Deputy Public Works Director

Deputy Public Works Director

Salary

$182,968.00 - $221,045.85 Annually

Location

1541 Second Street, Napa, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26-PW10-PW

Department

Public Works

Division

PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/12/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

DESCRIPTION

Are you a strategic and collaborative leader with experience overseeing public works operations, engineering programs, and capital improvement initiatives? Do you have the vision to balance long-term infrastructure needs with exceptional customer service and operational excellence? Are you passionate about building strong teams and delivering results for your community?

Then APPLY TODAY and play a key leadership role in advancing the Citys public works programs and services!

THE COMMUNITY

Nestled in Northern California's wine-country region yet just an hour from the Bay Area's tech-hubs, Napa offers a blend of small-city charm and global relevance. Its population hovers around 78,000-80,000, with a median household income over $100,000 and a median age near 41. The city is composed of 26 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character, from historic Victorian homes near downtown to more suburban-style enclaves on the outskirts. Napa is the heart of the region's world-renowned wine region, which is home to over 475 wineries, as well as a culinary industry boasting several Michelin starred restaurants and farm-to-table venues.

What stands out about Napa is the quality of life. Residents benefit from nearly year-round mild Mediterranean climate, a walkable downtown, and easy access to nature and open space. The local economy is anchored not just in tourism and hospitality but in a skilled workforce, giving the community stability beyond just being a destination. That economic diversity means the city is more than just its vineyards - it's home to healthcare, manufacturing, professional services, and retail alongside wine production.

Community life in Napa is vibrant and inclusive. With a largely bi-cultural population (over 40 percent identify as Hispanic or Latino) there's a strong cultural mix that shows up in schools, local markets, festivals and everyday life. Residents enjoy the riverfront, local trails, neighborhood parks, and an active civic fabric - from arts and music events to grassroots trail-building and river-restoration efforts. For someone considering relocating, Napa checks a lot of boxes: community scale living with regional access, high educational and income markers, a lifestyle oriented toward both work and play, and the chance to be part of a place that values both its history and its future. In short: it's a community that's growing and evolving - not standing still.

THE ORGANIZATION

The City of Napa is a charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government with a five-member City Council. The City Council is elected by district for four-year overlapping terms without limits. The Mayor is elected at large for a four-year term, also without limits.

The City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer and head of the administrative branch of the City government. Napa provides a full range of services for the community through 11 Departments: Police, Fire, Public Works, Community Resources and Development, Finance, Utilities, Human Resources, Parks & Recreation Services, City Clerk's Office, City Attorney's Office, and City Manager's Office. The City's fiscal year 2026/27 fiscal year budget is approximately $396 million. The City of Napa is currently funded for 532 full-time positions. To learn more about the City's budget, click here.

THE DEPARTMENT

The department is rooted in a clear vision to be a high performing team of professionals who deliver reliable infrastructure and services while striving to exceed community expectations. With a strong focus on sustainable infrastructure and enhancing Napa's quality of life, Public Works upholds the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Service, Accountability, Inclusion, and Teamwork.

Public Works is a dynamic, service-oriented organization made up of seven divisions: Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Development Engineering, Transportation Engineering, General Services, and Streets and Sidewalks. The department includes 85 full-time employees who collaborate to provide high quality service to the community.

The department is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the City's essential public infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, drainage and stormwater systems, bridges, streetlights, traffic signals, electrical systems, fleet, and City building facilities.

Public Works also plays a central role in the City's development review and construction inspection processes, traffic safety and transportation planning, bike and trail improvements, and right-of-way management. The department manages the City's five-year Capital Improvement Program, overseeing project scoping, planning, design, project management, and construction management across a range of funding sources, including the General Fund, assessment districts, grants, utility undergrounding, Measure T, Measure U, and gas tax revenues.

In addition, Public Works provides citywide services for fleet management and for the maintenance, operations, and capital planning of City building facilities. The department remains dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure that supports community needs today and long into the future.

Together, the department strives to build on our achievements, continue to be a great place to work, and provide infrastructure and services that our community can take pride in.

THE POSITION

The City of Napa is seeking an experienced Public Works leader to serve as its next Deputy Public Works Director. Reporting to the Public Works Director, this role offers an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional with strong technical expertise, strategic insight, political acumen, and a deep commitment to public service. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and effective communicator who can build strong relationships, develop and lead high-performing teams, navigate complex issues, and successfully advance projects and initiatives while balancing needs of a diverse group of partners. The Deputy Director will oversee the programs, projects, and operations of the department's four engineering divisions: Engineering Design and Capital Projects, Transportation Engineering, Development Engineering, and Construction Management, while leading a team of 26 management, professional, technical, and support staff.

