Director of Public Works

Job Description:

Director of Public Works

Description

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department (Department) is one of the largest and most visible service providers in the City of Long Beach, central to the community’s infrastructure, environment, and quality of life. Guided by its mission to deliver outstanding services while being responsible stewards of the City’s assets, the Department’s work spans across neighborhoods, business districts, and coastal areas.

With approximately 532 full-time staff, an expense budget of $263 million, and a capital improvement program budget of $189 million in FY 26, the Department oversees streets and sidewalks, stormwater and traffic management, parking and mobility services, urban forestry, graffiti abatement, encampment cleanups, emergency response, and the design and delivery of major capital projects. A key focus in the years ahead is the Elevate ’28 Infrastructure Investment Plan, a historic $1 billion program addressing Citywide infrastructure and preparing to showcase Long Beach to the world for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games through transformative investments in parks, facilities, mobility, and streets.

The Department is in the midst of an organizational transformation, including the transfer of Solid Waste Management out of Public Works to Energy and Environmental Services. While the Department will still maintain the Joint Call Center, this reorganization will make Public Works more focused and manageable while also reinforcing the importance of internal and external communications. Moving forward, the Department is committed to building a culture that is proactive, transparent, and highly communicative with staff, City departments, elected officials, and the community. 

The Department is also advancing several high-priority initiatives, including:

• Roads & Pavement Program: Addressing audit findings and closing funding gaps to improve the City’s Pavement Condition Index.
• Mobility & Safety Improvements: Expanded crosswalks, signal upgrades, traffic calming, and the Automated Speed Enforcement Pilot Program.
• Communications Overhaul: Revamping how the City communicates about projects and rethinking both internal and external communication strategies.
• Stormwater & Climate Resilience: Pump station upgrades, storm drain improvements, and new stormwater capture projects.

With more capital construction underway than at any time in recent history, the Department is driving forward initiatives that will enhance livability, sustainability, and resilience for decades to come.

To learn more about the Department visit:

• Department Organizational Chart
• Department Website
• Department Proposed FY26 Budget

THE POSITION & IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Director of Public Works (Director) is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team and serves as the principal advisor to the City Manager, on all matters related to the City’s infrastructure, mobility, and public works services. With five direct reports and oversight of approximately 532 staff, the Director will manage the FY26 CIP budget of $189 million and an expense budget of $262 million, guiding the delivery of some of the most ambitious capital improvement projects in the City’s history.”

The ideal candidate is a hands-on and approachable leader and change agent who can connect with both technical professionals and field staff, while also navigating the highly visible world of elected officials, community members, and regional partners. They will foster a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and communication — both externally with the public and other agencies, and internally with staff and other departments.

Key qualities and experience include:

• Proven project and program management expertise
• Inspirational leadership
• Strong communication skills
• Labor relations experience
• Community oriented
• Politically savvy
• Customer service oriented

This is an exceptional opportunity for a humble yet decisive leader who thrives in both technical and community-facing environments and is energized by the chance to deliver transformational infrastructure investments that will benefit Long Beach for decades to come.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, engineering, construction management, planning, or a related field.
• Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible experience in the development of the budget, development and administration of comprehensive public works construction, project management and engineering principles, public contract law, capital improvement with at least 5 years of significant management experience.

DESIRED

• Professional Licensing: Registration as a Professional Engineer a plus, but not required
• Education: Master’s degree

SUBSTITUTIONS

• Education may be substituted for lengthy experience and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis

SALARY AND BENEFITS

An annual salary of $222,201 – 267,651* DOE/DOQ, plus a generous benefits package.

*This position will receive a 1% general salary increase effective 9/20/25

See the full recruitment brochure & benefits here: https://irp.cdn-website.com/80f4e9b5/files/uploaded/Brochure+LB+PWD+FINAL.pdf

HOW TO APPLY: For first consideration, apply by October 3rd, at: https://www.tristargovsolutions.com/careers

SAVE THE DATES: Interviews have been firmly scheduled to take place in-person on November 6th and November 7th. Candidates must be available for both interview dates.

QUESTIONS? Please contact your recruiter, Sam Sackman, with any questions:

• Email: sam@tristargovsolutions.com
• Website: tristargovsolutions.com
• Phone: 408-605-0790

Salary:

$222,201 – 267,651