Director of Public Works – Sacramento, CA

Client: City of Sacramento, CA
Position: Director of Public Works
Closing Date: December 14, 2026

Additional Information: 

• Client Website

A nationwide search is underway to attract highly qualified candidates for consideration as the Director of Public Works for the City of Sacramento. This executive-level position reports to an Assistant City Manager and serves as a member of the City’s Executive Team. The successful candidate will be a strategic, collaborative leader who can guide a multi-disciplinary department through a period of growth and investment in the infrastructure that moves people throughout California’s capital city.

The Department of Public Works is responsible for the transportation network that serves Sacramento’s residents, businesses, and visitors. The Department’s major functions include Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning, Transportation Design and Funding, Transportation Construction, Street Maintenance, and On- and Off-Street Parking. The Department has an annual budget of $272 million and approximately 782 full-time budgeted positions. Public Works is on solid financial footing, with healthy fund balances and a strong record of securing grant funding, particularly for transportation. The Department is known for its strong customer service culture.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, forward-thinking public works executive with a proven record of leading a broad range of municipal services, including engineering, traffic engineering, transportation, and street maintenance, in a large public agency. The Director will bring a working knowledge of public works financing, subdivision law, and the principles of engineering and administration as applied to the design and construction of public works facilities, along with a strong grasp of federal, state, and regional transportation and air quality regulations. Breadth of experience is essential: the City is seeking a well-rounded leader whose background spans multiple public works disciplines, ideally including capital program delivery and fleet and facilities management. Strong financial skills, including budgeting, capital financing, and grant management, are a must.

Minimum Requirements:

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

• Experience: A minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience managing a broad range of municipal services, including engineering, traffic engineering, and/or street maintenance, in a large public agency, including a minimum of two (2) years at a management level comparable to Division Manager.
• Education: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public or business administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Substitutions: A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required supervisory experience. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.

This is an at-will position, and the expected hiring range for the Director of Public Works is $184,185.36 to $250,363.19, depending on qualifications and experience. The City of Sacramento offers a generous benefits package which includes CalPERS Retirement.

This is confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout the various stages of the process. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply no later than Monday, December 14, 2026, to Ralph Andersen & Associates by sending a compelling cover letter and comprehensive resume to apply@ralphandersen.com. Resumes will be reviewed upon receipt by Ralph Andersen & Associates. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply early in the process, as this position may close once a strong pool of qualified candidates has applied. References will not be required upon submittal but will be requested once mutual interest has been established. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to an initial screening (via video) conducted by Ralph Andersen & Associates. Ideally, the new Director of Public Works will join the City of Sacramento in March 2027 or on a mutually agreed-upon date to allow for a smooth transition of leadership.

Confidential inquires and questions regarding this career opportunity should be directed to Ian Appleyard at 916-630-4900. Alternatively, reach out for a confidential discussion by sending an email to info@ralphandersen.com.