Public Works Manager I/II/III

Public Works Manager I/II/III

Salary

$110,594.75 - $187,477.97 Annually

Location

Ventura and Moorpark and may require travel throughout Ventura County, CA

Job Type

Full-Time Regular

Job Number

0706PWA-26AB (KF)

Department

Public Works Agency

Opening Date

06/24/2026

Closing Date

7/10/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

WHAT WE OFFER

The County of Ventura offers an attractive compensation and benefits package that includes:

• Educational Incentive - An educational incentive of 2.5% for the completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for the completion of a bachelors degree or 5% for the completion of a graduate degree.
• Bilingual Incentive - Proficiency levels by exam are $.69 per hour (Level I), $1.00 per hour (Level II) or $1.32 per hour (Level III).
• Flexible Workweek/Telework Schedule - We support a work/life balance by offering compressed work (e.g., 9/80 workweek) and remote hybrid telework schedules for some positions subject to organizational needs and satisfactory performance.
• Annual Leave Accrual - New regular, full-time employees in this classification will earn 208 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service.
• Annual Leave Redemption - An employee may elect to "cash in" or redeem up to 100 hours of vacation accrued in the same year after using 80 hours of vacation in the preceding 12 months.
• Deferred Compensation - Eligible to participate in the Countys 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3.00% match on your 401(k) contributions.
• Health Plans - Full time employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Pre-tax benefit towards eligible medical, dental and vision care expenses.
• Pension Plan - Participation in the Countys defined benefit pension plan, which has reciprocity with CalPERS.
• Holidays - 12 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.

The PUBLIC WORKS AGENCY employs Public Works Manager I/II/III in four (4) Departments:

• Engineering Services (ES) is responsible for a wide range of engineering services to clients within the County of Ventura organization and the public. The Department is comprised of three (3) divisions, Project Services, Land Development Services and the Surveyors Office. Services include project and construction management for vertical projects, land development services, floodplain development permitting and land surveying services.
• Roads & Transportation (RT) is responsible for planning, designing, funding, building, operating and maintaining the County Road System, approximately 542 centerline miles of roadway, bridges, drainage and related transportation facilities, and coordination of unincorporated area public transit needs.
• Water & Sanitation (WS) operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to serve the public and is responsible for the administration, customer service, billing, operation, maintenance, design, construction, and inspection of water and sewer systems: specifically four potable water systems, seven sewer collection systems, three wastewater treatment plants and one (1) recycled water system. The Department is also responsible for program management and administration of the County's solid waste programs.
• Watershed Protection (WP) operates and maintains 216 miles of improved channels, 55 dams, 4 coastal pump stations and 183 rain and stream gauges with a $2.7B current replacement value; and is responsible for planning, design (hydrology and hydraulic and structural), and construction of flood conveyance assets, and permitting authority for 950 miles of jurisdictional watercourses. The Department also provides staff to the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency.

THE POSITIONS

The Public Works Manager (PW MGR) I/II, under direction, manages a small to mid-sized (I) or mid-sized to large-sized (II) section of the Public Works Agency (PWA), including Environmental Services, Stormwater Resources, Groundwater Resources, Hydrography, or Hydrology; assists in the planning, organizing, directing and coordinating of the varied activities within the assigned section; and performs related duties as assigned.

The PW MGR III, under general direction, plans, organizes, integrates and directs the activities and work of a major division of the Public Works Agency, including Environmental Services, Stormwater Resources, Groundwater Resources, Hydrography, or Hydrology, which includes supervising a broad range of employees; represents the Agency in matters relating to divisional responsibilities; and performs related duties as assigned.

There is currently one (1) Regular Public Works Manager II vacancy and one (1) anticipated Public Works Manager II vacancy.

The Public Works Manager II vacancy within Engineering Services, under direction, manages the Land Development Services Division's grading, geotechnical, flood development permitting and emergency response programs. Responsibilities include overseeing staff and permit programs; conducting technical reviews of grading, drainage, geotechnical, hydrologic, and development projects; ensuring compliance with CEQA and applicable codes; managing inspections, consultant contracts, and complaint investigations; processing water service-related requests; providing customer service; coordinating with internal and external stakeholders; updating codes and plans; and responding to drainage and geotechnical emergencies, including slope stability issues.

