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Job Description
JOB SUMMARY
The City of Manhattan Beach is actively seeking a visionary and results-oriented Public Works Director to lead a full-service department responsible for engineering, utilities, streets, buildings, facilities, fleet, solid waste, and environmental programs. Reporting to the City Manager and serving on the Executive Management Team, this dynamic leader will oversee operations, capital projects, policy development, and strategic initiatives, while fostering a culture of integrity, transparency, and collaboration.
The Director will manage a talented team, including the City Engineer, Maintenance Manager, and Utilities Manager, guiding the delivery of high-quality services and the successful implementation of the City’s $188 million FY2026-2030 Capital Improvement Program. Key priorities include strengthening interdepartmental and regional partnerships, ensuring regulatory compliance, enhancing customer service, and motivating staff toward shared goals.
The ideal candidate will be more than a technical expert, they will be a trusted, approachable leader who values and respects the people doing the work. Known for honesty, empathy, and fairness, this individual will listen actively, communicate with clarity, and lead with humility. They will cultivate a positive, inclusive, and accountable workplace where staff feel supported, engaged, and empowered to perform at their best. Leading by example, they will mentor emerging leaders, advocate for team needs, and build camaraderie across diverse teams and disciplines.
Success in this role requires deep knowledge of municipal public works operations, capital improvement planning, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations, coupled with exceptional communication skills and the ability to translate complex technical concepts for varied audiences. The Director will be a decisive, adaptable problem-solver who thrives under pressure, exercises sound judgment, and balances big-picture goals with on-the-ground realities.
This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact in a highly engaged, coastal community known for its high service standards, collaborative culture, and exceptional quality of life.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
For information regarding the essential duties, please click here .
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Minimum requirements include any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field and eight years of professional, administrative, and managerial experience involving public works construction and administration, and project management work.
For information regarding the minimum qualifications, please click here .
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.create.com . Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning September 15, 2025.
For inquiries, please contact Serena Wright-Black at swrightblack@raftelis.com and Niayla Hairston at nhairston@raftelis.com .
The City of Manhattan Beach offers a generous benefits package to full-time and eligible employees including PERS medical plans, dental, vision, long-term and short-term disability, tuition reimbursement, and many more.
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To see detailed information about Unrepresented Full-Time Employees group benefits, please visit our benefit page on the City's official website.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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City of Manhattan Beach
Show moreWelcome to Manhattan Beach; a classic, casual California beach town with easy access to LAX. We are a residential community of just over 35,000 residents with an award-winning school district, unique shops and restaurants, worldwide corporate headquarters, and signature community traditions that are open to all. Did I mention that the Beach Boys loved it here? In the 1962 hit song, “Surfin USA,” the Beach Boys said if everybody had an ocean, then everybody would be surfing “all over Manhattan!” That’s not far from the truth!
Upon visiting, the Manhattan Beach Pier and Roundhouse Aquarium is a natural starting point for discovering our town. It’s at the heart of our charming downtown shopping and dining district. You can play beach volleyball, shop at an independent bookstore and have a Jonathan Gold ranked meal all within a block radius. If you’re lucky enough to visit on a Tuesday, visit the Farmer’s Market from 12-4. And, as home to beach volleyball, each August we host the Manhattan Beach Open, the oldest, most prestigious professional volleyball tournament next to the south side of the Pier.
Our residents cherish our hometown traditions. We held the first ever Pinewood Derby in 1953. Every fall is our Old Hometown Fair, October has the World Famous Pumpkin Race (really!) and the highlight of December is the Holiday Fireworks show on the second Sunday in December.
Boasting seven public parks, including a botanical garden, the city provides a multitude of sports activities for its residents, including surfing and beach volleyball. Polliwog Park features a play structure accessible to all, a man-made lake, the setting for Sunday afternoon concerts during the summer months and the site of the Manhattan Beach Historical Society.
Manhattan Beach is also known for its award-winning school district. With the support of the community, the school district has attained national recognition and over 93% of graduates enter institutions of higher learning after high school. Every year, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation raises money to improve Manhattan Beach public schools and annually hosts the largest charity wine auction in Southern California, the Manhattan Wine Auction.
We aren’t just about outdoor activities. In 2015, we opened a brand new branch of the Los Angeles County library, a two-story building in downtown Manhattan with ocean views.
As you can see, we value the healthy beach lifestyle. That’s why we are committed to preserving our environment. We were one of the first cities to ban plastic bags and have been a smoke-free town since 2014. As of February 2020, in order to reduce nicotine addiction and protect public health, we’ve also prohibited the sale of all tobacco products (including vape products) in the City.
We value inclusion for all, education, and community involvement. Come visit us in Manhattan Beach. We guarantee you will fall in love.
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