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  • Director of Public Works/Airport Operations (Licensed & Unlicensed)

    Colusa, California United States COLUSA COUNTY, CA Full Time $124,116.00 - $224,604.00 Annually May 10, 2026
    County of Colusa Employer:

    COLUSA COUNTY, CA

    The County of Colusa, nestled in the heart of the Sacramento Valley approximately 60 miles north of Sacramento and 100 miles northeast of the San Francisco Bay Area, is a vibrant community rich in history and tradition and, offering a wonderful environment in which to live, work and play.  The County, with approximately 22,000 residents, includes two incorporated cities; Colusa, which is the county seat, and Williams.  The local economy is largely agriculturally based producing crops valued at more than $900 million each year and exporting farm commodities throughout the United States and to about seventy countries worldwide. County government business is still conducted within the antebellum court house which was built in 1861 and has operated continuously ever since. The County’s    annual General Fund budget is roughly $28 million; the total budget is about $78 million.  The workforce is comprised of  approximately 350 full-time equivalent positions that are assigned to five represented bargaining units. Colusa County also offers many diverse outdoor recreational opportunities and is considered to be a sportsman’s paradise. The Sacramento River meanders through the County.  Portions of five national protected areas are located within the county: Butte Sink Wildlife Refuge; Colusa National Wildlife Refuge; Delevan National Wildlife Refuge; Mendocino National Forest and; Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge. Recreational opportunities such as hiking, bird watching, camping and water sports abound. The Sacramento River and local lakes, offer world class fishing    

    Apply Now View job Employer Profile

    Job Description

    Definition & Distinguishing Characteristics

    Colusa County offers a 3% at 60 Classic Retirement formula and a 2% @ 62 formula for New Members!

    The County of Colusa is seeking an accomplished public works professional or emerging leader for the position of Director of Public Works/Airport Operations. This executive role oversees a broad range of essential public infrastructure and community services, including road and bridge maintenance, engineering, traffic control, landfill operations, airport operations, and floodplain management. The position also serves as Executive Director of the Transportation Commission and Transit Agency, providing an opportunity to shape infrastructure, mobility, and long-range planning initiatives throughout the County.

    This recruitment is intended to attract both seasoned professionals seeking an opportunity to lead impactful programs and projects, as well as aspiring department leaders ready to take the next step in their public works careers. Colusa County recognizes that exceptional leadership can come from a variety of professional paths and values candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, collaboration, adaptability, technical competence, and a commitment to public service.
    For experienced leaders, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact within an organization that values innovation, responsiveness, and practical problem-solving. The County maintains an active and diverse portfolio of infrastructure, transportation, and operational responsibilities that provide meaningful opportunities for strategic leadership and project delivery.

    For candidates pursuing their first department head opportunity, the County offers a supportive environment with strong organizational infrastructure, established professional relationships, and access to mentorship from experienced public works professionals with decades of leadership experience. The organization is committed to developing leadership capacity and fostering long-term success through collaboration, guidance, and shared expertise.
    Join a department guided by experienced leadership with more than 25 years of Public Works expertise, providing strong organizational support and established professional relationships for success.

    This is a unique opportunity for a visionary leader to make a lasting impact on the County’s infrastructure and development. To learn more about this position, please check out the job description pages HERE .

    This recruitment is open until filled. It is to your advantage to submit an application as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time following application re view on June 8, 2026.

    Selection Procedure - The following is a tentative schedule of events that will occur as part of the selection process:
    • Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. All relevant work experience, training, and education must be included to determine eligibility.
    • Screening for minimum qualifications: June 8, 2026.
    • Successful applicants will be notified of the dates for first interviews and executive-level interviews once they have been scheduled.
    The selection process steps may change with or without notice.

    What's this Job All About?
    The Director of Public Works for the County of Colusa plays a pivotal role in overseeing the planning, management, and coordination of a wide range of public infrastructure and services, including road maintenance, engineering, transportation, and landfill operations. This position calls for a strategic leader who will guide diverse teams, collaborate with various government agencies, and ensure that public works projects are completed efficiently and in compliance with regulations. The Director will also manage key responsibilities such as floodplain administration and airport operations, while supporting the County’s long-term goals and responding to the community’s needs. This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to drive impactful infrastructure improvements and service delivery in the County.