The anticipated Public Works Manager II vacancy within Watershed Protection, under direction, manages the County's Groundwater Resources Program which supports implementation of the County's Well Ordinance and the Countys General Plan efforts focused on groundwater resource protection. Responsibilities include overseeing field investigations and data collection, well permitting throughout most of Ventura County, and development project reviews, as well as coordination with the local Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. The Groundwater Resources Program operates as a County team and is separate from the Fox Canyon Groundwater Management Agency.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The PW MGR I differs from the PW MGR II in that the latter classification is characterized by increased budgetary responsibility, number of staff supervised including supervision of surveyors, technical, and/or clerical employees; complexity of the technical responsibility; and impact of their decisions. PW MGR I differs from the Hydrologist IV (or equivalent) as Hydrologist IV does not supervise a major section; however, may supervise hydrologic programs or complex, major projects.

The PW MGR II differs from the PW MGR III in that the latter classification manages a major division within the PWA. PW MGR II is generally responsible for the direction of technical program activities of an independent work unit or specialized area and do not generally exercise the decision-making accountability characteristics of a PW MGR III.

The PW MGR III differs from the Deputy Director-Public Works in that the latter classification is responsible for a larger budget and managing engineers; and differs from PW MGR II in that incumbents are more totally accountable for a significant part of departmental operations, such as an entire division, and may supervise a broader range of employees, including management, professional, technical, maintenance, and/or clerical positions.

PAYROLL TITLES AND APPROXIMATE SALARIES

PW MGR I: $4,253.64 - $5,955.69/biweekly

PW MGR II: $4,649.48 - $6,509.911/biweekly

PW MGR III: $5,149.99 - $7,210.69/biweekly

Public Works Manager I, II and III are Management classifications and not eligible for overtime compensation. Incumbents in this classification are eligible for benefits at the MB3 level.

Examples Of Duties

Duties for PW MGR I/II may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manages a major department or Agency program, project, or a section's daily activities including planning, organizing, and managing the programmatic, administrative, and operational activities within designated areas of responsibility; monitors and evaluates work in progress to ensure compliance with goals and policies.
• Participates in the identification and allocation of resources (fiscal, staffing, and materials) and contributes to the problem-solving, decision making, and planning activities of the Agency.
• Directs, supervises, and participates in the development and administration of budgets; coordinating and directing the forecasting of funds needed; researches and analyzes funding resources and availability; may develop and write proposals for grant applications; administers grants; and prepares documentation for reimbursement of federal and state funds.
• Represents the Department with organizations, local communities, special interest groups, businesses, customers, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• Assists with or supervises, hires, trains, counsels and evaluates assigned staff; recommends or imposes management or disciplinary action.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned areas; recommend, within departmental policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; provides technical advice and assistance to internal and external customers.
• Compiles or directs the compilation of, analyzes, and interprets data necessary to manage programs and projects.
• Prepares or directs the preparation of related studies, correspondence, presentations, and reports.
• Sets-up, maintains, and utilizes databases and other specialized public works computer systems.
• Researches, analyzes, and interprets information and data necessary to manage projects and implement requirements.
• Conducts analyses and develops plans associated with projects.
• May visit sites and perform field review of facilities and infrastructure and direct repairs subsequent to disasters and emergencies.
• May investigate complaints from the public to resolve issues and concerns.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Duties for PW MGR III may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Responsible for all activities of the division while identifying and allocating divisional resources (fiscal, staffing, and materials).
• Coordinates activities with other divisions, departments, state, federal and local agencies, property owners, or developers.
• Directs the preparation and administration of annual budgets; identifies needs and makes or approves purchases for necessary supplies, materials, and rentals to accomplish divisional assignments.
• Develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned division.
• Directs the compilation, analysis, and/or interpretation of data necessary to manage division.
• Acts as project manager and manages projects from initial design to completion, including preparing standards and budget; determining feasibility; assessing environmental impact; negotiating with consultants; administering contracts; ensuring federal, state, and county standards and requirements are met; and approving completed project.
• Directs and supervises the preparation of reports, specialized studies and contract documents.
• Supervises, hires, trains, counsels, and evaluates technical, professional, management, and clerical staff; recommends and imposes disciplinary action.
• Reviews and recommends division or departmental policies on technical standards and specifications.
• Supervises and directs the negotiations and preparation of joint powers agreements with other agencies; conducts negotiations with developers, contractors, consultants, and other service or product providers.
• Evaluates existing or proposed legislation as to its operational or financial effects on division or departmental activities.
• Represents the division or Agency before commissions, organizations, local communities, special interest groups, businesses, customers, and the general public using principles of good customer service.
• May visit sites and perform field reviews or investigations.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Qualifications

