Location
Description
THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL IS NOW SEEKING A HANDS-ON, PROACTIVE LEADER TO SERVE AS A
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Salary: $149,913 - $182,220 Annually
$12,493 - $15,185 Monthly
Plus an outstanding benefits package
Deadline to apply: Thursday, September 11, 2025, 11:59 PM
The City of Sebastopol is seeking an engaging, inclusive, collaborative, and talented leader who is well-versed in project management, facility and infrastructure maintenance, water distribution and wastewater collection systems, public parks and facilities maintenance, and related laws, regulations, and safety standards. The Director of Public Works will oversee the City Engineer, direct assigned personnel, and coordinate assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies. This position plans, organizes, directs, and reviews the full range of activities, personnel, and operations of the Department of Public Works, including public works construction and inspection, repair and maintenance of City infrastructure and streets, the contract for City Engineer services, and engineering and transportation permits and programs.
The Director of Public Works will demonstrate cultural competency working with all community members regardless of cultural differences or circumstances, including race, ethnicity, religion, language, gender identity, age, marital and familial status, sexual orientation, diverse physical and learning abilities, socioeconomic status, and other identities. This position provides highly responsible and complex professional and administrative consultation to the City Manager and may serve as the City Manager or Assistant City Manager in either manager's absence or as assigned. Performs related duties as assigned.
This is an “at will” classification serving at the pleasure of and receiving administrative direction from the City Manager. This role's duties allow for a broad scope of independent decision-making within legal, policy, and regulatory guidelines. It involves exercising general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
For additional information on this amazing opportunity, please view the job bulletin or job brochure in the links below.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will:
- Be a hands-on, proactive leader directing the day-to-day operations and projects for the City’s water, wastewater, and collections functions, and the department.
- Be skilled in delegation and active involvement, problem-solving, and a commitment to driving progress.
- Possess a deep understanding of municipal infrastructure planning, design, construction, and maintenance, along with a thorough knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards.
- Materially participate in the assessment and development of the cost allocation plan, especially as it relates to utilities and the transfer of funds from the General Fund to the utility enterprise funds.
- Direct the process of and approve permits for street closures and special events, grading, and encroachment, and work with the City Engineer to approve engineering-related project permits.
- Oversee and administer the City’s facilities leases, which may include negotiations and management of leased properties.
- Provide leadership and mentoring that inspires and encourages others to develop skills, be prepared for advancement, and achieve their best.
- build diversity and inclusion as key components of leadership, business planning, and customer service.
- Demonstrate exceptional problem-solving abilities and innovative thinking.
- Ensure that projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget.
- Demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and improving public infrastructure for the community's benefit.
- Be able to communicate effectively, demonstrate emotional intelligence and political understanding, and have a desire to improve customer service experience.
- Ensure efficient management of the day-to-day department and staff needs.
- Be able to adjust quickly to changing priorities and conditions, and establish positive relationships with colleagues, employees, the public, and other stakeholders.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil, electrical, mechanical, hydrology, systems control engineering, or a related field.
Experience: Five (5) years of professional experience in asset and infrastructure management, public project and facilities maintenance management, engineering, or utilities management, and administrative and leadership experience in public works, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.
License and Certifications:
- A certificate of registration in one or more areas issued by the State of California is desired: Engineer-in-Training, Water Distribution/Water Treatment, Wastewater Collections. Storm Water Pollution Control.
- The ability to convey oneself between multiple geographic locations daily and timely is required, or the possession of, or the ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License by the time of appointment.
For Public Works Director / City Engineer – The following is required
A certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California
Special Instructions
SELECTION PROCESS: Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on the information submitted. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next phase in the recruitment process, which may include an oral panel interview and/or practical exercise. Only the names of the most qualified candidates who pass the initial selection process will be submitted to the City for consideration for final selection.
APPLICATION PROCESS: Qualified candidates are invited to apply by submitting a Letter of Interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position, along with their completed application and supplemental questions to CalOpps.org by following this link: https://www.calopps.org/city-of-sebastopol . All materials must be included to be considered as a candidate. Please be sure to provide enough detail on duties and responsibilities.
Deadline to apply: Thursday, September 11, 2025, 11:59 PM
The City of Sebastopol is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email in submitting your application. Additional inquiries about the position or candidates with a disability who may require special assistance in any phase of the recruitment process should be directed to Danielle Oliveira from Muchmore Than Consulting danielle@muchmorethanconsulting.org.
THE CITY OF SEBASTOPOL
IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.