Public Services Manager

Public Services Manager

Under general direction, the Public Services Manager is an at-will, senior management position responsible for supervising, planning, and coordinating the activities and operations of the Public Services Division in the Community Services Department. Other major responsibilities include coordinating assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public, working with a high degree of independence while supervising professional, administrative, and field staff, and providing complex managerial administrative and analytical support to the Director of Community Services. This is a non-telecommuting position.

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.

• Coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities of the Public Services Division, which includes managing City-wide programs such as streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, facilities maintenance, fleet, recycling, open space, homeless abatement, and city-wide maintenance programs;
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates professional, administrative, and field staff;
• Participates in the development and administration of the Public Services Division budget;
• Coordinates assigned services and activities with those of other divisions, outside agencies and organizations;
• Reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures;
• Develops and implements policies, procedures, and service improvements;
• Oversees the preparation of Public Services maintenance contracts and administration of contract policies and procedures;
• Manages major maintenance projects and assign work plans;
• Responds to and resolves difficult inquiries and complaints;
• Determines and implements safety procedures through periodic inspections of projects in progress and upon their completion; and
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Any combination of education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification. An example would be : EDUCATION : A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in engineering, construction, public works, public administration, or a related field; and EXPERIENCE : Five (5) years of responsible and recent experience in public works or other construction and maintenance activities, and two (2) years of supervisory experience OR a two (2) year degree and at least seven (7) years of experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.

International Society of Arborist (ISA) certification, Pesticide Applicators License, American Public Works Association (APWA), and Municipal Superintendents Association (MSA) are highly desirable.

This recruitment is open until filled, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. First review of applications may occur the week of December 15, 2025. Interested applicants must submit an online application and a completed supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the city will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position which may consist of any or all of the following components : Appraisal interview, a written exercise, or a practical skills assessment.

Tentative panel interview scheduled on January 8, 2026 (Thursday). The City may change these testing and interview dates at its discretion due to departmental staffing and operational needs. Tentative selection interview scheduled on January 12, 2026 (Monday).

The applicant selected will be subject to a criminal history investigation through the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and a thorough background check. A waiver for reference and background information must be completed. Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license at time of appointment. A safe driving record is required and must be maintained during time of employment. City of Santee employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.