Public Works Director

Job Description

The City of Florence, Oregon , is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Works Director to join its executive leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled public works professional to lead essential infrastructure operations and help shape the future of one of Oregon’s premier coastal communities. The City is looking for a leader who values collaboration, innovation, and excellence in public service.

What we are offering :

• Competitive salary : $125,000 to $153,760 / year (max)
• Generous benefits package :

100% paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for eligible employees and dependents (CIS-HDHP-5)

How to Apply :

Recruitment Timeline :

PW Panel Interview – this panel interview is with several members of the PW crews

The City has one vacancy that this recruitment is attempting to fill. We do not have a firm start date in mind and would plan on working with the top candidate to arrive at a mutually agreed upon date. The position may be closed at any time during the process.

The Opportunity

The City of Florence is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Public Works Director to lead a skilled team of professionals responsible for delivering and improving the essential infrastructure that keeps Oregon’s premier coastal community running. This is a key executive leadership role—ideal for a results-oriented, collaborative public works professional ready to guide complex capital projects, shape long-term infrastructure strategy, and help a growing community prepare for the future.

Florence is a full-service city of 9,800 residents that provides water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, airport, and park services across a broad and diverse service area. The Public Works Department has a staff of 23 full-time employees, plus seasonal support, and is recognized for its commitment to best practices, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.

With a new biennial work plan in place, the incoming Director will play a central role in advancing several high-impact projects, including the 9th Street Neighborhood Project , Transit and Mobility Hub , Well 14 Construction—Phase 2 , Pump Station Replacements , Safe Routes to School , and multiple capital and facility upgrades. The City's workplan and information about these projects can be found here : 25-27 Work Plan. The City’s leadership team is cohesive and collaborative, offering a unique opportunity to help shape Florence’s infrastructure, sustainability, and service delivery goals for years to come.

The Public Works Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as a trusted advisor on infrastructure planning, capital investments, and organizational strategy as part of the City’s executive leadership team.

The Role

The Public Works Director provides leadership, vision, and management across the City’s core infrastructure programs, including :

Strategic and Operational Leadership : Oversee all divisions within Public Works—Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Streets, Parks, Airport, Facilities, Fleet, and Administration. Set departmental goals and priorities aligned with City Council objectives and community needs.

Capital Project Management : Direct capital improvement planning, engineering oversight, and construction management for multi-phase projects. Review design proposals, ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards, and manage RFP and bidding processes.

Budget and Resource Management : Develop and administer complex departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify long-term funding strategies to ensure cost-effective and sustainable service delivery.

Team Development and Supervision : Lead a skilled team of division supervisors and field staff, providing mentorship, professional development, and performance management.

Policy and Technical Expertise : Provide informed analysis and recommendations to the City Manager and Council on public works policies, capital investments, and infrastructure priorities.

Intergovernmental and Public Engagement : Represent the City in regional and state discussions; foster collaboration with partner agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on public works leader who combines strong administrative skill with operational understanding. They are an approachable, team-oriented professional who values collaboration, accountability, and service excellence. They will bring proven success in managing multi-division operations and implementing capital projects in a municipal or regional public works environment.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public or Business Administration , or a related field.

Ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations and maintenance, including at least five years in a senior management role .

Valid Oregon Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 90 days).

Ability to obtain NIMS certifications (ICS-100, 200, 700, and 800) within 18 months.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration .

Advanced experience managing multiple divisions or functional areas.

Knowledge of Oregon municipal operations , regulations, and funding mechanisms.

Experience working in or with coastal or environmentally sensitive communities .

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