What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Public Works position at Kings County?
The County of Kings invites applications for the position of Director of Public Works. This executive-level position offers an outstanding opportunity for a proven leader to oversee a broad range of critical County services, including Administrations, Roads and Bridges, Parks and Grounds, Fleet Management, Building Maintenance, and Engineering. Under the administrative direction of the County Executive Officer, the Director provides strategic leadership, policy guidance, and operational oversight to ensure the effective delivery of high-quality public works programs that support the County's infrastructure, public spaces, and long-term sustainability. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional management, communication, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to public service, innovation, and organizational excellence.
MANAGEMENT LEVEL I BENEFITS
This position includes Management Group I benefits, which features CalPERS retirement (plan and tier placement determined at benefits selection) and fully paid PPO health, dental, vision, and chiropractic insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Employees are also eligible for the Deferred Compensation Plan, with the County contributing one dollar for every three dollars contributed by the employee, up to $3,500 per year. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 20 days per year, based on years of service, and the County Executive Officer may authorize an adjusted accrual rate for employees hired from other public agencies to reflect prior service. In addition, this position includes 80 hours of management leave (pro-rated upon hire date), which may be cashed out at the employee’s option. Employees receive 11.5 scheduled paid holidays per year, plus an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in holiday closures, and 10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave per year with unlimited accrual. Other benefits include $50,000 term life insurance and access to the onsite Health Center which is open Monday through Friday for employees and eligible dependents, without the need to use sick or other leave for personal appointments. Longevity pay is available for safety classifications after 10, years of service.
For more information about the Kings County Public Works Director and benefits, please click here.
For complete benefit details, please see Section V of the Salary Resolution.
You can also click here to watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.
EMPLOYMENT AT WILL
The Director of Public Works, a department head, is an “at-will” position, which is not included in the County’s classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Executive Officer as the appointing authority.
PROFESSIONAL RESUME REQUIRED:
In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. NOTE: You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Assumes full management responsibility for all Public Works Department programs, services, and activities including engineering design of County roads, bridges and other public works facilities; right of way acquisitions, official land surveys, County road, bridge and building construction and maintenance; automotive and road construction equipment repair; and operation, development and maintenance of County parks, grounds and facilities.
- Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
- Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
- Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
- Oversees, coordinates and ensures the successful execution of capital improvement projects from initiation through completion; serves as the primary point of contact and oversees the completion of all capital improvement projects, ensures that final inspections and assessments are conducted and that all project documentation is completed.
- Coordinates with department staff on the maintenance, repair, and construction of County roads; engineering and design of roads and other public works infrastructure; maintenance and inventory of the County vehicle and equipment fleet; land use and acquisition; and maintenance and operations of County facilities.
- Reviews existing facilities and projects in progress.
- Confers and coordinates activities with the Board of Supervisors, Administrative Officer, and other County department officials Reviews and approves cost accounting documents and reports, plans and specifications.
- As appointed by the County Executive Officer, performs the duties of Road Commissioner as required by law, depending on qualifications.
- Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
- Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
- Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works.
- Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Board of Supervisors.
- Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
- Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
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 a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in engineering, public administration, business administration or a closely related field.
Experience:
- Five (5) years of supervisory or administrative experience in a major public works setting which has included program planning, development, budget preparation and analysis, and administration.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Licenses:
- Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.
Certifications:
- Possession of registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is desirable.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Must be willing to attend meetings outside regular working hours; work irregular hours as required; travel within and outside the County.
All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the County Executive Officer. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. Job offers will be conditional upon passing a drug screening test as well as DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Final Date to Apply: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
First Interview: Week of February 23, 2026
Second Interview: Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Salary : $144,000 - $204,000