Career Center

The Opportunity

The Public Works Director is a self-directed and highly accountable position providing oversight, direction, and leadership to the Public Works Department. This dynamic and innovative leader guides the department both through long range planning and everyday maintenance and operations with a focus on customer service. Excited by the projects and initiatives in Hood River, the Public Works Director understands the importance of maintaining existing infrastructure, designing, and building necessary improvements and planning for future growth. The ability to easily explain complex public works concepts while hearing, balancing, and respecting a variety of views during the decision-making process is essential.

The Public Works Director is responsible for a full range of Public Works services through a talented staff. The successful candidate is known for supporting staff and removing barriers to enable success. They employ a leadership style that invites participation and gathers input from the public works team. The ideal candidate possesses strong communication skills and the ability to connect with staff, elected officials and the growing community in order to effectively drive change. With an eye on process improvement and innovation, the Public Works Director is creative and brings a fresh perspective and new ideas to public works projects and initiatives.

About the City of Hood River

The City of Hood River, Oregon, with a current population of around 8,000, has seen vibrant community growth over recent decades. Bordered by the Columbia River and Washington State to the north, Hood River is the county seat for Hood River County, which includes over 25,000 residents in the cities of Hood River and Cascade Locks, and the communities of Odell, Parkdale, and Pine Grove. The City, just 60 miles east of Portland, expands with large influxes of visitors seasonally. Hood River is rich in history and scenic beauty and is commonly recognized for its arts, culture, abundant fruit harvests, and world-class outdoor recreation.

Hood River administers a $54 Million all funds budget and has 70.1 full-time equivalent employees. City departments include Police, Fire, Public Works (includes roads, parks, water, wastewater, and stormwater systems), Planning, and Administration, which includes Finance and Municipal Court.

The Public Works Department maintains the City’s infrastructure to support the growing community. With a staff of 23.8, the Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the following public facilities: roads, parking, parks, sewer, stormwater collection systems, water source and distribution system, equipment and vehicle fleet, and the wastewater treatment plant. In addition, City Engineering and City capital construction projects are within the Public Works Department. Inspections and plan reviews are performed under contract with Hood River County. The City’s wastewater treatment plant is operated under contract by Jacobs Engineering. The City owns and maintains over $80 Million in physical assets, including roads, utilities, and buildings.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary range for the Public Works Director position is $101,273 – $124,553 and will depend on the qualifications of the successful candidate. A temporary housing allowance will be provided. The City of Hood River offers a competitive benefits package including Medical, Dental, and Vision, with the City covering 90% of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents. The City grants 11 holidays and one floating holiday along with Vacation, Sick, and Administrative Leave. Life and AD&D policies are provided at no cost to the employee, and the retirement plan is through PERS. Employees are also eligible to establish a Deferred Compensation Account.

To Be Considered

We value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. We are committed to building a workforce of diverse voices to impact decision-making, drive growth, and better serve our community. We strongly encourage those wanting to work with and serve diverse populations to apply.

Applications will be accepted electronically at raftelis.hire.trakstar.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Open until filled. Please apply as soon as possible.

Qualifications

Five (5) or more years of supervisory experience in public works, civil engineering, or public administration. A thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of public works administration along with considerable knowledge of materials, methods, and techniques used in construction, maintenance and operations of streets, sewers, storm, water, facilities, fleet, and parks are essential.

A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Environmental Science, or other related field is desired. A registered Professional Engineer is highly desired.