These are entrance requirements to the exam process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING and EXPERIENCE

PW MGR I/II: Considerable (PW MGR I) or progressively responsible (PW MGR II) experience related to the specific assignment and education which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes completion of a Bachelors degree in geology, hydrogeology, biology, environmental science, natural science, civil or environmental engineering or a related discipline AND three (3) years (PW MGR I) or four (4) years (PW MGR II) of related experience, including at least one (1) year (PW MGR I) or two (2) years (PW MGR II) of direct supervisory experience.

PW MGR III: Extensive, progressively responsible experience related to the specific assignment which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes completion of a Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, biology, environmental science, natural science, civil or environmental engineering or a related discipline AND two (2) years managing a Public Works section at a level equivalent to a PW MGR II.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid California drivers license;
• Depending on area of assignment, professional certification may be required;
• Ability to walk on rough or uneven surfaces; and withstand exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, gas, fumes, heights, and inclement weather or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities; AND
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal. Skills must be demonstrated in the completion of the employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

DESIRED (when applicable to position)

• Some experience managing land development permitting programs involving grading, geotechnical, drainage and flood control elements; administering State of California and local building codes, seismic requirements and laws and general plan requirements; and evaluating and managing the response to grading, geotechnical and drainage concerns and emergencies (ES);
• Some experience in geology, hydrogeology, well construction, groundwater management and/or related programs; database management; and municipal ordinance implementation and enforcement (WP); OR
• State of California registration as a Licensed Geologist, Hydrogeologist, or Professional Land Surveyor; or Certification as a Professional Hydrologist from the American Institute of Hydrology.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of: the principles, practices, and modern methods and techniques of public works maintenance and management appropriate to the assigned position; project and contract management techniques; modern methods and techniques used in the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of a wide variety of public works projects, such as, streets, roads, flood control facilities, water and wastewater utility facilities, buildings, other facilities, groundwater studies, administration, etc.; applicable state, federal and local laws, regulations, ordinances, etc.; the principles and practices of administration, supervision, and training.

Skilled in: the use of computers and applicable software.

Working (I/II) or considerable (III) ability to: apply appropriate technical knowledge to the planning, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining, and administration of applicable public works facilities, programs, and projects; manage projects including designing, planning, monitoring, and approving work; prepare and monitor budgets and/or grants; identify needs and assignments and exercise judgment in carrying them out; plan, research, design, and perform environmental, hydrological and geological studies and reports; communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing; prepare (I/II) or direct (III) the preparation of complex reports and make recommendations; manage, analyze, and interpret data; plan, organize, train, motivate, evaluate, and supervise the work of subordinates and consultants; work with diverse stakeholders to identify and achieve mutual goals; maintain cooperative working relationships with federal, state and local officials, and the general public; and render decisions under controversial or emergency conditions and those involving considerable public interest based upon established legal or professional standards (III).

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Work is performed primarily in an office environment and may include travel to and from construction and maintenance sites, which may involve working near equipment or machinery on rough or uneven surfaces, and exposure to dust, noise, chemicals, gas, fumes, or heights; and may occasionally be exposed to inclement or hazardous conditions requiring moderate to heavy physical activities.

