Assistant Director of Public Works

Job Description

Come join the City of Fresno in Building a Better Fresno!

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Position Description

WE ARE HIRING!

The Assistant Director of Public Works assists in the planning, direction, organization and review of the assigned operations. Within the Public Works Department, Assistant Directors in this at-will capacity exercise judgment and discretion in overseeing complex major projects and/or operating divisions. The Assistant Director is responsible for the oversight of daily operations and may, in the absence of the Director, assume those duties. In addition, the Assistant Director is responsible for tactical level planning related to strategic plans, and policies and develops operational goals. Incumbents act as a technical advisor to the Director and the City Manager and attend meetings of the City Council, boards, commissions, and committees. The Assistant Director participates in the preparation and administration of the Department’s annual operating budget and works with the City Manager regarding current and anticipated City and departmental needs, prioritization of those needs, and the feasibility of alternative approaches to meeting them. The Assistant Director is expected to facilitate and coordinate activities with other departments within the City of Fresno, as well as outside agencies.

There is currently one Assistant Director position available in the Department that works with managers and staff to accomplish the Department mission and objectives. The incumbent will be primarily responsible for leading the Public Works Operating Divisions, including Street Maintenance, Traffic Signals and Street Lights, Landscape, Forestry, and Graffiti abatement Divisions. These divisions are comprised of a staff of 270 who self-perform operations in their respective divisions. The Street Maintenance Division includes in-house self-performed programs such as milling and paving, six concrete crews, long line striping, and host of other operating programs.

This is an unclassified position in which the incumbents serve at the will of the Public Works Director.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department is focused on infrastructure development and revitalization activity in the city including capital project planning, development project review, plan check, permit issuance, inspection services, transportation planning, processing of subdivision maps, impact fee administration, and special district administration. The Department also maintains and/or operates public facilities and assets such as traffic signals, streetlights, streets, sidewalks, median islands, urban forest, landscape maintenance districts, and pedestrian/bicycle trails. The Department also provides graffiti abatement services and oversees litter control contracts on the State highway system. The Department’s mission: Building a Better Fresno summarizes these services and the commitment of its staff to serve the citizens of Fresno.

Public Works has a staff of 350 employees and a FY 2026 adopted budget of $370,055,600 for all activities. Operating divisions within the Department include Engineering, Traffic Operations & Planning, Street Maintenance and Landscape Maintenance.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The City is seeking a service and solution-oriented person that understands public works systems, long range vision for a vibrant community and who possesses excellent leadership skills. An innovative manager who understands how multi-disciplinary collaborative efforts enhance the ability to provide best in class service will do well in this position. The ideal candidate will have a record of straightforward and open communication and a willingness to make effective decisions within the parameters of the position, as well as the ability to effectively manage conflicting perspectives.

The Department Director is seeking an Assistant to serve as a key member of the Department’s executive management team, recognizing this position is a vital element that works together with others to support the Mayor, City Manager, and Council’s vision for the City of Fresno. A candidate with a strong record of collaborative work with internal and external stakeholders would be highly valued, as the Assistant Director must be able to develop positive relationships with staff, other City departments, the public, and a number of other agencies. The Assistant Director must have excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive reports, records, and other written materials for a variety of audiences.

For this position overseeing Public Works Operating Divisions, special consideration will be given for candidates with experience leading large, represented and unionized workforce in road maintenance and construction operations. Special consideration will also be given for candidates with management experience in asphalt paving operations, concrete construction and repair, bridge maintenance, traffic control and forestry. Also experience with inner-agency agreements, procurement contracts, experience with Community Facilities District administration, Forestry grants and management plans, and trail maintenance are a plus.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

A background that includes a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and four years of experience in managing large construction projects and/or maintenance operations wi ll be considered qualifying for this position.

S ignificant experience managing a combination of multi-million dollar public and privately funded infrastructure projects is highly desired. A dditional qualifying experience may be submitted for education on a year-for-year basis. However, possession of a degree is strongly preferred.

This position also requires possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

THE COMMUNITY

As the only California city located amongst three National Parks, residents and visitors enjoy Fresno’s proximity to Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. With approximately 300 days of sunshine each year, the Mediterranean climate allows for year-round recreational activities, including sailing, snow and water skiing, fishing, backpacking, and golfing.

Living in Fresno has the benefit of urban amenities and the unique charm of a suburban atmosphere. Housing prices are typically lower than California’s other large metropolitan areas. There are four large school districts in Fresno, including Fresno Unified, Central Unified, Sanger Unified, Clovis Unified, and a variety of private educational institutions.

The city is also home to colleges and universities, most notably California State University, Fresno as well as Fresno City College and Fresno Pacific University. Residents enjoy various social, cultural, and athletic activities in an affordable community environment.

