Public Works Director

The Opportunity The City of Beaverton is looking for its next Public Works Director to provide exemplary leadership, ongoing oversight, and direction to the Public Works Department. Serving as an integral member of the city’s Executive Leadership Team, the Public Works Director acts as an advisor to the City Manager, City Council, and staff while guiding the department through long-range planning, project implementation, and everyday maintenance and operations of the city’s infrastructure.

The Public Works Director currently reports to the City Manager and manages the development and implementation of the Public Works Department strategy, including the city’s Capital Improvement Plan. The Director collaborates across the organization to create project and operational work plans focused on both process and outcomes to facilitate and complete Council priorities.

The Public Works Director is energized by the opportunity to continue driving change and transformation within the department while continuing to provide high-quality services to the Beaverton community. The Director has a strong background in strategic planning and execution and embraces aligning public works initiatives with larger organizational goals. With an eye on process improvement and innovation, the successful candidate brings a modern perspective and new ideas to Public Works projects and initiatives.

The Public Works Director brings a high level of integrity and builds trust and respect while leading and empowering staff. The Director routinely promotes the organizational values of workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion and creates a culture that supports employee growth and development. The Director provides direction to eight direct reports, including three Public Works Managers, Public Utilities Manager, Water General Manager, City Engineer, Management Analyst, and Office Support Supervisor, and remains a visible leader to all public works staff to ensure city goals and objectives are achieved.

About the City of Beaverton Located in the heart of the Tualatin Valley, midway between Mt. Hood and the Oregon coast, Beaverton combines the best of a big city and the peaceful surroundings of a small town. Just seven miles west of downtown Portland, Beaverton is Oregon’s sixth-largest city and the second-largest incorporated city in Washington County. Beaverton is home to 97,500 people of all ages and backgrounds and is one of the most diverse cities in Oregon. One in three residents identifies as a person of color, roughly 20 percent were born outside of the U.S., and more than 100 languages are spoken in the Beaverton School District. This richness of cultural diversity is what makes Beaverton such a vibrant city.

Through a partnership with Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District, Beaverton residents enjoy many outdoor activities. With more than 100 parks encompassing 1,000 acres, every home in Beaverton is within a half-mile of a park. The city has 30 miles of hiking trails and a 25-mile network of bike paths. Within an hour’s drive, there are many more natural areas and opportunities for recreation, including ski slopes to the East and ocean beaches to the West.

Qualifications Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in related public works operations and maintenance in a multi-faceted organization, including at least five years in a senior leadership role, is required. Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of public works administration is essential. An understanding of and appreciation for engineering and the collaboration with public works is ideal. Experience working directly with an elected body, ideally in a council-manager form of government, is desired. Prior experience in change management with the ability to leverage best practices in a growing community is ideal. A bachelor's degree, preferably in business administration, public administration, management, urban planning, or equivalent field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience enabling the successful candidate to perform the essential functions of the position is required. A master’s degree is desired.

Beaverton is a diverse city, boasting a large population of qualified persons, including women, veterans, Black, Indigenous, people of color, persons with disabilities, generational groups, persons who speak many languages, and of diverse national origins. A commitment to supporting the diversity of the Beaverton community is essential to success. It is widely stated—and supported by studies—that candidates, especially women, are less likely to apply for a job unless they believe they meet 100% of the hiring criteria. The city’s talent acquisition goals include hiring the candidate who is best able to meet the performance objectives of the role. We, therefore, encourage persons with non-traditional skill sets and experiences to apply, even if you believe you do not meet 100% of the qualifications and hiring criteria described. 

Compensation and Benefits The hiring range is $128,480 – $172,169, depending on qualifications. The City of Beaverton provides a generous benefits package. Learn more about our options and employee-based benefits here.

To Be Considered We value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. We are committed to building a workforce of diverse voices to impact decision-making, drive growth, and better serve our community. We strongly encourage those wanting to work with and serve diverse populations to apply.

Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.hire.trakstar.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. Applications will be accepted through August 21, 2022.