Public Works Division Manager - Transportation

Public Works Division Manager - Transportation

Salary

$137,737.60 - $184,579.20 Annually

Location

San Luis Obispo, CA

Job Type

Permanent - Salary

Job Number

0726PM-300052-01

Department

Public Works

Division

40512 PW Transportation

Opening Date

07/28/2026

Closing Date

8/23/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

About the Position

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is seeking a Division Manager - Transportation!

The County of San Luis Obispo is offering a career opportunity for an experienced manager to lead the Transportation Division in Public Works. This is a team of more than 70 professionals responsible for road maintenance, transportation engineering, planning, and project management over a 1,349 mile countywide road system. The Transportation Division Manager is a key member of the leadership team within the APWA accredited Public Works Department. The Division Manager will join a team of 300+ Public Works professionals who provide the full range of services across San Luis Obispo County. The position manages staff operating in the following disciplines:

• Transportation Programs and Pavement Management
• Traffic Operations
• Transportation Planning
• Disaster Recovery
• Road Operations and Maintenance

The position works closely with the department's Development Services, Capital Project Delivery, Design, Construction, Environmental and Finance teams to enhance safe and efficient mobility throughout San Luis Obispo County. Position responsibilities include:

• Defining and developing a collaborative, customer service-oriented staff
• Planning and delegating operations, maintenance, and planning responsibilities
• Coordinating with partner agencies and public stakeholders
• Ensuring regulatory mandates are met for the road system
• Preparing and presenting staff reports to the County Board of Supervisors
• Managing division budgets to advance necessary maintenance work, improvement projects and other initiatives

This position offers an annual salary range of $137,737 - $184,579 (DOE) plus a generous benefit package. Click Here for the full job description.

The Ideal Candidate

In addition to the technical strengths and experience necessary for guiding the management of a large road system, this position requires a leader who desires to make a difference in the safety and well-being of the community, and who can impart the same values in other public works professionals. Are you someone who can effectively communicate with people about WHY we serve the public? Do you prioritize the growth and development of your team? Do you possess a strong service ethic, a high level of personal accountability, and want to lead in an organization dedicated to serving communities to enhance the quality of life for our fellow county residents? If so, you are encouraged to apply for this career opportunity.Education and Experience

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in a related field. In addition, four years of increasingly responsible professional-level experience performing a variety of administrative or fiscal activities, two years of such experience being in a supervisory position.

Licenses and Certificates

A valid drivers license is required at the time of application. A valid CALIFORNIA drivers license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.

Other Specifications

This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process.

How to Apply

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date. To apply for this position, click "apply" at the top of this page. Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process. We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. The job includes duties and responsibilities that require frequent, regular attendance at our San Luis Obispo County office.

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veterans Preference Points

If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veterans preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points. Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit. Please note that Veteran's credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.

Make a Difference

Employees of the County of San Luis Obispo are public servants who impact the lives of our community every day. From supporting efforts to reduce homelessness, keeping our drinking water clean, or serving the families in need in the community, County employees make a difference.

Compensation and Benefits

Your annual salary is supplemented by a generous benefit package.

In general, temporary employees are not eligible for County-sponsored benefits and may have limited benefit options available to them. For more information on benefit eligibility, please e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us.

For additional information regarding the benefits listed that may be available to you, visit the associated Benefits-At-A-Glance webpage (click here for link).

Some benefits include:

• Medical (PPO, EPO, HDHP), Dental (HMO, PPO) and Vision Insurance
• Health enhancing programs such as Hinge Health, GIThrive and Carrum Health for medical enrollees.
• Cafeteria (County contribution to pay for insurance premiums)
• Free visits to the employee health clinic
• Mental Health resources/benefits including Headspace
• Voluntary insurance plans (life insurance, disability, critical illness and many more)
• A lifelong retirement benefit through the San Luis Obispo County Pension Trust
• Optional deferred compensation plan with up to $500 per year match (depending on bargaining unit)
• Tax savings accounts (medical and dependent care)
• Paid personal, sick and vacation days
• 12 paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Education and Wellness Allowance
• Post Employment Health Plan
• Family Friendly workplace policies
• Flexible work schedule options
• Rideshare commuter benefits
• Pet Insurance

The County of San Luis Obispo has been recognized as a Diamond Level Family Friendly Workplace by San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. We support our employees through: childcare assistance, flexible scheduling practices, paid and unpaid leave, comprehensive health benefits, flexible spending accounts, and employee assistance programs.

Pension Benefit and Employee Contribution Rates:

The Countys pension is a defined benefit plan that provides a guaranteed monthly pension payment for life based on your time in service, wages, and other factors. The County is the primary contributor to the pension fund, but the health of the pension fund also depends on mandatory employee contributions. Employees are required to pay a percentage of their base pay towards the pension fund, ranging from 5% to 19%. This amount is deducted from your paycheck pre-tax every pay period. To find out how much will be deducted from your paycheck should you be hired for this position, please contact Pension Trust at (805) 781-5465.

Healthcare Benefits and Cafeteria Contributions:

The County offers comprehensive medical coverage to you and your family, along with two dental plan options and vision coverage. All permanent employees receive a monthly employer contribution (or 'cafeteria' contribution) to help them pay for their portion of the medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums. The amount of the cafeteria contribution varies by Bargaining Unit (BU) and the extent to which employees enroll their dependents. If the cafeteria amount is greater than your selected premiums, the remainder of the cafeteria is paid out to you in your paycheck as taxable income. If the cafeteria amount is less than your monthly premiums, you pay the remainder of the premiums with pre-tax wages.

To estimate your out-of-pocket costs (or cashback from extra cafeteria), visit the Cafeteria Rates webpage (click here for link).

Learning and Development

The County prioritizes your learning, personal and professional development, and career growth. Employees have access to over 1500 on-demand courses, instructor led courses, and job-specific trainings.

Employees can take courses to upskill to make themselves more competitive for promotional opportunities and further their career growth. Examples of courses include:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Supervisor/Manager academies
• Microsoft Suite courses
• Defensive Driving
• Financial management
• Retirement preparedness
• Teambuilding
• Written Communication
• Conflict Management
• Clifton StrengthsFinder and DISC
• Job specific conferences/trainings

Student Loan Forgiveness

Did you know that if you are employed by a government agency you may be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

County employees also have access to GotZoom, a program that offers tools and support to navigate your federal student loans.

Homebuyer assistance program

Employees have access to the "Assist-to-Own" program sponsored by Golden State Finance Authority (click here for link to more information) to get a loan for the down payment.

01

The County of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department is seeking a Wastewater Systems Superintendent to join our team

02

Describe your management style and your approach to leading a team and developing staff.

03

Provide 2-3 examples of how specific professional experiences or personal strengths have prepared you to be successful in this position.

Required Question

Employer County of San Luis Obispo

Address 1055 Monterey Street

Suite D-250

San Luis Obispo, California, 93408

Phone 805-781-5959

Website http://www.slocounty.ca.gov/