Public Works Director

Salary : $152,147.65 - $194,183.24 Annually
Location : Medford, OR
Job Type: Full-Time (with benefits)
Job Number: 2025-00103-01
Department: Public Works
Division: Administration
Opening Date: 03/26/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
Bargaining Unit: Executive

Summary
Discover Medford: Employment, Applicant Support, and Benefits within Our Vibrant City
This position is open until filled with a first review date scheduled for Monday, April 14th.

Priority will be given to candidates who submit their application

on or before Sunday, April 13th, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.
Click HERE to view the above dynamic brochure

Click HERE to view PDF brochure
Lead. Innovate. Build the Future.

The City of Medford is seeking a dynamic and visionary Public Works Director to lead one of the most critical departments in our community. This high-profile role offers an opportunity to shape Medford's infrastructure, oversee major capital projects, and drive innovative solutions in transportation, water reclamation, and public works operations. As a key member of the City's executive team, you'll have the ability to set the standard for excellence in service delivery, strategic planning, and community engagement.

We are looking for a leader who thrives on collaboration, fosters a culture of innovation and efficiency, and is passionate about delivering high-quality public services. If you have a proven track record in public works leadership, expertise in capital improvement programs, and the ability to inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals, we invite you to apply. Be part of building a more connected, sustainable, and thriving community.
Required Education and Experience:

• Graduation from high school or GED equivalent; and
• Ten (10) years of progressive experience in public works in a government setting, including experience in overseeing the development of capital improvement projects with four (4) of those years in a supervisory or leadership position.
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business or public administration, or other specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for two (2) years of experience; or
• Master's degree in civil engineering, business or public administration, or other specific area of study as deemed applicable may substitute for four (4) years of experience.

Compensation & Information on Benefits
This position is part of the Executive employee group.

Learn more about our benefits HERE.
**The salary listed reflects the scheduled rate increase effective July 1, 2025.**
A potential 2.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), also effective July 1, 2025, is not reflected in the posted salary.

Directly related experience and qualifications will be evaluated alongside others who perform work of comparable character as required by Pay Equity Law. Six steps are included in this salary range, allowing opportunity for annual movement through the steps.

Healthcare Benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental benefits for employee and family, paid at 100% by the City with the opportunity to buy-up to a lower deductible plan
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment insurance - policy value of $50,000 paid by the City
• Long-term disability insurance provided by the City
• Health Reimbursement Account (HRA-VEBA) contributions provided by the City

Retirement Benefits:

• Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) lifetime pension after retirement at no cost to employee
• PERS is 100% fully paid as the City pays both the employer and the employee's (6%) contributions
• Deferred Compensation retirement plan (Section 457 Plan) for employee's retirement planning

Additional Benefits:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• The City's Wellness Program promotes physical, social, emotional, intellectual, financial and environmental wellness with various goals and challenges to participate in throughout the year. Employees may qualify for wellness incentives by completing milestones set within the program up to $200 annually
• Access to the City's fully equipped fitness center 24/7

Examples of Job Duties

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Provides leadership, oversight and management of all activities of the Public Works Department.
• Directs, oversees, and participates in the development and delivery of the Capital Improvement Program involving streets, sewers, storm drains, traffic control systems, and the Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
• Oversees and manages all day-to-day operations and routine and preventative repair programs involving City streets, sewer collection, storm drain systems, and the Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
• Manages the expansion and all day-to-day operations of the Regional Water Reclamation Facility.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Public Works Department operational and capital improvement budgets; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Manages and leads the City's vehicle and equipment maintenance program.
• Makes presentations before the City Council and other boards, commissions and community organizations; attends and participate in other City committees, task teams, and professional groups and committees.
• Serves as a member of the City's Executive Management Team and provides advice, serves on appointed committees, and assists the City Manager in completing their responsibilities.
• Able to develop and communicate a vision for all Public Works divisions.
• Is the leader of a culture of creative problem solving, exemplary customer service, open communication with staff, Department Heads, the City Manager's office and the City Council, and cultivates a tolerant diverse workforce.
• Coordinates activities with other departments, outside agencies, City Council and consultants.
• Establishes criteria for design and specifications of Public Works Projects.
• Meets with state and local government individuals and groups, and private developers and planners.
• Directs appropriate response to citizen or media inquiries.
• Makes presentations before the City Council and other boards, commissions and community organizations; attends and participate in other City committees, task teams, and professional groups and committees.
• Effectively communicates with staff, City leadership and elected officials.
• Develops and administers Department policies and procedures.
• Supervises staff, including assigning work, scheduling, providing guidance, employee development, hiring, disciplinary recommendations, etc.
• Responsible for conducting performance management reviews and evaluations of direct reports.
• May participate in labor negotiations.
• Exercises a high level of independent action and decision making over all activities and functions of Public Works.
• The scope of the assigned area of responsibility will depend on departmental structure and is at the discretion of the City Manager.

