Director of Public Works (20723107)

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.

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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.