Job Title: Public Works Director
Department: Public Works
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports To: City Manager
Salary Compensation: $8,088 - $9,104
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Summary/Objective
The Director of Public Works leads and directs planning, operation, maintenance, and construction across the department’s sewer, streets, water, equipment operation, technical services, engineering, electrical, cemetery, airport, park operations, city buildings and facilities, and related public works programs. This executive role requires strategic leadership, fiscal stewardship, and collaboration with City leadership, external agencies, and the community to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient municipal services.
________________________________________Supervision
• Supervision Received:
Works under the general supervision of the City Manager; coordinates with other Department Heads as needed.
• Supervisory Responsibilities:
Directs Public Works supervisors and staff; assigns and manages projects; enforces department policies and procedures; conducts personnel evaluations; advises City Manager and City Council on technical public works matters.
________________________________________Position Details
• 40 hours per week per week (Mon–Thurs), 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. & (Fri), 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. or 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Additional hours may be required for meetings and for completion of project deadlines.
• Local travel within Baker City; occasional out-of-area or overnight travel may be required
________________________________________Essential Functions
Note: Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.
• Lead the planning and direct the operation of the Public Works department, prioritizing maintenance and construction projects; ensure compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures; develop short- and long-range plans.
• Develop and manage the department budget, including revenue projections, expenditure controls, salary planning, and justification documentation; monitor revenues and expenditures and recommend adjustments as needed.
• Present technical reports to the City Council; communicate project designs, cost estimates, and payment methods; respond to questions related to Public Works projects.
• Coordinate with utility agencies, the public, developers, and other stakeholders; obtain permits; represent Public Works in public meetings for special projects and bond initiatives.
• Conduct research, prepare use rates for sewer and water services, and oversee cost estimation and cost tracking for projects.
• Develop and update comprehensive department plans, including Capital Plans, Transportation System Plans, and Pavement Improvement Plans, for municipal infrastructure and asset management; maintain records.
• Prepare bid specifications, review purchases, and oversee contractor/vendor performance; ensure compliance with bidding laws and procurement policies.
• Perform personnel evaluations and advise on hiring, transfers, promotions, disciplinary actions; review and update job descriptions as needed.
• Maintain adherence to attendance and punctuality policies; participate in committees related to Public Works planning as needed.
• Provide leadership in safety training and emergency planning; serve as backup contact for Public Works emergencies; implement and maintain the City’s emergency plan.
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Additional Duties
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including environmental, safety, and public health standards (e.g., DEQ, EPA, OSHA).Provide backup for Public Works emergency calls; contribute to the City’s emergency response planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
________________________________________Tools and Equipment Used
• Personal computer, iPad, including word processing, database software, spreadsheets, 10-key calculator; phone, copy machine, fax machine, motor vehicle (with valid Oregon Driver's License without points on driving record).
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Minimum Qualifications
• A combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered.
o Education: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Public Administration, Project Management, or a closely related field is preferred. Advanced degrees or professional licensure (e.g., Professional Engineer, PE) may be substituted for additional relevant experience as approved by the City.
o Experience: Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible public works experience, including supervisory or management responsibilities over multiple Public Works divisions (e.g., sewer, streets, water, facilities, and parks)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Office Suite, CMMS, AutoCAD, GIS; experience with Caselle or equivalent financial management software; familiarity with public works IT systems and data management.
• Ability to obtain or maintain any required certifications or training (e.g., OSHA safety training) as required by City policy.
• Valid driver’s license (Oregon or valid in your jurisdiction) with a clean driving record.
• Licensure or certification as applicable to public works leadership
________________________________________Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with municipal budgeting, contract administration, and project management is highly preferred
• Professional licensure: PE (Professional Engineer) or other relevant certifications.
• Municipal experience: Prior leadership roles in city/public works settings, including capital improvement programs and large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Budgeting and procurement: Demonstrated success managing multi-million-dollar public works budgets; experience with bidding, contract administration, and procurement compliance.
• Emergency management: Experience in emergency planning and public safety coordination within a municipal context.
• Technical tools: Advanced proficiency with public works software platforms and GIS or plotting/map tools; familiarity with project management software.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of:
• Modern civil engineering principles, practices, and techniques related to Public Works maintenance and construction.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state regulations governing public works and utilities
• Municipal budgeting methods, public purchasing, and departmental record-keeping.
• Public speaking, business English, grammar, and composition.
• Supervisory methods, personnel evaluation, and grievance resolution.
• Departmental policies, procedures, ordinances, and governing regulations, including bidding and procurement.
• Knowledge of city planning, long-range infrastructure planning, and safety standards.
• Emergency planning methods for Public Works operations.
Skills in:
• Proficient operation of a motor vehicle (Oregon driver’s license preferred).
• Proficient use of computers, tablets, office equipment, and basic remote collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, Microsoft Office, Caselle or equivalent financial software).
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills

Ability to:
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop staff while maintaining positive labor and employee relations.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with elected officials, staff, and the community
• Read and interpret plot maps and infrastructure drawings; recognize construction or maintenance deficiencies.
• Ability to understand private-sector contracting, construction practices, and cost structures and effectively apply them within a public-sector environment, including compliance with procurement laws, transparency requirements, and public accountability.
• Learn and apply new methods and codes; assess department needs and make informed recommendations.
• Direct and supervise staff, establish departmental policies, and manage workflows under pressure.
• Coordinate with other departments and external agencies; ensure safety compliance and incident response readiness.
• Independently plan, organize, and manage multiple projects to meet timelines.
• Analyze technical information and prepare concise oral and written reports.
• Demonstrate strong personal qualities (persuasion, patience, perseverance, thoroughness, flexibility, independence) and sound judgment.
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Work Environment
• Primarily indoors, office setting
• Some exposure to weather, noise, chemicals, and confined spaces when reviewing projects and as duties require
• Personal protective equipment required as tasks dictate
• Fluctuating noise levels based on environment. (Office – Low to Moderate / Field Based – Moderate to Loud)
• Wet/humid conditions and high places may be encountered
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Physical Demands
• Frequent use of hands and visual acuity
• Standing, walking, climbing, kneeling, crouching, crawling
• Lifting: up to 25 lbs. frequently; up to 50 lbs. with assistance
• Ability to perform strenuous outdoor activities within reason while reviewing projects and as duties require
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Additional Information
• This position is subject to the City of Baker’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
• This job description is not an employment contract and may be updated as needed
• This position is appointed by the City Manager and is an at-will position
• This job description is designed to provide a general listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job, it is not a complete and fully comprehensive outline of the duties associated with the listed position
• Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice

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EEO Statement: Baker City is an equal opportunity employer, and as such, we consider individuals for employment according to their abilities and performance. Employment decisions are made without regard to age, disability, race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, veteran status, military status, association with members of a protected class, marital status, injured worker status, union participation, non-supervisory family relationships, or any other protected class or work relationship. All employment requirements mandated by State and Federal laws and regulations are observed.

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