Assistant Public Works Director - Water Utilities

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is anticipated to occur on or around January 5, 2026
, and subsequent reviews may be conducted until sufficient applications are received to meet business needs. Early submissions are encouraged.

The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department is seeking an Assistant Public Works Director for Utilities (Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater). The ideal candidate is a strong leader and role model, who embodies the City's competencies of collaboration, accountability, creativity and innovation, effective communication, and above all, exceptional public and customer service, in all that they do.

The Assistant Director of Public Works is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing specific activities and operations of the Public Works Department including field operations and maintenance of water, wastewater, and recycled water.

This is an in-office position, working a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off (that's an extra 26 days off in the year!).

Located on the beautiful Southern California coast, the City of Oxnard is the most populous city in the County of Ventura with over 210,000 residents. Nestled about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa Barbara, Oxnard prides itself on its rich diversity and culture. Oxnard residents enjoy a spirit of community pride with an unsurpassed quality of life enhanced by the charm of this coastal community, and the cultural and educational amenities of a diverse and vibrant urban setting.

It is an ideal coastal community and an excellent place to raise a family that offers oceanfront recreation and outdoor adventures, award winning festivals and friendly, safe neighborhoods.

As an employer, the City of Oxnard prioritizes creating an environment that nurtures innovation, encourages collaboration, and fosters professional growth. Valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of its employees, the City fosters a workplace culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms. By embracing different backgrounds, ideas, and talents, the City of Oxnard cultivates an atmosphere of respect and collaboration that fuels creativity and drives excellence.

The Public Works Department consists of over 543.5 budgeted FTEs and is responsible for the design, construction, renovation, and operation of public projects and facilities ranging from seawalls to parks; and the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, streetlights, and street trees. The Public Works Department is comprised of several divisions with an operating and capital budget of over $271 million for FY 2025-26.

The Department is committed to delivering projects and programs that enhance the quality of life, safety, economic growth and the environment for all City residents.

• A critical thinker and solid manager capable of establishing a working environment based on collaboration, accountability, and inspired dedicated leadership.
• An effective communicator with broad experience and expertise in all facets of water and/or wastewater utilities, possessing extensive expertise in managing staff and creating organizational structure and a sense of team and purpose.
• As this position interacts with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, exceptional interpersonal skills and political acumen are of the utmost importance.
• A proven track record of creating efficiencies and implementing best practices and industry standards, while establishing clear procedures and policies, both written and verbal.
• A background in effectively engaging with labor unions and ensuring positive outcomes is critical.
• A passion for public service, especially serving an underserved community.
• An entrepreneur from within who recognizes this opportunity to create and establish an effective and efficient administrative infrastructure for long-term success.

The Assistant Director of Public Works (Utilities) 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. This includes distribution, treatment and sanitation, field operations, and safety functions. The position coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies and performs responsible and complex administrative work, including long-term and master planning, and assessing and implementing process improvements and best practices.

Directly works with and oversees engineering work and assigned staff for water/wastewater utilities including associated Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.

• Total Divisional Staff 152 FTEs, which includes 62 in Water, 81 in Wastewater, and 9 in AWPF/Recycled Water.
• The Operating Budget for Water/Wastewater/AWPF is $.

The Assistant Director of Public Works receives general supervision from the Public Works Director within a framework of broad policies and…