Assistant Public Works Director - Water Utilities

Description

This recruitment is open until filled.

The first review of applications is anticipated to occur on or around February 17, 2026, and subsequent reviews may be conducted until sufficient applications are received to meet business needs. Early submissions are encouraged.

The City of Oxnard's Public Works Department is seeking an Assistant Public Works Director for Utilities (Water, Wastewater, and Stormwater). The ideal candidate is a strong leader and role model, who embodies the City's competencies of collaboration, accountability, creativity and innovation, effective communication, and above all, exceptional public and customer service, in all that they do.

The Assistant Director of Public Works is responsible to plan, manage, and oversee specific activities and operations of the Public Works Department including field operations and maintenance of water, wastewater, and recycled water.

This is an in-office position, working a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off (that's an extra 26 days off in the year!).

THE CITY

Located on the beautiful Southern California coast, the City of Oxnard is the most populous city in the County of Ventura with over 210,000 residents. Nestled about 60 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 35 miles south of Santa Barbara, Oxnard prides itself on its rich diversity and culture. Oxnard residents enjoy a spirit of community pride with an unsurpassed quality of life enhanced by the charm of this coastal community, and the cultural and educational amenities of a diverse and vibrant urban setting. It is an ideal coastal community and an excellent place to raise a family that offers oceanfront recreation and outdoor adventures, award winning festivals and friendly, safe neighborhoods.

As an employer, the City of Oxnard prioritizes creating an environment that nurtures innovation, encourages collaboration, and fosters professional growth. Valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of its employees, the City fosters a workplace culture that celebrates diversity in all its forms. By embracing different backgrounds, ideas, and talents, the City of Oxnard cultivates an atmosphere of respect and collaboration that fuels creativity and drives excellence.

To read more about us, please visit oxnard.org.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department consists of over 543.5 budgeted FTEs and is responsible for the design, construction, renovation, and operation of public projects and facilities ranging from seawalls to parks; and the maintenance of streets, sidewalks, streetlights, and street trees. The Public Works Department is compromised of several divisions with an operating and capital budget of over $271 million for FY 2025-26. The Department is committed to delivering projects and programs that enhance the quality of life, safety, economic growth and the environment for all City residents.

To learn more about the City of Oxnard’s Public Works Department, go to:

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

A critical thinker and solid manager capable of establishing a working environment based on collaboration, accountability, and inspired dedicated leadership.

An effective communicator with broad experience and expertise in all facets of water and/or wastewater utilities, possessing extensive expertise in managing staff and creating organizational structure and a sense of team and purpose.

As this position interacts with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, exceptional interpersonal skills and political acumen are of the utmost importance.

A proven track record of creating efficiencies and implementing best practices and industry standards, while establishing clear procedures and policies, both written and verbal.

A background in effectively engaging with labor unions and ensuring positive outcomes is critical.

A passion for public service, especially serving an underserved community.

An entrepreneur from within who recognizes this opportunity to create and establish an effective and efficient administrative infrastructure for long-term success.

Essential Functions

THE POSITION

The Assistant Director of Public Works (Utilities) is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing specific activities and operations of the Water, Recycled Water, Wastewater and Stormwater divisions for a service base of over 43,000 customers. This included distribution, treatment and sanitation, field operations, and safety functions. This position coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies and performs responsible and complex administrative work, including long-term and master planning, and assessing and implementing process improvements and best practices. Directly works with and oversees engineering work and assigned staff for water/wastewater utilities including associated Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects.

Total Divisional Staff 152 FTEs, which includes 62 in Water, 81 in Wastewater, and 9 in AWPF/Recycled Water.

The Operating Budget for Water/Wastewater/AWPF is $147,833,650

The Assistant Director of Public Works receives general supervision from the Public Works Director within a framework of broad policies and established organizational values and processes.

Minimum Qualifications

The following are minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the classification:

EDUCATION:

A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Construction Management, Public Administration, or a related field (must be attached to your application).

EXPERIENCE:

Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in Public Works, Administration, and water & wastewater operations leadership.

Three (3) years of staff management and supervision.

CERTIFICATIONS:

Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Operator OR a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Distribution Operator D4 OR a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Water Treatment Operator T4 Certificates (must be attached to your application).

Possession of a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator Certificate OR a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) D5 Water Distribution Operator Certificate OR a valid California State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) T5 Water Treatment Operator Certificate within 12 months of hire.OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to speak and understand English to effectively communicate with fellow employees, customers, and vendors

DESIRABLE:

A Master’s Degree.

California Professional Engineering (PE) Registration in either Civil, Mechanical, or Electrical.

Experience in the Public Sector.

General Information

About the Benefits

In exchange for all your hard work and determination, you will receive a competitive salary of $142,919.52 to $228,669.69, negotiable based on experience and qualifications, along with a wide host of benefits including:

Enjoy CalPERS Retirement membership: Classic 2% at 55, New 2% at 62; your contribution secures your future; no Social Security participation.

12 paid holidays off per year.

1% contribution to deferred compensation program.

The City contributes 1% of employee salary to a Retirement Health Savings Program.

Leave accrual rates vary between 6.24 – 11.78 hours per pay period based on years of service with the City of Oxnard.

40 hours of Administrative Leave per fiscal year.

Tuition reimbursement of 100%, up to $5000 per fiscal year.

The City will contribute $1,956.00 towards medical insurance premiums with no cash back (In January 2026, the City's contribution will increase to $2,054 per month). Employees who waive medical insurance will receive $500.00 per month cash back with proof of other qualifying coverage. The City will continue to provide $66.79 per month towards dental insurance.

One-Time Cash Payments: In lieu of cost of living adjustments, the City will provide a one-time cash payment for the years specified below. Employees must have worked the 12 months (2080 hours) preceding the payment to be eligible for the full amount. Employees who worked less than the 12 months (2080 hours) requirement, will receive a prorated amount based on the total number of hours they have worked.

First full pay period July 2026- 3% of base salary

First full pay period July 2027 - 3% of base salary

If you share our passion for city growth and possess the skills for success, apply now!

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Submit NEOGOV/Government Jobs on-line application.

Complete and submit responses to the supplemental questions, if required.

Upload resume, cover letter, proof of degree (transcript), or other requested documents.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questionnaires that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

The list of qualified candidates established from this recruitment may be used to fill other full-time, part-time, and temporary assignments. There is currently one (1) full-time vacancy within the Public Works Department.

Selected candidate(s) must pass a thorough background investigation.

UNION MEMBERSHIP: Positions in this classification are represented by the Oxnard Mid Managers Association (OMMA) .

NOTE:

For most positions, the City of Oxnard relies on office automation (Microsoft Office/Google) and web-based enabled tools, therefore candidates must be proficient and comfortable with computer use to perform functions associated with on-going work.

Regular and reliable attendance, effective communication skills, and development of effective working relationships are requirements of all positions.

Employees are required to participate in the City's direct deposit plan and are paid on a bi-weekly basis.

This position requires a 12 month probationary period.

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY:

The City of Oxnard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes applications from all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, medical condition, disability or sexual orientation.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

The City of Oxnard makes reasonable accommodation for individuals/people with disabilities. If you believe you require special arrangements to participate in the testing process, you must inform the Human Resources Department in writing no later than the filing date. Applicants who request such accommodation must document their request with an explanation of the type and extent of accommodation required.

LEGAL REQUIREMENT:

On the first day of employment, new employees must provide proof of citizenship or documentation of legal right to work in the United States in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, as amended. The City participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, please contact DHS. 888-897- 7781 dhs.gov/e-verify

If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Jackie Ramos at .

NOTE: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.