Public Works Director

Job Description

Nestled along the scenic South Coast of Santa Barbara County, the City of Carpinteria is located approximately 12 miles southeast of the City of Santa Barbara. Covering 2.6 square miles of land along the Pacific Ocean, Carpinteria is known for its exceptional coastal setting, welcoming small-town atmosphere, and outstanding quality of life. With beautiful beaches, a walkable downtown, and a strong sense of community, Carpinteria offers an ideal balance of coastal living and access to the cultural and economic opportunities of the greater Santa Barbara region.

The City of Carpinteria seeks a strategic and innovative Public Works Director with a clear vision for the department's future. This politically astute, collaborative, and emotionally intelligent leader will be equally comfortable developing people, delivering complex capital programs, and building productive relationships with elected officials, staff, community members, and partner agencies. This individual will be a visible and approachable leader who communicates effectively, inspires confidence, and successfully balances strategic planning with day-to-day operational excellence.

Qualified candidates will possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, public administration, or a closely related field, along with eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, engineering, or a related field, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory or management role within a municipal public works organization. Experience in California local government is highly desirable. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is also highly desirable.

The current salary control point for this position is $170,773 annually. Based on qualifications and experience, salary may be negotiated up to the current salary cap of $197,043. The City is currently conducting a comprehensive classification and compensation study, and the salary range may be adjusted based on the results of that study. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit our website at www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms. Yasmin Beers at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: September 27, 2026