Other Functions of the Position:

• Performs other duties as assigned to support the overall function of the department and organizational goals.
• Demonstrates regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Upholds the values of the organization and has strong customer service orientation.
• Handles job stress and interacts effectively with others in the workplace.
• Fosters an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Is an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.

Competencies:

Leader Identification - Effective performers identify with the role of leader and enjoy positions of responsibility and the exercise of authority. They understand that management is a distinct vocation and choose to be in a leadership position.
Team Management - Effective performers create and maintain functional work units. They understand the human dynamics of team formation and maintenance. They formulate team roles and actively recruit and select to build effective workgroups. They develop and communicate clear team goals and roles, and provide the level of guidance and management appropriate to the circumstances. They reward team behavior and foster a team atmosphere in the workplace.
Communicativeness - Effective performers recognize the essential value of continuous information exchange. They actively seek information from a variety of sources and disseminate it in a variety of ways. They use modern technologies to access and circulate information. They take responsibility for ensuring that their peers and supervisors have the current and accurate information needed for success.
Positive Impact - Effective performers make positive impressions on those around them. They are personable, self-confident, and generally likable. They are optimistic and enthusiastic about what they do, and their excitement is contagious. They energize those around them.
Results Orientation -Effective performers maintain appropriate focus on outcomes and accomplishments. They are motivated by achievement and persist until the goal is reached. They convey a sense of urgency to make things happen. They respect the need to balance short- and long-term goals. They are driven by a need for closure.

Work Environment & Physical Demands:
Performs work indoors in an office environment with regulated and minimal environmental conditions. This role involves significant time spent sitting at a desk, working on a computer The noise level is typically moderate to medium. When fieldwork is required you will be exposed to the elements (rain, heat, cold) and work within congested traffic areas. The outside work environment can include walking on uneven terrain. This environment may also include interactions with the public.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential duty. This position requires extended periods of standing and walking, with occasional sitting. Must be able to crouch, bend, stoop, twist, turn, and balance. The employee regularly operates various office equipment, including computers, printers, copy machines, calculators, and telephones. Good eyesight, hearing, and dexterity are required.
Supplemental Information
IMPORTANT (Please read):

It is important your application shows all the relevant experience you possess.

Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of an online application; an application will be considered incomplete with a "see resume" response.

Please complete the application and answer the supplemental questions thoroughly to ensure our subject matter experts can appropriately evaluate your experience as we compare applicants.

How to Apply:

Applications are only accepted online and must be received by the posted closing date/time.

Selection procedures and timelines subject to change.

Those selected must be able to provide proof of legal right to work in this country.

Use of AI-Generated Content in Employment Applications

Employment with the City of Medford can be competitive, often there are many qualified applicants for each open position. We want to see application materials that reflect an applicant's unique personality and that accurately reflect their experience. The use of AI-generated content to complete employment applications and/or supplemental questions is discouraged and may result in disqualification. Each submission will be verified for originality and authenticity. However, AI tools for grammar checking and resume formatting are permitted.

Hiring will be subject to successful completion of the following:

• Criminal history background investigation
• Favorable driving record
• Clear drug screen following federal law
• Professional reference check

Questions or Assistance:

• If you have questions about the job posting, please contact the Human Resources department at (541) 774-2014.
• For technical assistance completing your online application, please contact Government Jobs at (855) 524-5627.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE:

Qualifying veterans and disabled veterans may obtain preference during the hiring and/or promotional selection process. As verification of eligibility, a Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) must be uploaded with the online employment application. Disabled veterans must also upload a copy of the veteran's disability preference letter from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs unless the information is included in the DD Form 214 or 215.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT:

The City of Medford is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, ancestry, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.
ADA:

The City of Medford complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you consider yourself disabled and require assistance in the application process, please contact (541) 774-2074 or email: ada@cityofmedford.org.
The City of Medford offers an excellent total comprehensive benefit package to all full-time employees.

This position is part of the Executive employee group. Please visit our webpage for more details.
01

Briefly describe your experience managing public works operations (e.g., transportation, water reclamation, stormwater, or capital improvement projects). What were your key responsibilities?
02

This role involves working with elected officials, community members, and other agencies. Share an experience where you built consensus on a public works initiative.
03

Public works requires compliance with regulations at various levels. Describe your experience ensuring projects met local, state, or federal requirements.
04

Have you implemented a process improvement or efficiency initiative in public works? If so, what did you do, and what impact did it have?
05

Managing public works budgets requires both financial oversight and an understanding of engineering project costs. Can you share an example of how you've collaborated with engineers to develop cost estimates, prioritize projects, or ensure funding was allocated efficiently?
Required Question