Public Works Director

Salary:
$140,000 - $182,700 annually
Placement within the range will be fiscally responsible and DOQE. Salary is supplemented by a generous benefits package.

Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will be a high energy leader with a history of working effectively within a small collaborative environment. An enthusiastic and engaged working manager, he/she will be knowledgeable regarding all aspects of public works. Reporting to the City Manager, the Public Works Director leads the largest department in the City of Los Altos.

The individual selected will have extensive experience interacting with elected and appointed officials and be accustomed to serving constituents with very high standards and expectations. He/she will exhibit superior verbal and written communication skills which are strengthened by outstanding interpersonal abilities. In addition to being outgoing and approachable, this Director must be comfortable in front of a wide variety of audiences and enjoy interacting with stakeholders.

Accustomed to operating in a demanding yet rewarding environment, the ideal candidate will have the proven ability to balance a multitude of high profile priorities simultaneously. He/she will enjoy managing a substantial portfolio of responsibilities and be adept at keeping his/her fingers on the pulse of all activities within a dynamic department and team. A consistent pattern of good judgment and sophisticated political acumen are important attributes of the Public Works Director.

The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented role model who is driven by a desire to deliver value to the community. An exceptional manager of people with a demonstrated success in creating positive work environments that support thriving highly productive teams, he/she will also be an innovative problem solver who embraces challenges and opportunities with confidence and healthy curiosity. The professional selected must have a reputation for working favorably with colleagues and exercising a genuine interest in the success of an entire organization. He/she will also be an articulate and credible communicator who displays a balanced perspective as well as a sense of humor.

The ideal candidate will have a reputation for embracing new ideas and encouraging creativity and critical thinking in others. A track record of anticipating challenges and generating opportunities that support the goals of policymakers will be expected. He/she will be familiar with technology currently utilized in the industry and be open to tech-related tools that contribute to departmental efficiency and capacity. Previous experience implementing contemporary project and performance management strategies is strongly preferred.

The professional chosen for this rare opportunity will be an experienced administrator known for sound fiscal management and accountability. He/she will be accustomed to overseeing large budgets and projects that frequently entail multiple funding sources. A resourceful professional, he/she will have a history of identifying and securing external sources of funding as well as partnering with others when mutually beneficial opportunities arise. Previous experience with strategic planning is also highly desirable.

Minimum Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in a comparable setting is required. A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory/management and administrative experience is preferred. A combination of public and private sector experience will be considered favorably. A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Urban Planning, Public or Business Administration, or related discipline is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is also desirable. Registration as a Civil Engineer is strongly preferred.

For more information, or to apply, click here.