Assistant Director of Public Works - Regulatory & Environmental Program

About Marin

This agency is not using CalOpps to accept online applications for this recruitment. Please read the job announcement for details on how to apply.

Marin County, California, is a picturesque community located in the Northern Bay Areas across from San Francisco and adjacent to Napa and Sonoma Counties. Marin is known for its combination of rural and suburban lifestyles, excellent schools, entertainment and recreational activities, and its mild, year-round climate. Outdoor activities are plentiful with access to the bay, the ocean, hiking and biking trails, vineyards in Napa and Sonoma, wildlife viewing, agritourism, and the Muir Wood National Monument. Given it's natural beauty and high quality of life, it is no surprise that over 260,000 engaged residents call Marin County home.

Marin County is a General Law County governed by five members of the Board of Supervisors. The County has approximately 2300 positions allocated between its 22 agencies and has an operating budget of approximately $716 million (FY 22/23). The majority of the workforce is represented by nine labor unions and covered under 12 collective bargaining agreements. The Board's priorities for the future include: (1) investing in County infrastructure, (2) preserving affordable housing and housing first, (3) addressing climate change, (4) improving disaster preparedness, and (5) prioritizing racial equity.

This diverse organization strives to uphold a set of core values: respect, trust, integrity, diversity, equality, excellence, accountability, innovation, and collaboration. These values help to maintain and enhance public trust and help achieve high quality service outcomes. The County is committed to being a well-managed organization that relies on the talents of its workforce and the dedication of its residents to succeed.

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Description

There is currently one (1) full-time, regular hire Assistant Director of Public Works - Regulatory & Environmental Programs.

About the Position:
Advance Priorities. Align Efforts. Deliver Results.

The County of Marin is seeking a strategic, politically astute executive to serve as its next Assistant Director of Public Works – Regulatory & Environmental Programs.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for aligning critical regulatory, environmental, and community-focused programs with Countywide projects and initiatives. The next Assistant Director will drive cross-functional alignment, integrate systems, and elevate how Marin delivers on infrastructure, climate resilience, and equitable services.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
Marin County is at a pivotal moment. Climate change, housing pressures, aging infrastructure, and evolving regulatory requirements demand more integrated, strategic leadership. This role is central to that transformation—connecting programs that have historically operated independently and aligning them with the County’s highest priorities. The next Assistant Director will help shape how Marin County delivers smarter, more coordinated, and more impactful public services for years to come.

THE PORTFOLIO

This executive oversees a diverse and influential portfolio of programs:

Land Development & Engineering Permits
Enabling safe, compliant, and efficient development that supports housing, infrastructure, and community vitality.
Countywide Disability Access (Americans with Disability Act and California Title 24)
Advancing equitable access to programs, services, and facilities across all County departments.
County Waste Management & Zero Waste Marin Joint Powers Authority
Driving sustainability, waste reduction, and climate action through countywide policy and partnerships.
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Programs
Ensuring Clean Water Act compliance while protecting Marin’s creeks, bays, and watersheds.
Integrated Water Resources Program
Leading development of a brand-new countywide program to strategically connect wet utility operations with flood resilience, watershed health, and climate adaptation.

How to Apply:

See our LINK for complete instructions.

Ideal Candidate

Executive Leader | Systems Thinker | Trusted Partner
You are a seasoned public sector leader who understands how to translate complex regulatory and environmental programs into meaningful community outcomes.
You bring:

Strategic Integration Skills – Ability to connect programs, policies, and capital investments into cohesive systems.
Political Acumen – Experience working with elected officials, boards, and diverse stakeholders.
Organizational Leadership – Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and complex portfolios.
Regulatory Expertise – Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act, stormwater permits, environmental compliance, and land development processes.
Partnership Mindset – Skilled at building trust across agencies, jurisdictions, and communities.
Change Leadership – Track record of aligning people, processes, and priorities to successfully implement strategic initiatives and deliver measurable results.