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DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

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

OPEN: DECEMBER 5, 2025 CLOSES: UNTIL FILLED

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 General Maintenance Worker plays a vital role in keeping our communities and centers clean, safe, and visually appealing. This position focuses on a specific set of tasks tailored to meet the needs of the Recreation & Community Services Department, differing from the broader responsibilities of a full General Maintenance Worker under the Public Works Department. The Recreation Coordinator or Recreation and Community Services Supervisor is the key point of contact for this position, providing general direction and/or supervision.

1. Field Preparation: Assist with basic field preparation for baseball and softball, including tasks like dragging the infield play area, marking chalk lines, and other essential setup activities.
    
2. Groundskeeping: Support keeping the exterior areas of community centers clean and presentable by removing trash and maintaining general tidiness. Assist with watering and care of indoor plants within recreation centers as needed.
    
3. Facility Cleaning: Perform light janitorial duties, including cleaning restrooms, fitness centers, and lobbies.
    
4. Events & Equipment Support: Assist with event setup and teardown once events are completed. Maintain special event equipment, furniture and supplies and promptly report any damaged or broken items to a supervisor for replacement.

The City of Newark is seeking an energetic and committed Assistant Engineer, Assistant Civil Engineer, or Associate Civil Engineer to perform professional civil engineering work related to the planning, review, design, construction, inspection, and coordination of a variety of public works projects. This position is flexibly staffed and may be filled at the Assistant or Associate Engineer level depending on experience of the individual and possession of the required licenses and certifications. 

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Examples of duties specific to the current Assistant Engineer, Assistant Civil Engineer and Associate Civil Engineer vacancy are as follows:

• Review encroachment permit and other permit applications.
• Coordinate projects and activities with other City departments, divisions, developers, contractors, consultants, outside agencies, and property owners.
• Design and prepare engineering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for projects, solicit and review bids, and make recommendations for project award and acceptance.
• Provide project management for public works construction and maintenance projects.
• Perform or oversee project administration and inspection.
• Plan and perform surveying and construction inspection work.
• Conduct basic traffic engineering studies and investigations; assist in traffic signal and pavement marking design and evaluate transportation and traffic impacts of development proposals.
• Prepare or direct the preparation of grant applications, reports on construction, maintenance, transportation, and general public works issues.
• Administer special projects and programs involving hydrology, hydraulics, storm water quality, public utilities, pavement management system, or other activities that affect public works.
• Prepare, forecast, develop and monitor division and capital improvement project budgets; identify potential funding alternatives and recommend program planning criteria and priorities for inclusion in the budget planning process.
• Respond to public and other inquiries orally and in writing; attend and represent the City in public meetings, and make presentations to City Council, Planning Commission, and other legislative and advisory bodies.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

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

Assistant Engineer / Assistant Civil Engineer

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field.
• Two (2) years of Civil engineering experience.
• Possession of an Engineer-in-Training Certificate (Assistant Engineer ONLY)
• Possession of a valid Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California (Assistant Civil Engineer ONLY)
• Possession of a valid driver's license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

Associate Civil Engineer

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field. 
• Three (3) years of civil engineering experience, including one year of lead responsibility. 
• Registered as a licensed Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California.
• Possession of a valid driver license and a satisfactory driving record throughout employment.

**All communication will be via email for this recruitment**

The City of Newark is seeking an experienced water aerobics instructor with the ability to work with all ages, including but not limited to those over the age of 55. The Recreation Instructor will be responsible for the implementation and planning of water aerobics course to be held at the George M Silliman Community Activity Center.

Recruitment Contact:

Ryan Storms, Recreation Coordinator

Email: Ryan.Storms@newark.org

The Newark Recreation and Community Services Department is looking for Aquatic Instructors (Swim Instructors) for our fantastic swim lessons and aquatic programs, to work at the Silliman Activity & Family Aquatic Center. We are looking for positive, patient, motivated, self-driven individuals that have a passion for working with children and wish to make a difference in a child's life by teaching them lifelong water skills! 

Those that are successful in the application review will be invited to attend an in-person interview. Please note that this position requires you to work in an indoor aquatic environment subject to warm/humid temperatures. 

