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Posted August 19, 2026
City of Oxnard

Assistant Public Works Director - Water Utilities

City of Oxnard
Oxnard, CA, USA Full Time
Up to $235,529 DOQE including excellent benefits package with CalPERS retirement
Application Deadline/Closing Date
September 28, 2026

The City of Oxnard has a unique opportunity for an accomplished or aspiring water/wastewater professional to join the organization, contribute at the executive level, and focus on ensuring the reliable, cost-efficient delivery of water and wastewater services for the City’s residents. This career opportunity requires an engaging leader with strong interpersonal and communication skills willing to contribute to this well-respected organization in a meaningful and strategic capacity for future years.

The Assistant Public Works Director – Water Utilities is responsible for planning, managing, and overseeing specific activities and operations of the Water, Recycled Water, Wastewater and Stormwater divisions for a service base of over 43,000 customers. This includes distribution, treatment, plant operations, field operations and maintenance, and safety functions. Total Divisional Staff of 158 FTEs, across multiple divisions, which includes 66 in Water, 83 in Wastewater, and 9 in AWPF/Recycled Water. The Operating Budget for Water/Wastewater/AWPF is $147 million. The Assistant Public Works Director receives general supervision from the Director of Public Works within a framework of broad policies and established organizational values and processes.

The typical qualifications of the successful candidate include:

Education:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Construction Management, Public Administration or a related field.
  • Four years of progressively responsible related experience that includes significant management and supervisory experience in Public Works, Administration, and water & wastewater operations leadership or experience managing and/or designing utility capital projects.

Certifications:

Option 1: Operations Leadership Path:

Possession of one of the following valid certifications:

  • SWRCB Grade 4 Wastewater Treatment Operator; OR
  • SWRCB Water Distribution Operator D4 AND SWRCB Water Treatment Operator T4

Must obtain within 12 months of hire:

  • SWRCB Grade 5 Wastewater Treatment Operator; OR
  • SWRCB Water Distribution Operator D5 AND SWRCB Water Treatment Operator T5

Option 2: Engineering Path:

Possession of a valid California Professional Engineering (PE) Registration in one of the following areas:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering

Desirable

  • A Master’s Degree.
  • Experience in the Public Sector.

Additional Application Instructions

This is a confidential recruitment and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. Interested candidates should submit a resume and compelling cover letter by email to [email protected] no later than Monday, September 28, 2026. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. Candidates are encouraged to apply early in the process for optimum consideration.

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