    Embracing the Colusa County Work Culture
    At Colusa County, working in Public Works means becoming a vital part of a rural, close-knit community where your contributions make a direct and lasting impact. As the Director of Public Works/Airport Operations, you will be entrusted with shaping the infrastructure that keeps our community connected and thriving. You will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects, from road maintenance to airport operations, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation within the department. Your leadership will be key in driving improvements, optimizing resources, and creating efficient systems that serve the needs of residents and visitors alike. Embrace the challenge of working in a rural county where your vision and actions shape the community’s future, and where each accomplishment is a reflection of the collective effort to improve Colusa County’s quality of life.

    The County leadership team values work-life balance. We know everyone works hard on a daily basis and needs to know they are valued and appreciated. This means that we understand when you want time off to coach baseball, attend a ballet recital, or take a fur family member to the vet. When your workload seems (or is) overwhelming, people are always at the ready to assist in getting the job done. We support one another’s growth professionally and personally. While we work hard and play hard, the future Director of Public Works /Airport Operations will be joining a team who understands there must be a work-life fit.

    What are the benefits?
    • A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve
    • A job with WORK-LIFE BALANCE
    • A LIFETIME PAYCHECK (3% @ 60 for Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for New Members) - As long as you work for 5 years and vest in the CalPERS system, you will receive a retirement paycheck for the rest of your life.
    • Amazing health care BENEFITS at NO COST to you - Unless you choose a premium health care plan.
    • Authentically kind and engaged leadership who truly enjoy developing staff
    • 457 Deferred Compensation
    • Management Leave: 10 days
    • PAID vacation, PAID holidays (15), and PAID sick leave
    • Vacation Parity! - Previous service with a public agency counts towards vacation accrual at Colusa County (Includes cities, counties, districts, military and similar entities.) To learn more about vacation parity please see our benefit summary.)
    (To view the benefit summary for this position, please click here . )

    COLUSA COUNTY : NAVIGATING EXCELLENCE, SERVING OUR COMMUNITY!

    Supervision & Examples of Duties

    SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
    Receives general administrative direction from the County Administrative Officer.

    SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
    Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical staff.

    Qualifications

    EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
    Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

    Public Works Director/ Director of Airport Operations:
    Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible public works experience including three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility and 120 units from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, business, management, or a related field.

    OR

    Nine (9) years of increasingly responsible public works experience including three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility and 60 units from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, business, management, or a related field.

    Additional combinations of education and experience may be considered.

    License or Certificate:
    Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.

    Certificate of Registration as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, preferred.

    Land surveying license in the State of California, preferred.

    It is expected that the incumbent for the Director position will successfully complete the one-week course and exam to attain a Floodplain Manager Certification, within one year of appointment.

    Supplemental Information

    SALARY:
    DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/AIRPORT OPERATOR - UNLICENSED: $10,343 - $18,717 MONTHLY
    DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/AIRPORT OPERATOR - LICENSED: $11,418 - $18,717 MONTHLY

    The salary range above consists of 15 steps. Steps 1-6 are annual merit steps with approximately 5% difference between each step, based on successful performance. Steps 7-15 are additional merit steps, requiring 2 years of satisfactory performance at the previous step. Steps 7-14 provide 2.5% increases, while Step 15 offers a 5% increase. The final salary offered will depend on the applicant's experience and qualifications, ranging from steps 1 to 15.

    Please find the summary of benefits for all Department Heads here 2026 Department Heads Benefits Summary

    Closing Date/Time: Continuous
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    Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

LATEST JOBS

Top Public Works Jobs Near Me: Find Your Next Career Opportunity

Top Public Works Jobs Near Me: Find Your Next Career Opportunity

Are you searching for public works jobs near me? Whether you’re looking for job opportunities in local government or specialized roles in public works, numerous job opportunities are available that match your skills. This guide will help you navigate the top public works job categories, employers, and search tips to secure your next position. Plus, if you’re an employer, you’ll learn how to submit job listings and attract qualified candidates.

 

Public Works Job Categories and Opportunities

When exploring public work jobs, it’s important to recognize their wide range. This includes roles such as street sweepers, snowplow operators, and heavy machinery operators. These jobs require expertise in handling the array of available job opportunities. Here are some of the top categories in public works jobs:

  • Equipment operation: Includes roles such as street sweepers, snowplow operators, and heavy machinery operators. These jobs require expertise in handling specialized equipment that keeps our cities running.
  • Maintenance roles: Jobs in road maintenance, drainage systems, and public park upkeep are critical. Maintenance staff ensure public infrastructure functions smoothly and safely, leading to long-term job stability.
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  • Construction positions involve working on large public infrastructure projects like bridges, tunnels, and roadways. These projects are essential for the improvement and expansion of public spaces.

