Assistant Public Works Director

Applications are accepted exclusively through the City of Ventura Career Site:

www.cityofventura.ca.gov/jobs. Submissions through other websites or methods will not be accepted.

Pay & Benefits

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Deferred Compensation: The City contributes up to $228 monthly
• Medical Insurance: The City contributes up to $900 monthly
• City-Paid Dental & Vision Insurance
• City-Paid Life and Disability Insurance
• CalPERS Retirement (no Social Security):
• CalPERS Classic Members - 2% @ 55 formula; single highest year final compensation
• New Members – 2% @ 62 formula; three-year final compensation
• Generous time off benefits, including vacation, sick and administrative leaves

Salary Range (DOQ):

• Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer - $168,643 - $225,983 Annually DOQ

About the Opportunity

The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer to support the Public Works Department in delivering high-quality, community-focused services and advancing the City’s long-term infrastructure goals. In this role, you will provide oversight and coordination for core public works functions, including engineering services, capital project delivery, and transportation systems, ensuring alignment with City policies, design standards, and operational priorities.

In this role, you will work closely with the Public Works Director, City departments, elected officials, partner agencies, and the community to deliver safe, sustainable, and well-designed infrastructure. This position plays a central role in advancing the department’s strategic initiatives, applying technical expertise, and leading complex projects that support the City’s long-term vision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and operational oversight for Engineering, Design & Construction, and Transportation functions.
• Serve as City Engineer, ensuring adherence to City engineering standards, reviewing plans, and approving development and capital project documents.
• Lead development and implementation of the Capital Improvement Plan, including project scoping, budgeting, scheduling, design review, permitting, construction management, and inspection.
• Oversee consultant and construction contracts, RFPs, and agreements to ensure quality, compliance, and efficiency.
• Present reports and updates to the City Council, boards, commissions, and community groups; serve as a primary public-facing technical representative.
• Coordinate engineering activities with internal departments, regional agencies, and developers; act as a liaison and technical expert.
• Support hiring, mentoring, and performance management of staff; promote a collaborative and service-oriented work culture.
• Monitor regulations, technologies, and industry practices to keep City standards current.
• Respond to complex issues, customer inquiries, and community concerns professionally and effectively.
• May act as Public Works Director in their absence.

The Ideal Candidate – Preferred Qualifications

The ideal candidate is:

• A seasoned civil engineering professional with the technical depth to serve as the City Engineer.
• An effective project and division manager with experience overseeing complex capital programs and multidisciplinary teams.
• A clear, confident communicator who can engage the community, explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences, and work effectively with the City Council and leadership.
• A collaborative leader who supports organizational improvements, strengthens internal processes, and fosters a positive, service-focused team culture.
• A capable administrator who can set priorities, manage work programs, and represent the department when needed.

Minimum Qualifications – Required

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field from an accredited college or university, seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional civil engineering experience in public works/utilities design and construction management, and three (3) years of supervisory level experience. A master’s degree is desirable.

Licenses

Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at time of appointment or within 18 months of appointment if currently registered as a Professional Civil Engineer (or equivalent) in a different state

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver license.

About the Department

The City of Ventura’s Public Works Department plays a central role in building, maintaining, and protecting the community’s infrastructure and natural resources. Accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA) since 2014, the department applies industry best practices and forward-thinking strategies to deliver high-quality projects that support safety, sustainability, and long-term community resilience.

The department is organized into five divisions that manage the city’s infrastructure, operations, and public services. Together, these divisions provide engineering, construction, transportation, environmental sustainability, fleet and facilities, and property management services that support the community’s growth, connectivity, and quality of life.

How to Apply & Selection Process

Submit your online City job application and supplemental questionnaire by the filing deadline. Resumes may be attached but will not replace a completed application or supplemental questionnaire. All communication regarding your application will be via email, so please check your inbox regularly and ensure your contact information is current.

Application Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

Selection Process Timeline:

• Week of January 19, 2026 – Oral Panel Interviews (in-person)
• Week of February 1, 2026 – Department Selection Interviews

This position is designated as “at will.” At will employees serve at the pleasure of the Public Works Director and are subject to discharge without cause and without the right of appeal. Learn more about the Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer on the job description here.

The Eligibility List established for this classification may be used to fill other regular and temporary vacancies at the discretion of the City.

Additional Information

To learn more about the City’s hiring process, visit the City of Ventura Hiring Process page.

Questions? Contact the Recruitment Team:

recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov

(805) 654-7802

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need an accommodation in a selection process, please notify the Human Resources Department in writing by the final filing date of the position you are interested in. The Human Resources address is: 501 Poli Street, Room 210, Ventura, CA 93001, (805) 654-7853, e-mail: recruitment@cityofventura.ca.gov.

The City is an equal opportunity employer and strives to attract qualified applicants from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. We aim to create an environment that celebrates and embraces the diversity of our workforce. We welcome you to join our team!