SALARY INFORMATION
$17,467.00- $22,044.50- $26,622.00Monthly + Benefits
(Min.) (Ref. Point) (Max.)
The Public Works Director is well suited for a visionary and innovative leader that under general administrative direction from the City Manager; plans, organizes, directs, and integrates departmental functions which include: Administration (departmental support services and customer service); Engineering (design, construction, and management of the Capital Improvement Program, including traffic engineering); Street Operations (streets, sidewalks, and alleys); Traffic and Lighting; Streetscape (public right-of-way trees and landscaped areas); Sanitation (storm drains, sewer collection systems, solid waste and recycling, street sweeping, and illegal dumping abatement); and the Torrance Municipal Water System (water supply and distribution, water resources, and water quality). Provides executive oversight of the Traffic Commission and Water Commission Represents the Department to City management, the City Council and the community; and performs related work as required.
The Public Works Director is directly responsible to the City Manager for the performance of duties. Distinguished from division managers in that the incumbent is responsible for managing the entire department rather than a specific division or section. Work is accomplished within a broad framework, with sole authority and responsibility for a broad service area. Discretion is involved in applying goal and policy statements and in resolving complex organizational and technological problems.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced public works executive with a strong commitment to public service and a demonstrated ability to lead and integrate a large, complex municipal department. This individual brings a comprehensive understanding of public works operations, including engineering, capital improvement planning, infrastructure design and construction, street and traffic systems, sanitation, water systems, and regulatory compliance, while maintaining a strong focus on customer service, safety, and organizational accountability. The successful candidate will exercise sound judgment and discretion in applying City goals and policy direction, resolving complex operational, organizational, and technical challenges within a broad service framework.
As a full-service city committed to high-quality infrastructure and service delivery, Torrance seeks a strategic, results-driven leader capable of developing and implementing long-term plans, goals, and objectives aligned with City Council priorities and the City’s mission. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proven strength in executive leadership, fiscal stewardship, and performance management, including directing large departmental budgets, overseeing a multi-year Capital Improvement Program, and establishing performance standards while coaching and developing managers and staff for continuous improvement. Experience working in a unionized municipal environment, managing employee relations matters such as meet-and-confer and grievance processes, and navigating politically sensitive issues with professionalism and integrity is essential.
This candidate will possess a strong track record of building and sustaining effective working relationships with elected officials, executive management, commissions, employees, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the community. As a member of the City’s Executive Management Team, the Public Works Director will collaborate across departments, advise the City Manager and City Council on critical infrastructure and operational issues, monitor industry trends and regulatory developments, and lead change initiatives that enhance efficiency, service quality, and long-term organizational resilience.
Key Responsibilities Include
- Manages and directs the development, implementation, and evaluation of plans, policies, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards.
- With managers, develops, implements, and monitors long-term plans, goals, and objectives focused on achieving the City’s mission and City Council’s priorities.
- Directs, plans, and organizes, through subordinate staff, the operation and maintenance of streets, highway and traffic and lighting systems; sewer and storm drain facilities; municipal water systems; streetscape (curb, gutter, sidewalks, street trees and roadway landscape areas); sanitation and wastewater collection and disposal.
- Directs, plans, and organizes, through subordinate staff, the design and construction of public works infrastructure and coordination of capital improvement programs.
- Manages and directs the development of a five (5) year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) of public infrastructure projects.
- Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the performance of managers and their assigned staff as well as coaches for improvement and development.
- Establishes performance requirements and personal development goals; takes disciplinary action to address performance deficiencies.
- Experience in identifying, securing, and administering grants to fund projects
The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives!
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education and Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities would be:
Bachelor’s degree from a college or university in Civil Engineering or a related field; or Registration as a licensed Civil Engineer in the State of California; and
ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in the administration and management of a comprehensive Public Works/City Engineering program which includes at least five (5) years of experience at the management level.
Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public or Business Administration or a related field is desirable.
License and/or Certificate
Must possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Registration as a licensed Civil Engineer in the State of California is highly desirable.
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of applications will be those received by March 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.
Only those candidates who best meet the City and Department's needs will be invited to participate in the examination process, which will consist of the following components:
Interview Panel (Weighted 100%): Tentatively scheduled on March 30th, 2026.
Final Hring Interview: Tentatively scheduled during the Week of April 13, 2026