    • Local governments, counties, and municipalities regularly post job listings for business services like water and sewer management and other municipality employment opportunities. Examples of public works job opportunities include:

    • Gas line locators
    • Street operators
    • Water and sewer operators

    Signing up for job posting notifications ensures you’re automatically alerted about new job opportunities in public works. You can search for jobs using the government jobs tab on various specialized job boards.

     

    Top Public Works Employers and Job Search Tips

    Finding the right public works job involves more than just browsing general job boards. Here are some tips to make your search more efficient:

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    • Use the Government Jobs tab: Many government positions are posted on specialized websites dedicated to public sector roles. These job boards often have listings specific to public works jobs, making it easier to find jobs that suit your qualifications.
    • Explore free featured job listings: Job boards frequently highlight urgent hiring needs in public works through free featured job listings. This is a great way to find the latest career opportunities that need to be filled quickly.
    • Submit your job listing: If you’re an employer looking to hire public works professionals, you can submit job listings to relevant job boards to attract qualified candidates.
    • Enter search terms filter: Narrow down your search by entering specific search terms filter options to find the most relevant public works job opportunities. Using search terms like “public works,” “municipality’s employment opportunities,” or “government jobs tab” can help refine your results.
    • Take a few seconds: If you’re applying for multiple positions, ensure you’re verifying you are human with CAPTCHA tests like Ray ID. This step is crucial in making sure your application goes through smoothly.

    Once you’ve found a promising position, follow all the steps necessary to submit your application, ensuring it aligns with the employer’s requirements. Clicking Proceed or Preview during the process might take a few seconds, but this patience can be worth it in the long run.

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    Career Advancement and Professional Development in Public Works

    Public works jobs offer numerous avenues for career advancement. Many municipalities provide training programs and professional development opportunities for public works employees. Here are some areas to focus on for career growth:

    • Training programs: Business services and computer skills are becoming increasingly valued in public works positions. Technical certifications can help you take on higher-level responsibilities and advance your career.
    • PR services and aerospace opportunities: Knowledge of PR services and aerospace can intersect with public works in certain projects, especially in transportation infrastructure and environmental services.
    • Continuing education: Certifications and ongoing water management, sanitation, and construction training can help secure promotions and leadership roles in public works. Keeping up with the latest trends in public works can position you for long-term career success.
    category055-image-003-careers-in-governmen

    By setting up job alerts, you can be automatically alerted to new job opportunities that match your qualifications, helping you stay ahead of other applicants.

     

    Streamlined Job Application Process in Public Works

    Applying for public works jobs is often quick and efficient. Here’s how to streamline the process:

    category055-image-004-careers-in-government
    • Use the search terms filter: Narrow your job search by using specific search terms to find the most relevant job listings. Presenting only the jobs that match your qualifications can save you time and effort.
    • Quick application process: Many job boards now allow applicants to submit resumes and apply for jobs in just a few seconds. Once you’ve found a job you’re interested in, simply upload your resume and fill out a brief application form.
    • Sign up for job posting notifications: Don’t miss out on new job opportunities. Sign up for job posting notifications to automatically alert you when a new job listing matches your qualifications.

    The faster you apply, the better your chances of securing a top public works job. This streamlined approach ensures you can act quickly when new opportunities arise.

    Local Government Career Paths

    While public works positions are integral to local government, there are many other job opportunities you can explore. Some of the common career paths in local government include:

    • Public administration: Focuses on policy development, budgeting, and managing government services.
    • Urban planning: This role involves designing and implementing city infrastructure projects, land use planning, and development projects.
    • Engineering: Many public work roles overlap with civil engineering ones, including designing and overseeing major infrastructure projects like bridges and roadways.

    Municipalities also offer job opportunities in IT, communications, and PR services essential to managing public works projects. By exploring a variety of local government positions, you can build a fulfilling career with long-term growth potential.

     

    Conclusion

    Public works jobs are critical for maintaining and improving community infrastructure. From equipment operation to administration, a wide range of job opportunities in public works offer career growth and stability. To maximize your chances of success, explore free featured job listings, use search terms filters to refine your search, and sign up for job posting notifications.

    Many opportunities are available, whether you’re looking for your next long-term career or seeking your first public works job. With the right tools, strategies, and patience, you can find the public works job that fits your skills and ambitions, and you might secure it in a few seconds.

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