Recruitment Process

FINAL FILING DATE: Your application must be received by the County of Ventura, Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026.

To apply online, please refer to our website at www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura, Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: It is essential that you complete all sections of your application and supplemental questionnaire thoroughly and accurately to demonstrate your qualifications. A resume and/or other related documents may be attached to supplement the information in your application; however, it/they may not be substituted in lieu of the application.

NOTE: If presently permanently employed in another "merit" or "civil service" public agency/entity in the same or substantively similar position as is advertised, and if appointed to that position by successful performance in a "merit" or "civil service" style examination, then appointment by "Lateral Transfer" may be possible. If interested, please click here (Download PDF reader) for additional information.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE - qualifying: All applicants are required to complete and submit the questionnaire for this exam at the time of filing. This questionnaire may be used throughout the examination process to assist in determining each applicants qualifications and acceptability for the position. Failure to complete and submit the questionnaire may result in removal of the application from further consideration.

APPLICATION EVALUATION - qualifying: All applications will be reviewed to determine whether the stated requirements are met. Applicants meeting the stated requirements will be invited to continue to the next step in the recruitment process.

TRAINING and EXPERIENCE EVALUATION: A Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E) is a structured evaluation of the job application materials submitted by a candidate, including the written responses to the supplemental questionnaire. The T&E is NOT a determination of whether the candidate meets the stated requirements; rather, the T&E is one method for determining who are the better qualified among those who have shown that they meet the stated requirements. In a T&E, applications are either scored or rank ordered according to criteria that most closely meet the business needs of the department. Candidates are typically scored/ranked in relation to one another; consequently, when the pool of candidates is exceptionally strong, many qualified candidates may receive a score or rank which is moderate or even low resulting in them not being advanced in the process.

NOTE: The selection process may consist of an Oral Examination, which may be preceded by or replaced with a score from a Training and Experience Evaluation (T&E), contingent upon the size and quality of the candidate pool. In a typical T&E, your training and experience are evaluated in relation to the background, experience and factors identified for successful job performance during a job analysis. For this reason, it is recommended that your application materials clearly show your relevant background and specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities. It is also highly recommended that the supplemental questions within the application are completed with care and diligence. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

ORAL EXAMINATION - 100%: A job-related oral examination may be conducted to evaluate and compare participating candidates knowledge, skills, and abilities in relation to those factors which job analysis has determined to be essential for successful performance of the job. Candidates must earn a score of seventy percent (70%) or higher to qualify for placement on the eligible list.

If there are three (3) or fewer qualified applicants, an examination will not be conducted. Instead, a score of seventy percent (70%) will be assigned to each application, and each applicant will be placed on the eligible list.

ELIGIBLE LIST: Candidates successfully completing the examination process may be placed on an eligible list for a period of one (1) year. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill present and future Regular (including Temporary, and Fixed-term), Extra-Help and Intermittent vacancies.

Note: If appointed at the lower level, incumbents may be promoted to the higher level without further examination upon meeting the minimum requirements, demonstrating satisfactory performance, and in accordance with business needs of the department.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: The selected candidate may be subjected to a thorough post-offer, pre-employment background investigation which may include inquiry into past employment, education, criminal background information, and driving record.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Kelli Fitzgerald by email at kelli.fitzgerald@venturacounty.gov.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

YOUR BENEFITS AS A COUNTY OF VENTURA EMPLOYEE

MANAGEMENT

To learn more about Benefits, Retirement, and the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), see links below.

• Benefits website or you may call (805) 654-2570.
• Retirement FAQs
• Memorandum of Agreement

Union Codes: MB3, MB4, MS, MT, MCC, MU

01

The eligible list for this recruitment may be established by way of a Training & Experience (T&E) evaluation of your application: therefore, it is imperative that you provide full, complete responses to the supplemental questions below and provide detail in the Work Experience section to support your answers. Your final score will reflect any insufficient and/or missing, inconsistent information. Do you understand this statement?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid California drivers license?

