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

Colusa County offers a 3% at 60 Classic Retirement formula and a 2% @ 62 formula for New Members!

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/AIRPORT OPERATOR – UNLICENSED: $10,343 – $18,717 MONTHLY
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/AIRPORT OPERATOR – LICENSED: $11,418 – $18,717 MONTHLY

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.

What are the benefits? Colusa County is proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, including but not limited to:

• A beautiful, safe community in which to work and serve
• WORK-LIFE BALANCE
• A LIFETIME PAYCHECK (3% @ 60 for Classic Members and 2% @ 62 for New Members)
• Amazing health care BENEFITS at NO COST to you –Unless you choose a premium health care plan. 
• Enjoy the incredible benefit of a 37.5-hour work week.
• We proudly recognize your prior public service. With Vacation Parity, eligible candidates receive credit toward vacation accrual for previous service with a public agency—including cities, counties, districts, military service, and similar entities. That means you may start your Colusa County career with more vacation time from day one, honoring the experience and dedication you’ve already earned. It’s our way of saying: your service matters—and it follows you here.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
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.

Additional combinations of education and experience may be considered.

License or Certificate:
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 for the Director position will successfully complete the one-week course and exam to attain a Floodplain Manager Certification, within one year of appointment.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. It is to your advantage to submit an application as soon as possible, as the recruitment may close at any time following application review on June 8, 2026.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make a meaningful impact, we invite you to apply today. Click here to apply!

QUESTIONS?  Contact the Colusa County Human Resources Department at (530) 458-0420 or rjimenez@countyofcolusaca.gov