Director of Public Works

The City of Berkeley invites dynamic, forward-thinking public works professionals to apply for the role of Director of Public Works and join a city known for innovation, civic engagement, and progressive leadership. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead essential citywide services, shape long-term infrastructure investments, and help advance Berkeley’s commitment to sustainability, mobility, and community well-being. We are looking for a collaborative, people-centered leader committed to strengthening public infrastructure, supporting equity, and delivering high-quality services for all residents.

Key Strategic Initiatives

During the next 24 to 36 months, Public Works has several large initiatives underway to improve organizational performance and further advance community goals. The Zero Waste Strategic Plan and accompanying Five Year rate implementation will be key to funding new programs and infrastructure needed to achieve Berkeley’s waste diversion goals. The Bike Plan, Pedestrian Plan, and Vision Zero Plans are scheduled for large scale updates and public processes to define the traffic safety and infrastructure priorities of the future. Finally, an update of the goBerkeley Parking Program is underway to re-evaluate parking demand and transit uses to continue to drive effective curb management of metered parking and reduce emissions through improved programs.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a strong leader and an effective communicator with broad public works experience. Because this role interacts with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders – including commissions and community interest groups – exceptional interpersonal skills are essential. The successful candidate will bring strong management, financial, and political acumen to lead a large, complex department with extensive capital projects and contracts. They will have a passion for public service in an engaged and progressive community; a vision for expanded, energy-efficient capital investments; and a commitment to safe, low-stress, multimodal streets. They will also understand the culture of a large municipal public works agency and demonstrate the ability to lead and communicate with diverse professional and skilled-labor teams.

Minimum Qualifications

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited college with a degree in civil engineering, architecture, planning, public administration, or a closely related field. Six years of professional experience in the field of public works, planning, or high-level project management. A minimum of four years of this experience must have involved high-level management of a variety of programs and demonstrated success in supervising a sizable professional and administrative staff involving policy information, program planning, development and implementation. An advanced degree may be substituted for the non-supervisory experience on a year-for-year basis, for up to two years of the required experience.

Application Process

Click here to submit your application, resume, and cover letter. Applications will be accepted until 5:00pm PDT on Monday, April 6, 2026.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Human Resources Manager, Monica Walker, at 510-981-6818.