Job Summary

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.

Job Description

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.

Requirements

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.

Special 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 apply@ralphandersen.com 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.

Confidential inquiries welcomed to Mr. Fred Wilson at (916) 630-4900 or by email to fred@ralphandersen.com.

Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com job board.

Additional Information

The annual salary range for the Assistant Public Works Director is up to $235,529, with placement salary dependent on qualifications and experience. The City also offers an excellent benefits package including CalPERS retirement.

City of Oxnard

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Assistant Public Works Director - Water Utilities