The Deputy Public Works Director is responsible for the full scope of the City's engineering functions, including capital project delivery, infrastructure design, development review, construction, inspection, and contract administration. This position provides strategic leadership by setting goals and policies, managing budgets and resources, developing staff, ensuring efficient and high-quality engineering services, and serving as Acting Public Works Director when needed. The role also includes presenting to elected officials and regulatory agencies, resolving complex public and developer issues, and ensuring compliance with City standards.

Key initiatives include advancing traffic safety and Vision Zero initiatives, partnering with local agencies on flood control infrastructure improvements, coordinating with Caltrans on new roundabouts on a state highway, implementing the City's Pavement Management Plan, collaborating with the Parks and Recreation Department on a 26-acre recreation complex, supporting major development projects, and overseeing City facility renovation projects. Success in this role will require the ability to coordinate across agencies and departments, engage constructively with residents and businesses, and guide complex projects from planning through construction.

This position plays a critical role in modeling and advancing the City's core values through daily work and interactions with staff, community members, and partner agencies while serving the community.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

A successful candidate will be a thoughtful, emotionally intelligent, and strategic leader who brings both technical depth and strong interpersonal skills. The ideal individual will be an exceptional communicator, highly skilled at building trust with staff, elected officials, community members, and partner agencies. They will demonstrate the ability to inspire and motivate teams, cultivate effective working relationships, and promote a community centered, results-driven work environment.

The department is guided by a clear vision to be a high performing team of professionals that delivers reliable infrastructure and services while striving to exceed community expectations. Rooted in its purpose of providing sustainable infrastructure and enhancing Napa's quality of life, Public Works embraces the values of Integrity, Collaboration, Service, Accountability, Inclusion, and Teamwork. The City is seeking a Deputy Public Works Director who embodies these principles, strengthens the department's culture, and supports a workplace grounded in professionalism, inclusivity, and public service.

QUALIFICATIONS

A combination of education and experience for this position includes a Bachelor's degree or equivalent with major work in Civil Engineering and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional civil engineering experience to include three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Experience in a municipal or public setting and a master's degree in civil engineering or business or public administration are desirable.

Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California with good standing is required. Registration in the State of California as a Land Surveyor is desirable, if civil engineering license does not include land surveying.

Please click here to view a full, detail job description of Deputy Public Works Director.

In addition to qualifications, the ideal candidate will have experience demonstrating the following competencies:

• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills - Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical, functional, and/or professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise; leveraging expert knowledge to accomplish results.
• Leading Teams - Using appropriate methods and interpersonal styles to develop, motivate, and guide the team to attain successful outcomes and business objectives.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Providing feedback, instruction, and development guidance to help others excel in their current or future job responsibilities; planning and supporting the development of individual skills and abilities.
• Decision Making - Identifying and understanding problems and opportunities by gathering, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative and qualitative information; choosing the best course of action by establishing clear decision criteria, generating and evaluating alternatives, and making timely decisions; taking action that is consistent with available facts and constraints and optimizes probable consequences.
• Aligning Performance for Success - Focusing and guiding others in accomplishing work objectives.
• Emotional Intelligence - Establishing and sustaining trusting relationships by accurately perceiving and interpreting own and others' emotions and behavior; leveraging insights to effectively manage own responses so that one's behavior matches one's values and delivers intended results
• Resolving Conflict - Helping others deal effectively with an antagonistic situation to minimize damage to the relationships and promote shared goals; using appropriate interpersonal methods to reduce tension or conflict between two or more people and facilitate agreement.
• Influencing - Using effective involvement and persuasion strategies to gain acceptance of ideas and commitment to actions that support specific work outcomes.
• Strategic Planning - Obtaining information and identifying key issues and relationships relevant to achieving a long-range goal; committing to a course of action to accomplish a long-range goal after developing alternatives based on logical assumptions, facts, available resources, constraints, and organizational values.
• Political Acumen - Exhibiting confidence and professional diplomacy while effectively relating to people at all levels internally and externally.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The salary range for this outstanding opportunity is very competitive at $182,968.00 - $221,045.85. Placement within this range is dependent upon qualifications. An upcoming scheduled 2% salary increase will take place in July 2026.

A career with the Utilities Department offers many rewards including excellent benefits and opportunities to make a significant positive impact on the community. In addition to the competitive salary listed above, the City of Napa offers an attractive benefits package including:

• Vacation - New employees can accrue up to 120 hours annually.
• Paid Holidays - 15 paid days per year.
• Extra Paid Time Off - 104 hours (13 days) of Management Leave per year.
• Sick Leave- Employees can accrue up to 96 hours annually.
• Dental and Medical Insurance Plans - The City provides significant contributions to dental and medical plans.
• Health In-Lieu Option - Employees may waive City coverage and opt for health in-lieu at $500 monthly; annual proof of alternative coverage is required.
• Retirement -The City participates in the CalPERS retirement pension system.
• Retiree Health Insurance -City contributes $274 per month for retired employees with at least 10 years of service at retirement.
• Deferred Compensation Program - Employees are eligible to enroll in a 457 Plan and the City contributes $142 per month to 401(A) plan.
• Life Insurance and AD&D - $100,000 of coverage paid for by the City.
• Phone Stipend - Up to $100 per year for equipment and up to $110 per month for usage.
• Tuition & Professional Development Reimbursement - Up to $2,500 per fiscal year.
• Prior Years of Service Vacation Accrual Credit - Full-time service in a City, County, State, Federal Agency, or Special District may be counted towards vacation accrual tiers at the City of Napa.

