Assistant Public Works Director - Water Utilities

Job Overview

The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department is seeking an Assistant Public Works Director for Utilities (Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater). The Assistant Director is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing specific activities and operations of the Water, Recycled Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater divisions for a service base of over 43,000 customers, including distribution, treatment, and field operations. The position is in‑office, working a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.

• Critical thinker and solid manager who establishes a collaborative, accountable environment.
• Effective communicator with broad experience in water and/or wastewater utilities, managing staff, and creating organizational structure.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and political acumen.
• Track record of creating efficiencies, implementing best practices, and establishing clear procedures and policies.
• Background engaging with labor unions and ensuring positive outcomes.
• Passion for public service, especially serving underserved communities.
• Entrepreneurial mindset aimed at building an efficient administrative infrastructure.

The Assistant Director coordinates activities with other City departments and outside agencies, performs long‑term and master planning, and assesses and implements process improvements and best practices. Directly works with and oversees engineering work and assigned staff for utilities, including associated Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. The total divisional staff is 152 FTEs (62 in Water, 81 in Wastewater, 9 in AWPF/Recycled Water) with an operating budget of $.

The following are minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Construction Management, Public Administration, or a related field (must be attached to your application).

• Option 1:
  Operations Leadership Path
  • 5 to 7 years of experience in Public Works, Administration, and Water/Wastewater operations leadership.
  • 3 years of staff management and supervision.
  • Possession of one of the following valid certifications:
    • SWRCB Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Operator
    • SWRCB Water Distribution Operator D4
    • SWRCB Water Treatment Operator T4 (certificate must be attached to application)
  • Must obtain within 12 months of hire:
    • SWRCB Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator
    • SWRCB Water Distribution Operator D5
    • SWRCB Water Treatment Operator T5
• Option 2:
  Engineering Path
  • 5 to 7 years of experience managing and/or designing utility capital projects.
  • 3 years of staff management and supervision.
  • Validity of California Professional Engineering (PE) Registration in Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering.

• Must be able to speak and understand English.

• Master’s Degree.
• Experience in the Public Sector.

• Competitive salary range: $ to $, negotiable based on experience.
• CalPERS Retirement membership.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• 1% contribution to deferred compensation program.
• City contribution 1% of employee salary to a Retirement Health Savings Program.
• Leave accrual rates vary between 6.24 – 11.78 hours per pay period.
• 40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $5,000 per fiscal year.
• Health and dental insurance contributions and cash back options.
• One‑time cash payments tied to cost‑of‑living adjustments for qualifying employees.

• Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs online application.
• Complete supplemental questions.
• Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree, and other requested documents.

Positions in this classification are represented by the Oxnard Mid Managers Association (OMMA).

On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E‑Verify.

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability, or sexual orientation.

The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. Applicants must document their request in writing no later than the filing date.

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Jackie Ramos os.