Public Works Director

Salary : $ - $ Annually
Location : Umatilla Public Works, OR
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 05/22/2026
Closing Date: 6/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: N/A

General Purpose

The City of Umatilla is currently recruiting for it's next Public Works Director.

This position plans, organizes, directs and controls all City Public Work functions including: planning, leading and organizing all public works activities relating to engineering, street, water, sewer, storm water, irrigation, solid waste, parks, facilities and fleet operations, emergency response for snow/ice/flood/severe weather, and services within the City by establishing goals and objectives within the policy directives set forth by the City Council and City Manager.

The Public Works Director performs supervisory, administrative and professional work including planning and budgeting for the Public Works Department. Functions as mandated by ORS and the Umatilla Municipal Code. This position is an Executive level, exempt position answering directly to the City Manager.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Provides quality and efficient department operations by providing leadership and supervision to subordinates. Direction includes delegation of authority, assignment and review of work, providing assistance, approving time sheets and department employee leave requests, administering discipline, evaluating performance and making hiring, termination and pay change recommendations in accordance with approved policy.

Manages assigned operations to achieve goals within budgeted funds and available personnel; plans and organizes workloads and staff assignments; reviews progress, and directs changes as needed.

Develops, recommends, implements and evaluates the policies, procedures, strategies, work standards and goals for a department that are aligned with City-wide goals and priorities. Maintains, updates and ensures procedural compliance for mandated programs. Develops administrative policies, budget goals, labor strategies and strategic goals in collaboration with the City Manager that are aligned with Council goals and priorities.

Develops, recommends and monitors the department operating and capital budget by reviewing past expenditures, analyzing future needs and making determinations regarding the necessary resources to accomplish department goals and meet community needs. Approves expenditures to ensure compliance with budgetary guidelines.

Assures the efficient and economical use of department funds, materials, facilities and time. Evaluates utility rates, with the assistance from the Finance Department, and makes recommendations.

Provides advice and counsel to City Manager and implements directives; represents the department and City at meetings and conferences; facilitates, leads, and/or participates in meetings and committees; serves as a liaison between departments, external organizations, the general public, and other agencies.

Provide subject matter expertise, in conjunction with consultants, during contract negotiations and work with community members, customers, and businesses to ensure obligations are met.

Directs the preparation and review of staff reports, letters, memos, and/or other related correspondence. Gathers, interprets and prepares data for studies, reports and recommendations; coordinates department programs with other departments and governmental agencies. Drafts new or amends City ordinances as applicable for consideration by the City Council.

Prepares and presents agenda items (including agenda bills) to various boards, commissions, and committees including the Umatilla City Council. Also responsible for preparing and presenting technical reports and studies.

Responds to stakeholders and citizen concerns and issues and determines appropriate resolutions to maintain positive community/customer relations for the department and the City, and assure that complaints regarding any departmental activity are investigated and resolved.

Analyzes and evaluates operations and develops and implements corrective action to resolve problems.

Develops and implements internal policies, procedures and standards consistent with applicable laws and recognized public works best practices and standards. Assures compliance with established policies and procedures. Appraises efficiency and effectiveness and takes necessary actions to improve operations.

Interacts with external regulatory agencies and provides technical information to City officials and others. Prepares the annual department budget and justifies budget requests and amendments.

Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals or groups regarding complex or sensitive issues or regulations.

Prepares and directs preparation of comprehensive reports, budgets, department materials and correspondence.

Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the work of subordinates including monitoring work schedules and evaluating the work of…