Public Works Director at City of Florence

The City of Florence, Oregon, is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Works Director to join its executive leadership team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled public works professional to lead essential infrastructure operations and help shape the future of one of Oregon’s premier coastal communities. The City is looking for a leader who values collaboration, innovation, and excellence in public service.

What we are offering:

• Competitive salary: $125,000 to $153,760/year (max)
• Generous benefits package:
  1. 100% paid premiums for medical, dental, and vision for eligible employees and dependents (CIS-HDHP-5)
  2. $2,500 or $4,000 per year paid into the employee's Health Savings Account depending on eligibility and coverage level
  3. Paid holiday, vacation, and sick leave
  4. Eligibility for Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) in Oregon (employee is responsible for 6% pickup; City increases salary by 5% to offset)
  5. Qualification for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
  6. To review more about our compensation and benefits, please see: -benefits

How to Apply:

• Complete this application
• Attach a resume
• Attach a cover letter

Recruitment Timeline:

• We'll review applications as they come in. We will conduct a final review by November 17, 2025 at 04:00PM 
• Interview and Selection Process: We plan to have three interviews total and the City will work to schedule these with the least amount of inconvenience/travel days. The City does not have a budget available for travel accommodations. 
  • PW Panel Interview – this panel interview is with several members of the PW crews
  • Department Head Interview – this panel interview is with members of the executive leadership team
  • City Manager Interview – this final interview will be with the City Manager
• The top applicant that receives the hiring recommendation and accepts the conditional offer must successfully complete the background. For this position, it is an employment and education verification, and DMV records check. 
• After completing the background, the next step would be to confirm the offer and work together on a start date. 

The City has one vacancy that this recruitment is attempting to fill. We do not have a firm start date in mind and would plan on working with the top candidate to arrive at a mutually agreed upon date. The position may be closed at any time during the process.

The City of Florence is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking Public Works Director to lead a skilled team of professionals responsible for delivering and improving the essential infrastructure that keeps Oregon’s premier coastal community running. This is a key executive leadership role—ideal for a results-oriented, collaborative public works professional ready to guide complex capital projects, shape long-term infrastructure strategy, and help a growing community prepare for the future.

Florence is a full-service city of 9,800 residents that provides water, wastewater, stormwater, streets, airport, and park services across a broad and diverse service area. The Public Works Department has a staff of 23 full-time employees, plus seasonal support, and is recognized for its commitment to best practices, innovation, and fiscal responsibility.

With a new biennial work plan in place, the incoming Director will play a central role in advancing several high-impact projects, including the 9th Street Neighborhood Project, Transit and Mobility Hub, Well 14 Construction—Phase 2, Pump Station Replacements, Safe Routes to School, and multiple capital and facility upgrades. The City's workplan and information about these projects can be found here: 25-27 Work Plan. The City’s leadership team is cohesive and collaborative, offering a unique opportunity to help shape Florence’s infrastructure, sustainability, and service delivery goals for years to come.

The Public Works Director reports directly to the City Manager and serves as a trusted advisor on infrastructure planning, capital investments, and organizational strategy as part of the City’s executive leadership team.

The Public Works Director provides leadership, vision, and management across the City’s core infrastructure programs, including:

• Strategic and Operational Leadership: Oversee all divisions within Public Works—Water, Wastewater, Stormwater, Streets, Parks, Airport, Facilities, Fleet, and Administration. Set departmental goals and priorities aligned with City Council objectives and community needs.

• Capital Project Management: Direct capital improvement planning, engineering oversight, and construction management for multi-phase projects. Review design proposals, ensure compliance with regulatory and safety standards, and manage RFP and bidding processes.

• Budget and Resource Management: Develop and administer complex departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and identify long-term funding strategies to ensure cost-effective and sustainable service delivery.

• Team Development and Supervision: Lead a skilled team of division supervisors and field staff, providing mentorship, professional development, and performance management.

• Policy and Technical Expertise: Provide informed analysis and recommendations to the City Manager and Council on public works policies, capital investments, and infrastructure priorities.

• Intergovernmental and Public Engagement: Represent the City in regional and state discussions; foster collaboration with partner agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on public works leader who combines strong administrative skill with operational understanding. They are an approachable, team-oriented professional who values collaboration, accountability, and service excellence. They will bring proven success in managing multi-division operations and implementing capital projects in a municipal or regional public works environment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public or Business Administration, or a related field.

• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations and maintenance, including at least five years in a senior management role.

• Valid Oregon Driver’s License (or ability to obtain within 90 days).

• Ability to obtain NIMS certifications (ICS-100, 200, 700, and 800) within 18 months.

• Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration.

• Advanced experience managing multiple divisions or functional areas.

• Knowledge of Oregon municipal operations, regulations, and funding mechanisms.

• Experience working in or with coastal or environmentally sensitive communities.

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