🎁 Before you apply, rehearse this interview. Create your free WorkMundi account and get an Interview Training on HelpsYouSpeak — no cost, no card. I want my training →
Applications are being accepted through Peckham & McKenney. To apply please click on the following link: Director of Public Works/City Engineer Application Description Under the direction of the City Manager, plans, organizes, and directs all of the City's Public Works Department's functions. Representative Duties The following duties are a list of typical duties of the various types of work that may be performed by this position. The duties included on this list are examples and the omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class. Plans, schedules, coordinates and directs the implementation of programs in the various public service activities including sewer maintenance, street maintenance, fleet/equipment maintenance, and engineering including overseeing the engineering functions of the contract City Engineer; Prepares and recommends departmental programs and budgets for approval; Plans, organizes, directs and evaluates the performance of supervised staff and their assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets while regularly monitoring performance and taking disciplinary action, up to and including termination, where necessary; Provides leadership to develop and retain highly competent, public service-oriented staff; Directs the forecasting of department requirements for funds, staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; Receives and investigates public complaints and takes action to have them resolved; Writes or directs the writing of a variety of reports and correspondence pertaining to City and departmental operations; Provides staff assistance to the City Manager, City Council and applicable commissions and other governmental agencies. Signs engineering plans and documents as a Professional Registered Engineer on behalf of the City as its City Engineer and seal parcel maps. Performs other related duties as required. Organizational Responsibilities This position reports directly to the City Manager and is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the Public Works Department. Education and Experience A Bachelor's Degree from a four-year college or university in Public Administration, Civil Engineering or a related field AND five (5) years of increasingly-responsible professional experience in public works management, including at least two (2) years of said experience in supervisory position; or an equivalent combination of education or experience. A Master's degree in the above-mentioned areas of discipline and experience in grant-funded capital improvement projects, traffic, and engineering at the municipal level are highly desirable. Knowledge and Abilities Must have knowledge of the theory, principles, practices and techniques of public works, traffic engineering, municipal sewers engineering and public works maintenance functions; applicable federal, state and local law, codes and regulations governing the administration of public works functions and activities; principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing and the maintenance of public records; organization and functions of an elected City Council; the City's personnel rules and policies; principles and practices of management and supervision. Must have the ability to develop and establish work programs to insure that all equipment, facilities and structures for which the Department has responsibility are properly maintained; direct the operations of a large department performing diverse functions, including responsibility for personnel and budgetary matters; work cooperatively with representatives of other City departments and the public; to determine the best and most economical methods to implement the various maintenance programs for which the Department is responsible. License Must have and maintain a valid Class C California's Driver's License Must possess a California Professional Engineer (P.E.) designation Special Conditions Designated Director-level Exempt position Conflict of Interest Statement Testing Process Supplemental Process (as necessary): September 28 - October 9, 2026 City Selection of Candidates to Interview: October 14, 2026 Initial In-Person Panel Interview: October 22, 2026 Second In-Person Interview: October 29, 2026 *Testing process is subject to change Candidates must pass all examinations to be placed on the eligible list. Possession of minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to the next step in the selection process. All candidate materials will be carefully evaluated and only those considered best qualified will be invited to the next step in the selection process.
Here's how to pick the right one and stand out in your application.
144.883Jobs
31.687IN
81%EN
That number is real. WorkMundi's database shows 144,883 open engineer roles across the world. India has the most with 31,687 jobs, followed by the United States with 30,084. If you just finished reading one job ad and felt paralyzed by choice, you're not alone—but this scale is actually an advantage. It means you can afford to be selective.
Start by geography and language. The majority of engineer ads—117,837 of them—have the job posting text written in English. Use that as one filter, but remember: the ad text language tells you nothing about whether the role actually requires you to speak English day-to-day. Read the job description carefully. Then check which countries have the volume you're targeting. Singapore, Poland, and Australia round out the top five after India and the US.
Next, learn who's hiring. Accenture has posted 2,801 engineer roles. andurilindustries, speechify, and jobgether are also actively recruiting. If you're applying to one of these names, research their hiring patterns and interview style before you apply. That homework pays off.
When you interview, expect the question every engineer hears: 'Tell me about a time you had to debug a problem that wasn't in your job description.' Have a specific story ready—not a general one. Name the tools, the deadline pressure, and what you learned. Hiring managers listen for whether you see problem-solving as part of the role itself, not a favour.