**No certifications or previous experience is required! Candidates must be comfortable in the water. Swim Instructor training will be provided once hired.**

• Applicants should be able to work at least 12-20 hours per week, year-round, including weekends and holidays, with mandatory trainings. 
• Summer Swim Lessons run on Monday-Thurday mornings (7:45 am – 12:00 pm), Monday-Thurday evenings (3:45 pm - 8:00 pm), and Saturday mornings (7:45 am- 12:00 pm). 
• Off-Season Swim Lessons run on Monday/Wednesday evenings (3:45 pm - 7:45 pm), Tuesday/Thursday evenings (3:45 pm - 7:45 pm), and Saturday mornings (7:45 am- 12:00 pm). 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Under the supervision of the Aquatics Coordinator, this position provides swim instruction to adults and children and conducts related work as required
• Swim Instructors teach, supervise, and assess students of all ages and abilities
• Teach group and private swim lessons to adults and children of all abilities
• Use proper teaching tools, equipment, and techniques while teaching swim lessons
• Maintain order and prevent accidents through the enforcement of policies, rules, regulations, and ordinances governing the conduct of patrons in the pool area.

**All communication will be via email for this recruitment**

Recruitment Contact:

Ryan Storms, Aquatics Coordinator

Email: ryan.storms@newark.org

Under the supervision of the Fire Marshal, is responsible for performing plan review, inspections, and other duties as required.  The position will also be involved to varying degrees with public education, public relations, exterior hazard abatement, engine company pre-fire planning, record keeping, and report writing.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Receives supervision from the Fire Marshal. There may be limited supervisory tasks assigned to this classification.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
This position is responsible for the review of plans, to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local fire safety laws, ordinances, and codes.  Although not all inclusive, the following serve to represent the various types of plans to be reviewed: planning applications; applications for the subdivision of land; site plans for access and water supply; building and tenant improvement plans; fire protection systems including fire sprinkler, fire alarm, kitchen hood extinguishing systems; and other types of plan reviews that are part of various fire code permitted activities.  

Other duties include attending meetings with other local government agencies such as planning and building departments, architects, contractors, developers, and the general public.  Utilizes the District’s citation process when appropriate and when other means of gaining voluntary compliance are unsuccessful. This position is responsible for conducting in-house training and updating of field inspection staff members on changes occurring in codes enforced by the District.  This position is also responsible for the formulation of standardized field inspection guidelines and record keeping systems for construction projects. Provides supervision, work direction, and technical assistance as directed. Participates in the code change process at the state and international levels. Utilizes tools and technology identified by the District related to performance of tasks. Supports emergency operations as requested and appropriate.

The position is responsible for performing inspections of both new and existing buildings; witnessing various tests required for sophisticated fire protection equipment and verifying proper operation and compliance with applicable codes and standards; prepares necessary correspondence, reports, and records; with regards to projects, confers with architects, engineers, developers, etc.; attends training courses and meetings of professional organizations as directed; performs surveys of fire hazards and processes complaints; conducts and participates in public education and public relations programs; performs other related duties as directed.

The Newark Recreation and Community Services Department is looking for Senior Lifeguards for our fantastic swim lesson and aquatic programs and the upcoming to work at the year-round Silliman Activity & Family Aquatic Center. We are looking for positive, patient, motivated, self-driven individuals that have a passion for working in aquatics and with children, who wish to make a difference in a child's life by teaching them lifelong water skills! Swimming experience is required. Additional program training will be provided once hired. Those that are successful in the application review will be invited to attend an interview either in person, or via ZOOM and complete an in-person skills assessment. Please note that this position requires you to work in an indoor aquatic environment subject to warm/humid temperatures.

• Applicants should be able to work at least 12-20 hours per week, year-round, including weekends and holidays, with mandatory trainings.
• Please note that shift preference is not guaranteed and is based on the program's staffing needs and can change at any time. Please keep this in mind when/if you plan to attend school or take summer college classes.

**All communication will be via email for this recruitment**

Recruitment Contact:

Ryan Storms, Aquatics Coordinator

Email: ryan.storms@newark.org

The Pool Tech is an hourly employee of the Parks & Recreation Department. The Pool Tech's primary responsibility is the maintenance of on-site recreation facilities at the Aqua Adventure Water Park and the safe operation of all rides. This responsibility includes water testing, writing reports, pool cleaning, general facility cleaning, public assistance and public education. The Pool Tech is expected to work evenings, weekends and holidays on a regular basis.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (This a general description of duties and is not all-inclusive)

• Provide outstanding customer service while performing assigned duties, including interpreting and conveying information throughout the Waterpark
• Perform a variety of tasks in the operation, maintenance, cleaning and servicing of water at Aqua Adventure Waterpark
• Complete a variety or records and reports, including inspection reports
• Conduct pool inspections to ensure the pool environment is safe for general use
• Treat water with chemicals to maintain safe and healthy water quality and monitor chemical usage
• Performing water tests for chlorine, Ph, calcium hardness and total alkalinity
• Receive chemical deliveries
• Recognize hazardous conditions, emergency notification and contain area until help arrives
• Pool cleaning
• Facility cleaning to ensure the deck is free of debris, clearing garbage and doing bathroom checks
• Maintain facility and make repairs as needed
• Comply with standards of City designated safety agencies
• Maintain a high degree of confidentiality in performing all aspects of assigned responsibilities
• Attend training and staff meetings as assigned
• Assist other City departments in the event of major emergencies

