Public Works Director

This is an open recruitment. Qualified candidates from the public and qualified career City employees are encouraged to apply. The eligibility list that is developed from this recruitment process may be used to fill future vacancies in the Public Works Director classification or in similar classifications.

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received or until the position has been filled. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.

The first review of applications will take place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.

DEFINITION
Under general direction of the City Manager, plan organize, administer and direct the activities of a comprehensive Public Works Department, which includes Utilities, Fleet, and Streets Divisions; to provide highly responsible professional and technical staff assistance to, and as assigned by, the City Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.

Exercises direct supervision over Department professional, technical, and clerical staff.

Examples of Essential Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, plan and implement goals and objectives of the department and City; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Resolve work problems and interpret administrative policies to subordinates, other departments and the public.
• Prepare a variety of reports, correspondence and special studies.
• Attend and participate in meetings and conferences with City boards and commissions, the City Council,
• Department administrators, public officials, professional organizations; county, regional, and State agencies regarding matters relating to areas of assigned responsibilities.
• Prepare and administer the Public Works Department operating budget; direct the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer approved budget; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Serve as a member of the City’s management team; provide information and recommendations regarding operations; assist in making decisions related to all facets of municipal government.
• Select, train, and evaluate personnel; establish and monitor employee performance objectives; prepare and present employee performance reviews; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Promote and maintain safety in the workplace.
• Prepare comprehensive written reports for department action or other City boards commissions; make oral presentations to same; prepare annual reports required for State or Federal agencies or other interested parties.
• Study the needs of the community in relation to City and School district facilities and program.
• May act as City Manager in his/her absence based upon the lines of succession.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and Training Guidelines:
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:
Minimum of five (5) years of responsible experience in a related public sector position which has included at least three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility is required. Prior experience in a high-level management or director position is desired. Knowledge of or experience in field operations (water, sewer, and streets) is desired.

Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Administration, Engineering, Physical Education, or a closely related field. Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Physical Education, or a related field is desirable.

License:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver’s license.
Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is desired.

Knowledge of:

• Legal and administrative rules and regulations which apply to operation of department.
• Trends and current developments in city government.
• Principles of policy development and implementation.
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Principles and techniques of budget development and administration.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Demographic composition of the City.
• Application and utilization of computer systems utilized by the organization.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives and make creative recommendations to  City Manager, Council and staff.
• Conduct and participate in related training programs.
• Assist the City Manager in conducting research on administrative problems and practices
• Analyze the effectiveness of, and make recommendations for changes in, procedures, and implement discipline when required.
• Meet the public to discuss problems and complaints tactfully and effectively.
• Develop and administer annual departmental budget.
• Set division and project level goals and objectives; plan, assign and supervise the work of technical and professional staff.
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials supervisors, co-workers, other departments, outside agencies, business and community groups, contractors and the public.
• Express ideas effectively in comprehensive written and oral presentations.
• Prioritize workload of self and others and exercise sound judgment within established procedural guidelines.

SELECTION PROCESS

Applications must be submitted online through this applicant tracking system. All materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications. All statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification. False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list or discharge from employment.

Candidates presenting the most desirable combination of education, experience and/or training as stated in this announcement will be invited to continue in the selection process.

The selection process may require any combination of the following: application appraisal, written examination, performance test, and personal interview conducted by an outside oral panel and/or the Department.

The City of Hollister offers preference to qualified veterans during the candidate selection process. The City of Hollister’s Veterans’ Preference Policy can be accessed here (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader). Applicants must claim Veteran’s preference in the agency-wide questions section and attach a copy of their DD214 to the application.

Following the examination process, successful candidates are placed on an employment list.

Appointment will be made from the employment list. Appointed employee(s) will be required to pass a psychological evaluation, physical, drug screen, background investigation, and fingerprints check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action: 
The City of Hollister does not discriminate on the basis of race, color national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor.  The City of Hollister encourages minorities and women to apply. The City of Hollister makes reasonable accommodations for the disabled.  Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the selection process must inform the Human Resources Office via email at hr@hollister.ca.gov of such request. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process.