The City offers the flexibility of a 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off.)

For a full list of benefits, please visit our Employee Benefits webpage.

IMPORTANT DATES

The deadline for submitting applications is no later than 11:59 PM on Sunday, July 12, 2026. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application via City of Napa's website by using the "Apply Now" feature.

Candidates will be invited to a phone interview on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Successful candidates that move forward in the recruitment process will be invited to an in-person interview in Napa on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

QUESTIONS?

Please contact the City of Napa's Human Resources Department via email or (707) 257-9505.

This recruitment and examination is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and may be used to fill future similar vacancies as they occur during the active status of the employment list. The active status of this employment list will be for six (6) months unless abolished sooner or extended beyond that date in accordance with the Civil Service Rules.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

MISSION STATEMENT for the City of Napa

Rooted in public service, our mission is to grow a vibrant, sustainable community for all who live in, work in, and visit the City of Napa, through thoughtful leadership and dedication to excellence.

CORE VALUES for the City of Napa

• Integrity - Consistently demonstrating the highest level of ethical conduct with accountability and pride.

• Service - Engaging in meaningful work to care for our community through resourceful dedication and humble actions.

• Inclusion - Creating a sense of ease and belonging through respect, acceptance, and mindfulness of our collective diversity.

• Collaboration - Working together with a shared purpose while respectfully considering all voices to achieve common goals, solutions, and greater outcomes.

• NOTE: CITY OF NAPA EMPLOYEES SHOULD USE A PERSONAL EMAIL ADDRESS DURING THE APPLICATION PROCESS*

SELECTION PROCESS

The City of Napa utilizes a Civil Service Selection System founded on merit. Such a system is competitive and based on broad outreach efforts and equal opportunity for qualified applicants to take part in a process designed to determine the qualifications, fitness and ability of competitors to perform duties of the vacant position. Many of our recruitments are targeted and specific to the needs of a current vacant position, in which case, an eligible list may be exclusively used for that current vacant position. Other recruitments and eligible lists may be more broadly used for both current and future vacancies, or for other alternate jobs with comparable scopes of work.

Candidates who have participated in a testing process for a recruitment are not eligible to re-take the same test within six (6) months.

What happens next?

• We will review your application and all supplemental materials to select the best qualified applicants to continue in the selection process. Application appraisal includes a review of qualifications, education, training, and experience related to the job, as well as supplemental questions if applicable.
• Applicants moving forward in the selection process may be asked to participate in any combination of the following (at any phase of the selection process): online assessment, written examination, job-related exercise, phone interview, and panel interview. These testing steps may be conducted on a pass/fail basis, and/or percentage-based scoring methodology.
• Based on the City Charter, the final phase of the selection process is the Probationary Period, which in most cases is six (6) months but may be twelve (12) months depending on the classification.
• When three or fewer candidates are available, the testing procedures outlined in the Job Announcement may be waived by the Human Resources Department.

Language Equity

• If you need assistance with the recruitment and selection process in Spanish, contact us at 707-257-9505. These request will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
• Si necesita ayuda con el proceso de reclutamiento y selección en español, contáctenos al 707-257-9505. Estas solicitudes se evaluarán caso por caso.

Reasonable Accommodations

The City of Napa Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate qualified disabled applicants. Individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation in the testing process must inform the HR Department in writing by the final filing date. A Reasonable Accommodation Request Form is available from HR and may be obtained by calling 707-257-9505, or dial 7-1-1 for the California Relay Service, offering free text-to-speech, speech-to-speech, and Spanish-language services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The City of Napa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace will maximize our talents to benefit the residents we serve.

Follow this link for more detailed information.

01

Are you currently registered and in good standing as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California? If yes, please provide your license number, issuing agency, date issued, and expiration date under the "Certificates and Licenses" section of your application.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering or a closely related field?

• Yes
• No

03

Please briefly describe your experience managing public works operations and/or infrastructure programs that emphasize capital improvements, operational efficiency, and fiscal accountability. Include information about how your experience relates to the role of Deputy Public Works Director, including your supervisory and leadership responsibilities.

04

Describe your experience developing and managing departmental operating and capital budgets. Include the size of the budgets and your level of responsibility.

Required Question

Employer City of Napa

Address 1541 Second Street

Napa, California, 94559

Phone 707-257-9505

Website http://www.cityofnapa.org/jobs