SUPERVISION EXERCISED AND RECIEVED

General supervision is provided by the Recreation Supervisor and/or Water Safety Coordinator.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must have a valid California driver's license
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills
• Must be able to establish and maintain productive relationships and a positive attitude with and toward others
• Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
• Must have excellent organizational skills and be able to multitask and complete tasks in a timely manner
• Must be willing and able to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required
• Willingness to comply with suspected child abuse reporting (11166.5 PC)
• Employees are required to be certified in Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, & AED from American Red Cross, American Heart Association or supervisor approved equivalent. Employees must be certified within 30 days of hire date or prior to the first day of work, whichever occurs earlier.
• Fingerprinting and TB test are required
• Must submit verification of legal right to work in the United States as a condition of employment
• All candidates must meet the following physical requirements:
  • Ability to walk up and down stairs
  • Ability to lift and maneuver at least 50 pounds
  • Ability to bend, kneel, stoop, push, and pull
  • Ability to work in an outdoor environment with wet conditions and extreme heat
  • Ability to work in direct sunlight
  • Vision requirements: 20/20 corrected

REQUIREMENTS FOR EMPLOYMENT

• Must be able to handle sensitive and/or stressful situations or information with tact, discretion and significant awareness of confidentiality
• Must effectively communicate with adults and children from a variety of cultural backgrounds
• Willingness to comply with suspected child abuse reporting (11166.5 PC)
• Employees are required to be certified in Adult/Child CPR, First Aid, and AED from American Red Cross, American Heart Association or supervisor approved equivalent. Employees must be certified within 30 days of hire date or prior to the first day of work, whichever occurs earlier.
• Fingerprinting and TB test are required
• Must submit verification of legal right to work in the United States as a condition of employment

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in pool maintenance
• Experience in handling pool emergencies

SELECTION PROCESS

Qualified application will be evaluated on the basis of related experience and quality of presentation.

The most highly qualified applicants will be invited to an oral interview. Applicant evaluations may include a written and physical test. Satisfactory candidates will be placed on an eligibility list. Placements are anticipated immediately after the list is established. Some placements may be assigned to emphasize public education as the City's needs require.

Some positions may require a health evaluation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To be considered for this position, apply online by submitting a completed City application and resume through our online application system: https://fremont.workbrightats.com/jobs/

Reasonable Accommodation: The Recreation Services Division will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise us of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4347 or emailing recjobs@fremont.gov.

THE CITY OF FREMONT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

WE DO NOT DISCRIMINATE ON ANY BASIS.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The Silliman Family Aquatic Center Lifeguard Academy is for those seeking employment with the City of Newark. This program is a beginner-level course that covers Lifeguard Training, Water Park Lifeguard Training, First Aid, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, Administering Emergency Oxygen, Swim Lesson Instruction, and center-specific training. Please note that this position requires you to work in an indoor aquatic environment subject to warm/humid temperatures.

**No certifications or previous experience is required! Candidates must be comfortable in the water. Once you successfully pass your lifeguard certification, you’ll get a $1.00 raise to make $19/hour as a lifeguard.**

• Candidates will be contacted for an in-person interview.
• No experience required, training provided. Be paid to train to become a lifeguard! No cost to take certification courses.

**All communication will be via email for this recruitment**

Recruitment Contact:

Ryan Storms, Aquatics Coordinator

Email: ryan.storms@newark.org

The Newark Recreation and Community Services Department is looking for Pool Service Technician for our fantastic swim lesson and aquatic programs, to work at the Silliman Activity & Family Aquatic Center. We are looking for someone to perform a wide variety of duties related to maintaining the City’s Aquatics facilities, pools, water slides and property. Swimming experience is desired. Those that are successful in the application review will be invited to attend an interview either in person, or via ZOOM. Please note that this position requires you to work in an indoor aquatic environment subject to warm/humid temperatures.

• Applicants should be able to work at least 12-20 hours per week, year-round, including weekends and holidays, with mandatory trainings. 
• Please note that shift preference is not guaranteed and is based on the program's staffing needs and can change at any time. Please keep this in mind when/if you plan to attend school. 
• Example Schedule: Monday-Friday (12:00 pm – 4:00 pm) or Saturday/Sunday (9:00 am – 3:00 pm)

**All communication will be via email for this recruitment**

Recruitment Contact:

Ryan Storms, Aquatics Coordinator

Email: ryan.storms@newark.org