Public Works Director

City of Independence•Independence, OR

13h

About The Position

The Public Works Director oversees all aspects of the city's infrastructure and essential services, including engineering, water, sewer, stormwater, streets, facilities, and equipment maintenance. This role requires a balance of technical acumen and strategic vision. The Director leads a team of skilled professionals, develops and manages budgets, ensures compliance with state and federal standards, and represents the department at public meetings and intergovernmental collaborations. This position also serves as a trusted advisor to city leadership, providing data-driven insight and fostering innovation in public works operations. The Public Works Director is expected to lead with integrity, strong project management experience, and a deep sense of civic purpose. This position demands both strategic and operational excellence-someonewho can manage complex infrastructure projects while also inspiring a high-performing team. The idealcandidate will be a skilled engineer who brings sound judgment, technical proficiency, and a commitment totransparent, service-driven leadership. Proficiency is expected in engineering principles, leadership, project management, public communication, and fiscal responsibility. The Director should be comfortable navigating both policy and practice, translating city goals into results that maintain and strengthen Independence's essential public systems.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree is required
A minimum of s ix (6) years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, engineering, or municipal infrastructure management.
A valid Oregon Driver's License (or ability to obtain one) and a satisfactory driving record are required.
P a s s a c o m prehe n si v e b a ck ground i n v e s t i g a t i o n .

Nice To Haves

Civil Engineering or a closely related field prefered.
A master's degree in a related discipline may strengthen a candidate's competitiveness.
Experience should include a mix of water, sewer, stormwater, construction management, and maintenance operations, along with demonstrated supervisory and leadership responsibility.
Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of Oregon, or the ability to obtain Oregon registration within six (6) months of hire may strengthen a candidate's competitiveness.
Comprehensive public works management, including utilities,infrastructure, and capital projects.
Civil engineering principles, design, and construction oversight.
Regulatory compliance, permitting, and environmental stewardship.
Long-term planning and implementation of master plans and capital improvement programs.
Budget development, forecasting, and financial management.
Union contract administration and employee relations.
Cross-departmental collaboration and stakeholder engagement.
Community outreach and transparent communication with residents and partners.
Application of modern technologies for asset managementand operational efficiency.