• Yes
• No

03

Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• No high school diploma or GED
• High school diploma or GED
• 1 to less than 60 semester units of college course work
• 60 or more semester units of college course work, but no degree
• Associate degree
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

04

Please indicate the major field of study for the highest level of education you indicated above.

• Geology
• Hydrogeology
• Biology
• Environmental Science
• Natural Science
• Civil Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Other closely related field of study related to this position
• Other field of study not related to this position
• N/A

05

If you marked "Other closely related field of study related to this position" in the question above, please indicate the field of study for your highest level of educational achievement AND how it relates to this position.

Respond "N/A" if this does not apply to you.

06

Which option below best describes your full-time progressively responsible, public works maintenance and management related experience?

(NOTE: Full-time is considered 40 hours per week; anything less than that must be prorated.)

• No experience
• Some to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 or more years

07

Describe your experience in performing professional public works maintenance and management work related to:

1. Public Works project management (selecting and supervising consultants for design projects with review of consultant plans, specifications and reports);

2. Surveying, geologic work and land development;

3. Roads and Transportation projects (roads, bridges, signalized intersections, pavement overlays/resurfacing, retaining walls, and other related projects);

4. Flood control (hydraulic & structural analyses, grading & drainage plans, geometric design, horizontal & vertical alignments, compliance with the CEQA requirements);

5. Water and wastewater systems (distribution and collection systems, water/wastewater treatment facilities, SCADA, reservoirs, etc.);

6. Water resources (stormwater, groundwater); AND

7. Administration (fiscal, human resources, health and safety, information technology, real estate services, strategic management).

Be thorough and clear in your response and include the following for each item:

A. Employer(s);

B. Job title(s);

C. Time frame(s) (start and end dates in month/year format); AND

D. Detailed description of your role(s) and responsibilities.

Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

08

Describe your direct supervisory and/or management experience. Include the following:

A. Your job title(s);

B. Time frame(s) (start and end dates in month/year format);

C. Number of employees you managed/supervised; AND

D. Detailed description of your duties and responsibilities such as conducting performance evaluations, imposing corrective/disciplinary action, training staff, participating in the employee selection process and implementing corrective action.

Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

09

Describe your project and contract management experience. Be thorough and clear in your response and include the following:

A. Scope of project(s)/contract(s);

B. Your role(s)/position(s);

C. Detailed description of your role(s) and responsibilities;

D. Cost of project(s)/contract(s);

E. Time frame(s) (start and end dates in month/year format); AND

F. Any special considerations.

Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

10

Describe your experience analyzing and conducting complex environmental, hydrological and geological studies and reports. Be thorough and clear in your response and include the following:

A. Your role(s)/position(s);

B. The complex studies/reports you prepared and/or directed;

C. Your recommendation; AND

D. The results/outcome.

Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

11

Describe your proficiency in the use of computers and related programs/software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Maintenance Management. For each item, include the following:

A. Your proficiency level (beginner, intermediate, advanced, expert); AND

B. Description of your use of the items to demonstrate your proficiency level.

Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

12

Describe your experience working with diverse stakeholders such as regulatory and governmental officials, elected officials, engineers/consultants, private property owners, committees, etc. to identify and achieve mutual goals. Provide an example that illustrates your breadth and depth of this experience; decisions you made under controversial or emergency conditions, if any; and its results/outcome.

Respond "no experience" if you do not have this type of experience.

13

This position requires the ability to walk on rough or uneven surfaces/slopes and work safely while exposed to construction equipment, noise, dust, fumes, inclement weather and/or hazardous conditions, with or without a reasonable accommodation. Are you able and willing to perform these functions and work safely under these conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation?

• Yes
• No

14

Please select from the choices below, which level(s) in this classification series you want to be considered for. You may select more than one.

• PW MGR I
• PW MGR II
• PW MGR III

15

Please select from the choices below, which department(s) you want to be considered for. You may select more than one.

• Engineering Services
• Roads and Transportation
• Water and Sanitation
• Watershed Protection

Required Question

Employer Ventura County

Address 800 S. Victoria Avenue

LOC. #1970

Ventura, California, 93009

Phone (805) 654-5129

Website http://hr.venturacounty.gov