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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

*PLEASE SEE SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR TENTATIVE DATES*

CLOSES 10/31/2025 AT 5:00PM OR 100 APPLICANTS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST. 

PELLET B AND AGILITY TESTING WILL BE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 10, 2025.

Summary Description

Under general supervision from higher level supervisory or management staff and from training staff at a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, this is a non-sworn classification structured for incumbents who have not yet entered or not yet completed the California POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy.  Successful completion of a POST-certified Basic Law Enforcement Academy, resulting in graduation and certification, enables incumbent to become a probationary sworn Police Officer with the City.

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. Attend classroom activities, participate in both the learning process and the interactions with students and faculty, resulting in achieving a passing grade on all classroom requirements.
2. Complete classroom assignments and projects, as required.
3. Participate in physical activities, resulting in achieving a passing grade on the POST physical agility exam.
4. Participate in firearms course, resulting in achieving a qualifying score for firearms qualification under California Penal Code Section 832.
5. Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the public, using principles of good customer service.
6. Perform related duties as required.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

$13,612.44- $16,546.95 monthly

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

THE POSITION

The Director of Finance is a regular full-time exempt and at-will position. Under general administrative direction, plans, directs, and manages the activities, staffing, resources and operations of the City’s Finance Department; acts as a member of the City Manager’s Executive Team; and provides Financial guidance to complex and sensitive issues.

The ideal candidate will have experience in directing, managing, and operations of a Finance Department in a Public Sector environment, excellent communication skills, ability to cultivate positive relationships, approachable, responsive, and innovative.

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

THE DEPARTMENT

The Finance Department operates with thirteen full-time staff members (inclusive of the Finance Director) with an annual budget of approximately $130 million to manage for the City of which 2.3 million is attributable to the Finance department.  The department is currently going through an enterprise ERP change over and are working on the final stages of the payroll conversion. The Finance Team is made up of dedicated and hardworking individuals that are improving the financial operations throughout the City.   The Financial department is a liaison for all City departments.

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

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

OPEN: October 3, 2025 and CLOSES: October 24, 2025

TENTATIVE ORAL PANEL DATE: November 3, 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

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

THE POSITION

Under supervision, performs skilled and technical fire suppression and prevention activities. Must be prepared to act up to the next rank as needed and performs other related duties as required.

Drives fire apparatus to fire incidents and emergency calls; prepares for pumping operations and pumps water to fire at proper pressure; Inspects pumping and other equipment to ensure that apparatus is in good working condition and notifies Fire Captain of any defects; inspects, cleans, and maintains equipment; assists in keeping fire station in a clean and orderly condition; maintains an accurate running log of out-of-service streets and hydrants in the City of Chowchilla; performs fire suppression tasks/responsibilities required during fire suppression, salvage, and overhaul; conducts fire prevention inspections of assigned occupancies and tests fire protection equipment; detects hazardous conditions or violations of fire and building ordinances and laws; issues citations and warnings for violations; may conduct training of civilian and Fire personnel in applicable fire code regulations, fire inspection methods and procedures, and fire safety; investigates cause and origin of fires, seeking evidence of arson or of fire code violations; prepares follow-up correction notices and letters pertaining to initial inspections; Performs related duties as required.

PREREQUISITES

Education and/or Experience:

• High School/GED and
• Currently serving a permanent appointment as a Firefighter with the CFD.

Lateral: 

• Currently employed as a Fire Engineer (or equivalent rank) with a fire suppression government agency for a minimum of one (1) year and have completed probation within that rank.
• Must possess a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and First Aid Certificate or higher certification by appointment.
• A current Cal-JAC CPAT card at time of application. (Desired)

Volunteer Lateral: 

• Three years of Volunteer Firefighting for the Chowchilla Volunteer Fire Department with a minimum of one year as a Fire Engineer and have completed probation within that rank.
• Must possess a current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification and First Aid Certificate.
• A current Cal-JAC CPAT card or equivalent. (Desired)

Certificates: 

• Incident Command System 100, 200, 700; California State Fire Marshal Driver Operator IA or equivalent.

Desired Skills:

• Bilingual 

“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. 

CAREER OPPORTUNITY IN OUR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AS A PLANNING TECHNICIAN

$4,442.53 - $5,399.33 MONTHLY (paid biweekly)

EXCELLENT BENEFIT PACKAGE & STANCERA RETIREMENT PENSION

OPENS 9/30/2025 AND CLOSES 10/31/2025 AT 5:00PM OR 100 APPLICANTS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, provides professional planning staff with a wide variety of technical assistance involving planning, zoning, and land use matters; provides information to developers and the general public; assists with the preparation of comprehensive reports and planning resolutions.

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. Assist professional planning staff with technical and administrative work related to code, ordinance, and regulation requirements.
2. Provide preliminary review and analysis of development plans at the public counter; review plans for completeness and conformance to planning, building, zoning and other appropriate land use and development policies and procedures; confer with developers and the general public regarding City development standards and guidelines.
3. Receive telephone and counter inquiries on zoning and development matters; provide correspondence to the general public; assist and direct the public to the appropriate staff member or department; provide information regarding department policies and procedures.
4. Conduct basic studies and prepare routine staff reports related to planning, zoning, and land use activities.
5. Provide technical assistance to higher level planning staff; research, gather, and compile data and information relevant to environmental and natural resources for use in environmental review documents.
6. Prepare and present graphic material for public meeting presentations.
7. Make field inspections on related development proposals, zoning, or other planning matters.
8. Assist in the maintenance of the City land use data base; produce various reports derived from the data base; research and compile data for special projects and various reports.
9. Assist in the collection of data for annexations; assist in processing annexation applications.
10. Maintain a variety of statistical records; check and tabulate statistical data; prepare simple statistical reports; prepare monthly/annual report on department activity.
11. Compose routing documents for department comments and outside agencies’ comments.
12. Perform clerical duties related to department activities.
13. Serve as a member of various staff committees as assigned.
14. May be required to attend Planning Commission meetings to present information.

15. Attend professional development workshops and conferences to keep abreast of trends and developments in the field of municipal planning.
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:

• Basic planning and development process terms and codes.
• Principles, practices, and theories of graphic design, drafting and related equipment.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• The City’s municipal codes and plans.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
• Prepare maps, graphs, charts, site plans, and other descriptive material.
• Assist with the preparation of comprehensive reports and planning resolutions.
• Provide information to the public, developers and realtors regarding address and zoning regulations.
• Research, analyze and interpret data.
• Maintain complex records and prepare reports and answer questions from records.
• Learn the organization, procedures, and operating details of the department.
• Learn planning, land use and zoning terms and codes.
• Perform administrative work including maintenance of appropriate records and preparation of general reports.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• 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:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Additional specialized training in drafting, graphic design, urban planning, surveying, engineering, mathematics, computer science, the physical sciences or a related field is desirable.

Experience:
Two years of work experience, preferably in a municipal setting.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

The City of Patterson is seeking a qualified Assistant Engineer to design and develop plans, specs, and standards for public works in the City.  Ensure compliance, issue permits, and coordinate bidding processes/surveys for future public-works projects. 

The City of Oceanside is accepting applications Water Treatment Supervisor. There is currently one vacancy in the Water Utilities Department.

Under general direction, to supervise and coordinate water treatment and filtration operations including potable water treatment; to coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies and the general public; and to perform a variety of tasks relative to assigned area of responsibility.

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

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.