OUR ORGANIZATION

The City of Fresno is the fifth-largest city in the state of California and is a full-service charter city that operates under a “strong mayor” form of government. The Mayor is elected at large and does not serve on the Council but has veto power over certain actions taken by the City Council. The City Manager, who is appointed by the Mayor, is responsible for appointing all department heads in the City. There are seven Council Members. The Council appoints the City Attorney and the City Clerk.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS (UNIT 2 CLASSIFICATION)

The City of Fresno offers an attractive and competitive salary and benefits package. The salary for the Assistant Director is $122,076 up to $210,792. The employee benefits package, as noted below, is subject to change and includes:

Retirement: Fresno City Retirement System; reciprocity with other public California systems. The City's pension funds are among the best-funded public systems in California and the nation. The City does not participate in Social Security. DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits includes ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.

Health Insurance: The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.

Flexible Spending Account Program: IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.

Auto Allowance: May be granted by the City Manager consistent with Administrative Order 2-2.

Deferred Compensation: Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings. City contributes up to $75 per month.

Management Leave: 108 hours (pro-rated) per fiscal year with an annual cash out provision.

Supplemental Management Leave: Up to 32 hours at the discretion of the City Manager. This leave may be placed in a retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement account.

Annual Leave: Accrue 15.5 hours of annual leave per month with a limited cash out provision.

Supplemental Sick: 40 hours per fiscal year. 80 hours lifetime maximum.

Holidays: Ten (10) City-observed holidays annually, plus birthday and two (2) personal days per year.

Life Insurance: Equal to annual salary; premium paid by City.

Long-Term Disability: City pays premium for 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days.

Additional information regarding the City of Fresno is available at www.fresno.gov .
HOW TO APPLY
For first consideration, you must apply online. Include a letter of interest, resume, and five references in the online application at: www.fresno.gov/jobs

Inquiries should be directed to:

Leshea Tarver, Sr HR/Risk Analyst

Email: leshea.tarver@fresno.gov

THE SELECTION PROCESS

A select group of candidates will be invited to participate in the interview process depending on their qualifications. For additional information regarding the City of Fresno, please visit fresno.gov.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply

For information on how to complete an online application, please visit the Help & Support tab. For NEOGOV Application Assistance, please call 1-855-524-5627 or email support@governmentjobs.com. ONLY ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTED and must be submitted by midnight on the closing deadline, or they will not be accepted for any reason.

Required licenses, certifications, and education must be verified with supporting documents. Foreign education must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please ensure all relevant attachments are uploaded with your application.

For the work experience section, provide detailed descriptions of job duties for each position related to the specific role you are applying for. Resumes are not a substitute for completing this section and will only be reviewed as supplemental information, not for determining minimum qualifications.

For other City of Fresno employment opportunities, please view our Careers Homepage . If you have recruitment questions, please call our office at 559-621-6950. Our office is located at 2600 Fresno Street, Room 1030, Fresno, CA 93721.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Fresno is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Should you need a special accommodation due to a qualifying disability, please contact the Personnel Service Department at (559) 621-6950 in advance of the examination.

Unit 2

Management Confidential - Unrepresented

BENEFIT

DESCRIPTION

HEALTH INSURANCE

The City contributes toward monthly premiums for PPO medical, dental and vision for employee and dependents.

FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT

IRS 125 Plan for health and dependent care expenses.

LIFE INSURANCE

Benefit equal to annual salary, $150,000 max; premium paid by the City.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Voluntary 457 plan with Fidelity Investments to increase your retirement savings. Employer contribution of $75 per month for E5-E22 Ranges, if enrolled in 457 plan.

ANNUAL LEAVE

Accrue 15.50 - 20 hours per month based on years of service with maximum accrual limit dependent on Executive Range and cash out provisions.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE

60, 90 or 108 hours per fiscal year, dependent on Executive Range. For exempt employees only.

SUPPLEMENTAL MANAGEMENT LEAVE

E1 -E5 Ranges may be granted up to 32 hours per fiscal year.

HOLIDAYS

10 City-observed annual holidays, plus birthday and 2 personal days.

BILINGUAL PREMIUM

$100 per month upon approved certification

LONG-TERM DISABILITY

Benefit equal to 66.66% of monthly salary up to $7,500 per month after 30 days of disability; premium paid by the City.

SUPPLEMENTAL SICK

40 hours per fiscal year.

80 hours lifetime maximum accrual.

HEALTH REIMBURSEMENT ARRANGEMENT (HRA)

Eligible retirees can use the remaining Sick Leave balance, in excess of 240 hours, at 80% of hourly rate and other qualified leave balances, tax free, to reimburse health insurance premiums and other qualified medical expenses.

RETIREMENT - City of Fresno Retirement Systems, one of the best funded public systems in the state. Reciprocity with other public California systems. Vested in Retirement benefits after 5 years of service. City employees do not participate in Social Security.

DROP (Deferred Retirement Option Program): an optional, voluntary program that allows an employee to deposit retirement benefits in a special savings account within the Retirement System while continuing to work for the City of Fresno for up to 10 years. Participation minimum is age 50 and vested. Benefits include ownership of accumulated funds, compound interest earnings, and alternative distribution options.

Additional information regarding the City of Fresno benefits is available at

https://www.fresno.gov/personnel/human-resources-support/#benefits

Please note that the benefits package described above is specific to permanent full-time employees. Employees engaged on a part-time, temporary, limited, or other basis may have different entitlements.

Closing Date/Time: 11/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific