Director of Public Works/Airport Operations (Licensed & Unlicensed)

Colusa County is seeking an accomplished public works professional or emerging leader for the position of Director of Public Works/Airport Operations. This executive role oversees a broad range of essential public infrastructure and community services, including road and bridge maintenance, engineering, traffic control, landfill operations, airport operations, and floodplain management. The position also serves as Executive Director of the Transportation Commission and Transit Agency, providing an opportunity to shape infrastructure, mobility, and long-range planning initiatives throughout the County.

This recruitment is intended to attract both seasoned professionals seeking an opportunity to lead impactful programs and projects, as well as aspiring department leaders ready to take the next step in their public works careers. Colusa County recognizes that exceptional leadership can come from a variety of professional paths and values candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, collaboration, adaptability, technical competence, and a commitment to public service.

For experienced leaders, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact within an organization that values innovation, responsiveness, and practical problem-solving. The County maintains an active and diverse portfolio of infrastructure, transportation, and operational responsibilities that provide meaningful opportunities for strategic leadership and project delivery.

For candidates pursuing their first department head opportunity, the County offers a supportive environment with strong organizational infrastructure, established professional relationships, and access to mentorship from experienced public works professionals with decades of leadership experience. The organization is committed to developing leadership capacity and fostering long-term success through collaboration, guidance, and shared expertise.

Responsibilities

• Oversee road and bridge maintenance, engineering, traffic control, landfill operations, airport operations, and floodplain management.
• Serve as Executive Director of the Transportation Commission and Transit Agency.
• Shape infrastructure, mobility, and long-range planning initiatives throughout the County.

Requirements

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible public works experience including three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility and 120 units from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, business, management, or a related field.
• OR Nine (9) years of increasingly responsible public works experience including three (3) years of administrative and supervisory responsibility and 60 units from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, business, management, or a related field.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid State of California driver’s license and an acceptable driving record.
• Certificate of Registration as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of California, preferred.
• Land surveying license in the State of California, preferred.
• It is expected that the incumbent will successfully complete the one-week course and exam to attain a Floodplain Manager Certification within one year of appointment.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package supporting well-being.
• Retirement formulas: 3% at 60 for Classic Members and 2% at 62 for New Members.
• Amazing health care benefits at no cost (unless choosing a premium plan).
• 37.5-hour work week.
• Vacation Parity: credit toward vacation accrual for previous public service (cities, counties, districts, military, etc.).

Pay

• Unlicensed: $10,343 – $18,717 monthly.
• Licensed: $11,418 – $18,717 monthly.
• Annual salary range: $124,116.00 - $224,604.00.