Los Angeles, California
Washington, D.C.
Houston, Texas
Washington, D.C.
Santa Barbara/Santa Maria, California
Posted: 04-Mar-26
Location: Ventura, California
Type: Full Time
Years of Experience:
Internal Number: 0624PWA-26AA (MA)
SALARY:
$191,599.72 - $268,265.91 Annually, plus Benefits
In addition to an annual base salary of $191,599.72- $268,265.91, the Assistant Director receives an attractive benefits package that includes:
- General Salary Increase (GSI) of 3.5% effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
- Educational Incentive: An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate degree, 3.5% for completion bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
- Executive Annual Leave: The candidate selected for this position will earn 248 hours per year, increasing to 288 hours after 5 years of service, to 328 hours after 10 years of service, and to 368 hours after 15 years of service. Credit for prior public service may be considered (Management Resolution, § 1202A).
- Annual Leave Redemption: The ability to “cash in” or redeem up to 100 hours of Annual Leave per year after using 80 hours of annual leave within the previous 12 months. Effective Election Year 2027, the maximum annual leave eligible for cash out will increase to two hundred (200) hours (Management Resolution, § 1207).
- Holidays: 13 paid days per year which includes a scheduled floating holiday.
- Deferred Compensation: Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k)contributions. Annually, eligible employees meeting the criteria in Sec. 1907 of the Management Resolution will receive two percent (2%) of their annualized compensation non-elective contribution into their 401(k) account.
- Health Insurance Plans: Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your dependents. A flexible credit allowance of up to $26,626.86 annually.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Increase your spending power by reimbursement with pre-taxed dollars for IRS-approved dependent care and health care expenses.
- Pension Plan: Both you and the County contribute to the County’s Retirement Plan. If you are eligible, you may establish reciprocity with other public retirement systems, such as CalPERS.
- Additional Benefits: Incumbents are entitled to County-paid membership in professional organizations related to their position; other benefits include Disability Plans, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, and Wellness Program.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Agency Director, the Assistant Director—PWA will provide and oversee select departments that may be best aligned with the candidate’s experience and skills. This may include two or more of the following Departments: Roads & Transportation, Water & Sanitation, Watershed Protection, and/or Engineering Services. This alignment aims to enhance collaboration among Operations and Maintenance staff while supporting Department Directors to achieve their missions.
The Assistant Director – PWA will support the Agency Director by providing leadership across assigned departments and advancing priority projects and programs. The role requires building and maintaining strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and delivering clear, effective presentations to the Board of Supervisors, agency leadership, senior management, community groups, and the public. The Assistant Director may also serve as Acting Agency Director when needed.
The ideal candidate will bring executive-level experience in areas such as capital project delivery, engineering services, roads and transportation, watershed protection and stormwater management, and/or potable water and wastewater programs. They will be a collaborative, inclusive leader who thrives in a dynamic environment, translating strategy into actionable goals and measurable results. Exceptional strategic planning, project management, and communication skills are essential. A strong track record of leadership in a public-sector, unionized environment, along with the ability to convey complex information clearly and precisely, will distinguish the most competitive applicants.
For more information regarding the organizational structure of PWA, please click here to view the org chart.
Any combination of education and experience which has led to the acquisition of
the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and
abilities also can be obtained by graduation from an accredited college or
university with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and ten (10) years progressive
management experience, including a minimum of three (3) years at the
executive level.
Special Requirements
- