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

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
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/AIRPORT OPERATOR - LICENSED - $11,418 -$18,717

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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• County of Colusa

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