Sierra County Director of Transportation

Are you looking for a lifestyle change?

The County of Sierra is seeking a Professional to join our

Rural Public Works Team as the Director of Transportation

Nestled in the northern Sierra Nevada, Sierra County, California offers a rare blend of meaningful professional opportunity and exceptional quality of life. With small, close-knit communities, professionals enjoy the chance to make a visible impact, take on diverse responsibilities, and build lasting relationships across organizations and residents. Work here is collaborative, purpose-driven, and valued.

Beyond the workplace, Sierra County delivers an unmatched lifestyle. Majestic mountains, pristine rivers, and year-round outdoor recreation—hiking, skiing, fishing, biking, and more—are right outside your door. Commutes are short, the pace is balanced, and the environment supports both focus and well-being. Historic towns, local events, and a strong sense of community make it easy to feel at home.

THE POSITION:

 A County Department Manager position with responsibility for policy development, program and project planning, fiscal management, administration, and development and implementation of department programs and support services related to various public works operations, transportation services, road construction and maintenance, snow removal, equipment maintenance and repair, and related County functions and shall serve the responsibilities of the County Road Commissioner. This position shall supervise department staff, manage a large number of technical, construction, and service contracts; prepare and administer departmental budgets, and perform a broad range of complex professional work. This position shall also serve as the department manager responsible for the following additional County functions:

• Director of County Plant Maintenance and General Services for the County (excluding exceptions for custodial services within specific County buildings in Loyalton).
• County Airport Manager (Sierraville-Dearwater Field).
• County Solid Waste Operations Director.
• County General Manager of the County Service Area 5, Zone 5A Public Water System (Sierra Brooks).
• Executive Director of the Sierra County Transportation Commission.
• County Parks and Recreation Director for the physical maintenance, repair, and construction of County Park and Recreation facilities and sites.
• Administrative Director of the services provided under contract for County Surveyor/County Engineer.
• County General Manager of the County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

This position shall provide administrative and programming support to the Board of Supervisors and serve at-will under the direction of the Board of Supervisors.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Working knowledge of government administration including procedures, principles, methods, and practices applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of County roads, bridges, and buildings.
• Familiarity with laws and regulations governing the financing and administration of public works projects including administering agreements for design, engineering, special inspections, title and right of way work, and environmental clearance as well as construction contracts and projects whether through a public bidding process or by force account.
• Oversee development and professional growth of Departmental staff by providing ongoing training and continuing education, and maintain a safe, productive, and professional work environment in the office environment and within satellite road shops within the County. Conduct routine employee evaluations and maintain a high degree of professional conduct.
• Possessing a good understanding of the laws, regulations, and policies governing Personnel as these programs apply to the daily operation of the Department.
• Possess a working understanding of the principles of waste disposal and related programs including administration of State permits, maintaining records, maintaining transfer stations, conducting required inspections to address recycling, hazardous waste
management, and characterization of critical forms of waste being accepted and to administer waste disposal contracts approved by the Board of Supervisors. • Prepare, manage and administer separate departmental budgets. Direct the forecast of additional funding or staffing, equipment, materials. Direct the monitoring and approval of expenditures for active projects. Maintain current accounts and fund balances, including fees collected and maintain the unique restrictions governing use of Highway Users Taxes and the County Road Fund.
• Coordinate Department activities. Prepare and present staff reports and advice to the Board of Supervisors and provide research, analysis, technical assistance, advice, and counsel to other County Commissions, County Departments, and advisory committees on subjects related to County Roads and Transportation.
• Direct the preparation and review of studies and reports and confer with property owners, project proponents, public agencies, community groups, and others to further the implementation of the goals of the Department.
• Maintain independent records of the County Transportation Commission as an independent public agency as organized under the Transportation Development Act and recognizing the limitations of funding available to finance the work of the Local Transportation Commission and the provision of transit services.
• Oversee the professional development of staff. Provide adequate and ongoing professional training. Maintain a safe, productive, and professional work environment. Evaluate and motivate employees and maintain a high degree of professional expectations.
• Confer with architects, contractors, engineers, materials suppliers, and the general public to assure that policies, programs, services, and procedures of the Department are known and continuously monitor and evaluate their efficiency and effectiveness to identify opportunities for Department improvement.
• Represent the County Department of Transportation and related functions with the public, community organizations, special groups, and other governmental agencies.
• Work with and cooperate with Local, State, and Federal Agencies and non-profit organizations in the administration of the Department including but not limited to other adjacent counties, County Departments, California Department of Transportation, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Cal Fire, Department of Fish and Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board, Department of Water Resources, Department of Parks and Recreation to name only a few.
• Knowledge of processes and regulatory framework for seeking restoration and recovery of public facility damages caused by any natural disaster and seeking reimbursement from State OES and FEMA as well as available grants and programs.
• Annually complete continuing education in Road and Public Works Department operations and related fields to assure that proficiency in programs, laws, and policies are current.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Supervisors.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, road maintenance, construction, or general engineering company or agency or closely related field or profession with at least three (3) years in the capacity of Director or Deputy Director of the agency and demonstrating discharge of supervisory and administrative experience and responsibility over the department(s).

 Equivalent to an Associate of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Arts Degree, Bachelor of Sciences Degree from an accredited university or college and continuing education or increasingly responsible work experience with major emphasis in public administration, construction, civil engineering, or professional engineering-related experience in the planning, development, construction, and maintenance of Public Works facilities.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in local government administration and operations, with a proven track record of managing support staff, public works programs, infrastructure projects, and municipal services in compliance with state and federal regulations. This position does not require a Civil Engineer Degree.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE:
• Research and statistical methods including Geographic Information Systems.
• Operate with proficiency, a personal computer and related software.
• Make effective written and oral presentations, including conducting public meetings.
• Budget development, tracking, and administration.
• Personnel regulations including but not limited to hiring, discipline, discharge, performance evaluation, and building good working relationships in an office environment.
• ADA compliance related to public projects and public roads, bridges, parks, and property.
• Administration of encroachment permits, transportation permits, facilities use permits, and other entitlements authorized by the County Code.
• Legal property description, methods, and procedures.
• Reviewing and interpreting facility improvement plans and conducting inspections.