Published date: December 1, 2025
Organization: City of Ventura Public Works
Job Category: Engineering
Job Type: Full-Time
County/State: Ventura/California
City: Ventura
Salary and Benefits: See apply link and/or job flyer for additional details on salary and benefits.
- $168,643 – $225,983 Annually DOQ
Summary Description:
The City of Ventura is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Public Works Director/City Engineer to support the Public Works Department in delivering high-quality, community-focused services and advancing the City’s long-term infrastructure goals. In this role, you will provide oversight and coordination for core public works functions, including engineering services, capital project delivery, and transportation systems, ensuring alignment with City policies, design standards, and operational priorities.
In this role, you will work closely with the Public Works Director, City departments, elected officials, partner agencies, and the community to deliver safe, sustainable, and well-designed infrastructure. This position plays a central role in advancing the department’s strategic initiatives, applying technical expertise, and leading complex projects that support the City’s long-term vision.
Summary Ideal Candidate Qualifications:
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a combination of the following experience, skillset, and competencies to excel in this role:
- A seasoned civil engineering professional with the technical depth to serve as the City Engineer.
- An effective project and division manager with experience overseeing complex capital programs and multidisciplinary teams.
- A clear, confident communicator who can engage the community, explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences, and work effectively with the City Council and leadership.
- A collaborative leader who supports organizational improvements, strengthens internal processes, and fosters a positive, service-focused team culture.
- A capable administrator who can set priorities, manage work programs, and represent the department when needed.
Experience and Qualifications for Success!
A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field from an accredited college or university, seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional civil engineering experience in public works/utilities design and construction management, and three (3) years of supervisory level experience. A master’s degree is desirable.
License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid class C California driver’s license.
Certificate: Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required at time of appointment or within 18 months of appointment if currently registered as a Professional Civil Engineer (or equivalent) in a different state.
About the Department
The City of Ventura’s Public Works Department plays a central role in building, maintaining, and protecting the community’s infrastructure and natural resources. Accredited by the American Public Works Association (APWA) since 2014, the department applies industry best practices and forward-thinking strategies to deliver high-quality projects that support safety, sustainability, and long-term community resilience.
The department is organized into five divisions that manage the city’s infrastructure, operations, and public services. Together, these divisions provide engineering, construction, transportation, environmental sustainability, fleet and facilities, and property management services that support the community’s growth, connectivity, and quality of life.
For full description/candidate qualification requirements, see link below.
Link to Apply: https://cityofventura.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CityofVentura/job/Assistant-Public-Works-Director-City-Engineer_R25-324
Application Deadline: Monday, January 4, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.
Selection Process Timeline:
- Week of January 19, 2026 – Oral Panel Interviews (in-person)
- Week of February 1, 2026 – Department Selection Interviews