Job detail for DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

City of San Marcos

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

SALARY

$76.36 - $111.07 Hourly

$6,108.56 - $8,885.99 Biweekly

$13,235.20 - $19,252.98 Monthly

$158,822.44 - $231,035.70 Annually

LOCATION

San Marcos, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

JOB NUMBER

2026 - 64

DEPARTMENT

Public Works

OPENING DATE

09/21/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/2/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

SALARY

$76.36 - $111.07 Hourly

$6,108.56 - $8,885.99 Biweekly

$13,235.20 - $19,252.98 Monthly

$158,822.44 - $231,035.70 Annually

LOCATION

San Marcos, CA

JOB TYPE

Full Time

JOB NUMBER

2026 - 64

DEPARTMENT

Public Works

OPENING DATE

09/21/2026

CLOSING DATE

11/2/2026 4:00 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Passionate about community? Ready to lead a department that keeps San Marcos moving?

Then consider joining the ranks of top-notch public employees who are helping shape the future of San Marcos.

The City of San Marcos invites qualified applications for the position of Director of Public Works. We are seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking leader who will provide strategic direction, inspire high-performing teams, and ensure the continued delivery of exceptional public services. This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact in a growing community that values innovation, fiscal responsibility, and customer service.

THE RIGHT PLACE

Just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, San Marcos has emerged as one of San Diego County's most desirable communities, offering top-ranked schools, California State University San Marcos, and a thriving economy. Residents and businesses alike are discovering that San Marcos is a great place to live, work, and play.

In San Marcos, you can:

• Explore 44 beautiful parks with more than 300 acres of open space
• Trek 72 miles of scenic trails
• Enjoy more than 240 restaurants and breweries
• Participate in over 50 community events each year
• Experience the benefits of living and working in one of North County's most dynamic communities

YOUR IMPACT

The Director of Public Works serves as a key member of the City's executive leadership team and is responsible for the overall direction and management of the Public Works Department. This position oversees the maintenance and operations of streets, fleet, facilities, parks, right of way landscapes, traffic signals, streetlights, stormwater systems, drainage infrastructure, and special district maintenance programs. In addition to maintaining the City's critical public assets and infrastructure, the Director will lead the implementation of major asset replacement and facility improvement projects, including building renovations, HVAC and building system replacements, park enhancements, and a growing portfolio of grant-funded initiatives  that enhance services for the community.

The next Director of Public Works will have the opportunity to:

• Lead Exceptional Teams: Provide leadership and direction to managers, supervisors, and staff dedicated to delivering high-quality public services.
• Advance Strategic Priorities: Guide long-range planning efforts, asset management initiatives, and service delivery improvements that support the City's goals.
• Champion Operational Excellence: Ensure efficient and effective use of resources while maintaining a strong focus on customer service and continuous improvement.
• Oversee Complex Programs: Direct departmental operations, operating budgets, consultant contracts, maintenance activities, major asset replacement efforts, facility improvement projects, and externally funded initiatives.
• Build Strong Partnerships: Collaborate with elected officials, community members, regulatory agencies, developers, and regional partners to address public works challenges and opportunities.
• Shape the City's Future: Participate in Citywide initiatives and provide highly responsible professional assistance to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager on matters affecting public infrastructure and service delivery.

PUBLIC SERVICE IS AT OUR CORE

At the City of San Marcos, we are driven to serve more than 95,000 residents by providing the essential services and infrastructure that enhance quality of life. We are looking for a leader who embraces our organizational values and is committed to building a strong, sustainable future for our community.

Our core values include:

• Be Problem Solvers (Customer Service): Anticipate needs and provide effective solutions.
• Be Good Partners (Teamwork): Collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Fiscal Responsibility (Operate Like an Efficient Business): Make informed decisions that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Build to Last (Professionalism): Deliver high-quality work that benefits the community for years to come.

THE RIGHT PERKS

The Director of Public Works position offers an outstanding executive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary
• 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off
• Employer-paid medical premiums at 90%
• Dental and vision benefits
• Fourteen paid holidays annually
• Vacation and sick leave accruals
• Executive leave benefits
• Participation in the CalPERS retirement system
• Social Security participation
• Tuition reimbursement program, which may also be used toward eligible student loan payments

Please review the Benefits tab for complete details regarding the City's benefits package.

Recruitment timeline

• Application deadline: Applications will be accepted through 4:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026.
• Application review and HR Career Conversation: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Based on the application review, top-qualified candidates who's experience most aligns with the position needs will be invited to participate in a required virtual HR Career Conversation as the next step in the competitive selection process. Career Conversations will be scheduled on a rolling basis throughout the application period. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for consideration and scheduling. Participation in a Career Conversation does not guarantee advancement to the first-round interview.
• First-round interviews (in-person): TBD
• City Manager interviews (in-person): TBD

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

Please click on the link below to read the full job description.

Director of Public Works Director - $158,822.44 - $231,035.70 annually

Class Specifications | DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com)

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, construction management, public administration, civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, or a related field is preferred. However, equivalent experience, certification, licensure and/or education will be considered in lieu of a degree.   A master’s degree is highly desirable.

Experience:

At least  ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public works management, infrastructure maintenance, or municipal operations, including at least four (4) years in a supervisory or management capacity.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record. Professional certifications and/or licenses and accreditations are highly desirable.

EmployerCity of San Marcos

Address

1 Civic Center Dr.

San Marcos, California, 92069

Phone 760-744-1050

Websitehttp://www.sanmarcosca.gov

EmployerCity of San MarcosPhone 760-744-1050 Websitehttp://www.sanmarcosca.govAddress

1 Civic Center Dr.

San Marcos, California, 92069

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1 The Director of Public Works serves as a member of the City's executive leadership team and is responsible for leading a diverse department focused on operations, maintenance, asset management, and service delivery. Describe your leadership philosophy and approach to establishing priorities, building accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration and customer service within a large organization.

• QUESTION 2 Describe a time when you led a significant operational improvement, service enhancement, or organizational change within a Public Works or municipal services environment. How did you engage employees, manage competing priorities, and measure success? What was the overall impact on service delivery or organizational effectiveness?

• QUESTION 3 The Director of Public Works regularly communicates with elected officials, executive leadership, residents, and community stakeholders regarding service levels, operational challenges, and emerging issues. Describe your approach to building trust, communicating difficult information, and responding to community concerns while maintaining a focus on organizational priorities.

• QUESTION 4 Public Works departments must balance day-to-day service delivery with long-term asset preservation and infrastructure needs. Describe how you approach allocating resources between immediate operational demands and longer-term maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement priorities. Please provide a specific example.

• Required Question