Assistant Public Works Director (20771503)

Job Description

The City of Foster City is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward‑thinking Assistant Public Works Director to join the Public Works department. Under general direction of the Director of Public Works, this role assists in planning, organizing, and managing a wide range of public works services, including engineering, utilities, streets, water, sewer, lagoon operations, and facilities/fleet maintenance. The Assistant Director provides high‑level professional support, helps shape department policies and initiatives, represents the department in a variety of settings, and assumes full leadership responsibilities in the Director’s absence.

This is a key management position ideal for an innovative public works professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to excellence in service delivery, staff development, and community engagement.

Education and Experience
Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. A typical way would be:

Education : Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field.

Experience : Five (5) years of progressively responsible management and/or administrative experience in civil engineering, municipal public works maintenance, or a related field, including two (2) years of supervisory or management experience. Traffic engineering may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related duties.
• Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California.

To review the full job announcement click on the "Foster City Assistant Public Works Director Flyer" below.

Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed for relevant education, experience, training and other job related qualifications. Based upon a review of employment applications received, a limited number of the qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the examination process.

The process will consist of an Oral Panel Interview. An eligibility list will be established from those who pass the examination process with a score of 70% or higher. Current and future vacancies may be filled from this list. The list will remain in effect for at least one year unless exhausted sooner.

The department will invite the most qualified candidates from the eligibility list to a final department interview. The Public Works department will make the hiring decision.

Expected Dates for Examinations (subject to change):
Oral Panel Interview: October 2026 (exact date TBD)
Department Interview: October 2026 (exact date TBD)

Note: Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in the selection process. The City of Foster City reserves the right, at its discretion, to limit the number of qualified candidates invited to the selection process.

Application Filing Period: Closes at 5:00pm on the date stated in the job announcement; however, it may close prior to the filing end date if sufficient applications have been received. If sufficient applications have not been received, then the filing period end date may be extended.

Should education be used to qualify for this position, then proof of education such as, but not limited to, university/college transcripts and degrees should be submitted with your application and will be required at the time of appointment. Unofficial documents and/or copies are acceptable.

Job PDF:

https://www.calopps.org/sites/default/files/Foster%20City%20Assistant%20Public%20Works%20Director%C2%A0Flyer.pdf

Closing Date/Time: 10/3/2026 at 5pm