Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
DESCRIPTION
About the Position Lane County is seeking a strategic, thoughtful, and politically astute leader who understands the important role Public Works plays in the success of the County and the quality of life of its communities. The Public Works Director brings a clear vision for the department and recognizes that achieving it requires sound judgment, strong relationships, and the ability to connect the dots across a complex organization. Comfortable navigating competing priorities and political dynamics, this leader provides candid, well-informed advice while remaining focused on organizational and community needs. They bring an experienced public-sector perspective and understand both the opportunities and constraints of delivering services in a complex environment. The Public Works Director provides leadership and direction for Lane County’s Public Works Department, overseeing its people, assets, resources, programs, and services. This position reports to the County Administrator and works closely with the Administrator, the Executive Leadership Team and the Board of County Commissioners. The Director establishes priorities, develops short- and long-range plans, and aligns Public Works with the County’s broader goals and objectives. As a member of the County’s executive management team, the Director also contributes to countywide policy, strategy, and organizational priorities. The Director provides vision, high-level administrative leadership, and operational oversight across eight diverse divisions: Administrative Services, Engineering and Construction, General Services (including Animal Services and Fleet), Land Management, Lane Events Center, Parks, Road and Bridge Maintenance, and Waste Management. This executive-level role requires a person who is driven to connect across varied public works disciplines, breaks down operational silos, and cultivates cross-functional collaboration. Success requires balancing long-term priorities with day-to-day service delivery, empowering managers, developing staff, and relying on the technical expertise of a talented Public Works team. This position also serves as a careful steward of Public Works’ financial and organizational resources, overseeing the department’s budget, expenditures, and allocation of resources to support effective and cost-conscious service delivery. The Director serves as a key liaison and spokesperson for Public Works, building effective relationships with elected officials, County leadership, other departments, community partners, governmental agencies, and the public. A people-centered leader, the successful candidate prioritizes knowing and understanding the people doing the work. Visible and accessible, they spend time in each division, engaging with employees and demonstrating genuine interest in their work. The successful candidate is a collaborative and effective partner, building strong relationships across the County and with elected officials, community partners, and other stakeholders. They work effectively across departments and divisions with different cultures and needs, flexing their approach when greater engagement is needed and bringing people together around shared goals.
About the Public Works Department:
The Lane County Public Works Department maintains, protects, and enhances the livability and sustainability of the region’s built and natural environments. With a budget of $148.6 million and supported by a talented and dedicated workforce of 387 employees, the department delivers critical public infrastructure and community services across eight operating divisions:
Administrative Services: Delivers department financial planning, budget management, procurement, executive support, recruitment, training, and labor relations liaison to advance operational efficiency across all Public Works divisions. Engineering & Construction Services: Delivers comprehensive transportation planning, surveying, design, environmental permitting, and construction management for County road and bridge capital projects while overseeing right-of-way permitting and regional traffic safety operations. General Services: Manages full-lifecycle County fleet acquisition and maintenance operations while providing rural domestic and livestock animal welfare, regulatory enforcement, pet licensing, and sheltering services through Lane County Animal Services. Land Management: Oversees rural land use planning, building safety plan review, electrical inspections, code compliance, and subsurface sanitation to balance environmental stewardship with housing development and rural economic vitality. Lane Events Center: Operates a dynamic 52-acre event campus hosting year-round community celebrations, exhibitions, athletic competitions, and the production of the annual Lane County Fair. Parks: Operates and preserves 66 recreational sites, campgrounds, boat launches, marinas, and historic covered bridges, utilizing local-option levy funding to reduce maintenance backlogs and expand accessibility. Road & Bridge Maintenance: Preserves and maintains more than 1,400 lane miles of roadways and 420 bridges through zone-based pavement preservation, bridge structural repairs, roadside vegetation management, and traffic striping. Waste Management: Directs countywide solid waste disposal, diversion, and recycling operations across the Short Mountain Landfill and 14 rural transfer sites, while advancing regional sustainability through the development of a Solid Waste Recovery Facility. Priorities
- Strengthen the Public Works Team and Workplace Culture: Build a positive, connected workplace across Public Works’ diverse divisions and maintain strong relationships with the department’s three unions. Be visible and accessible to employees and worksites, supporting engagement, development, and retention while knowing when to lean in, when to empower managers, and how to identify challenges and anticipate customer needs.
- Strengthen Countywide Collaboration: Build stronger connections across County departments, deepen understanding of each department and division’s work, and leverage talent and expertise across the organization. As a member of the executive leadership team, contribute beyond Public Works and connect departmental priorities to broader County goals.
- Advance Customer-Focused, Forward-Thinking Service Delivery: Recognize Public Works’ role in supporting housing, rural prosperity, and strong communities through effective infrastructure, thoughtful regulation, and a strong customer service ethic. Bring a solutions-oriented approach to compliance and a willingness to rethink policies and processes to remove barriers and achieve better outcomes for the community.
- Modernize Public Works Through Innovation and Technology: Advance the use of technology and other innovations that improve service delivery while thoughtfully supporting employees through change. Strengthen the systems and practices that support effective operations, including project costing, tracking, and accountability.
Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:00am - 5:00pm
*This is a non-represented position*
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Experience:
- Ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration with a focus on public works is required. A strong background in land management is essential. At least six years of supervisory and management responsibilities over significant operations is preferred. A thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of public works administration is essential, with demonstrated success in leading organizational change and process improvement initiatives. Strong financial acumen, including budget development, long-range financial planning, capital planning, asset management, and funding strategy development, is essential. Experience working in a unionized environment is ideal.
