPR and First Aid Certificates issued by the American Red Cross.