Public Works Director

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. Go to Medfordoregon.gov to apply for this position!

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.

**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.

Go to Medfordoregon.gov to apply for this position!

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $152,147.65 - $194,183.24 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $152,148 - $194,183