- A bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, civil engineering, environmental services, or a closely related field is required. The County may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications.
Studies have shown that women and BIPOC individuals are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. The county will consider any equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.
CLASSIFICATION DETAILS
Public Works Director Classification Details How to Apply:Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at raftelis.com. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning October 26, 2026.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Selection Process Equal Employment Opportunity Lane County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion as essential elements that create and foster a welcoming workplace. All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, political affiliation, disability or any other factor unrelated to the essential functions of the job. Strategic Plan In alignment with Lane County's Strategic Plan, incumbent(s) will be expected to demonstrate the following core behaviors: Passion to Serve, Driven to Connect, and Focused on Solutions. The 2025 - 2027 Strategic Plan focuses on the areas that Lane County will pursue as a way to deliver on our vision for the residents of Lane County. To meet these challenges, we know that the basis of our efforts lies in leveraging our people and partnerships to achieve our Strategic Priorities. We also recognize that the quality and commitment of our staff is essential to a shared future where Lane County is the best place in which to live, work, and play. Veteran Preference Information
Benefits
Careers with Lane County Offer Extraordinary Benefits At Lane County, we value our employees and we show it with our extraordinary benefits. We know that you chose public service for more than a paycheck, and our outstanding benefits are designed to help you Live Well, Live Lane - throughout your career. Read on to learn what great benefits await you in a career with Lane County.
Introducing ALEX, Lane County's benefit advisor! ALEX is an interactive tool that will help you understand the benefits being offered, out of pocket expenses and coverage available. You will need the Collective Bargaining Unit found in your job posting and when asked for your date of hire, please put in today's date.
*The below information describes typical benefits available for Regular Full-time Employees. Actual benefits received may differ by position, employment status (regular, temporary, or extra help) and/or bargaining group.
ALEX Benefit Advisor (click here)
Collective Bargaining Units:
Admin-Pro AFSCME AFSCME Nurses AFSCME Physicians FOPPO LCPOA Local 626 Prosecuting Attorney's
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Physically Health insurance coverage becomes effective the first of the month following your first 30-days as an eligible employee.
Medical/Rx/Vision - Lane County offers medical, prescription and vision exam coverage for you and your eligible dependents. The plan options and costs per month for 2026 are outlined below: If you enroll in the HDHP the County will contribute to your HSA: For eligible members of unions LCPOA, 626, Admin Pro, and AFSCME Physicians $1,700 for individual coverage and $3,400 for family coverage. For eligible members of unions AFSCME General, AFSCME Nurses, FOPPO, PAA, and non-represented employees $1,600 for individual coverage and $3,200 for family coverage. Those who complete the requirements to receive the Live Well Credit by November 30, 2026, will receive an additional contribution of $400 individual or $800 family, funded in 2027. These amounts are prorated based on date of hire.
All eligible employees who complete a Health History Risk Assessment (HHRA), Biometric Screening, and Comprehensive Health Review (CHR) at the Live Well Center receive a $20 per month credit.
Wellness Clinic - The Live Well Center is for Lane County benefits-eligible employees, spouses and dependents (ages 2 and up) who are enrolled in the Lane County health plan. Marathon Health manages the Live Well Center and their clinical team provides confidential, affordable care for your acute and preventive healthcare needs. The Live Well Center also provides health coaching, chronic disease counseling, comprehensive primary care services, and much more.
Dental - Lane County provides dental coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - Lane County provides this counseling and concierge service to employees and members of their immediate households.
Fitness Center Membership - Lane County provides employees with a free membership to a local fitness center.
Benefits to keep you & your family well - Financially
Retirement - Lane County pays for and enrolls employees in the Oregon Public Service Retirement Plan (OPSRP) and the Individual Account Program (IAP) following six full months of employment.
Disability - Lane County provides Long-Term Disability coverage. Lane County complies with all State and Federal disability laws for employee, family, parental and pregnancy leaves regulations.
Time Management - Lane County provides employees with a generous bank of hours to be used for sick, vacation, family emergencies and personal days.
Holidays - Lane County provides 10 paid holidays per year:
New Year's Day Independence Day Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday Labor Day Presidents' Day Veterans' Day Memorial Day Thanksgiving Day Juneteenth Christmas Day Life Insurance - Lane County pays for employee group term life insurance.
County-paid Training & Development to keep your career well
On-site Classes - Lane County offers a variety of on-site classes to develop employees' soft and technical skills.
Online Training - Lane County offers a variety of online classes through LEAP to help employees continually improve their skills.
Conferences & Seminars - Lane County will consider reimbursement for employees to attend professional conferences, dependent upon budget, to encourage continuous learning and professional development.
Lane County offers these other valuable benefits
Deferred Compensation Retirement Savings - Employees may enroll in a deferred compensation program 457(b) to save for retirement.
Vision - Eligible employees may purchase supplemental vision insurance.
Supplemental Life Insurance - Employees may purchase supplemental life insurance for themselves and their dependents/spouse.
Aflac - Optional employee-paid voluntary group coverage is available through Aflac.
Group Discounts - Group discounts may include homeowners and auto insurance, pet health insurance, credit union membership.
Paid medical, dental and vision coverage for dependents is determined by labor agreement or APM, as applicable. Physicians should contact their supervisor for health plan options and rates. Please note that Temporary and Extra Help positions are not typically eligible for benefits. This is only brief summary of benefits available to eligible Lane County employees. In all cases, plan documents govern.
For additional information about these extraordinary benefits contact the Benefit Resource Center at 1-866-468-7272, or Lane County HR at (541) 682-3124.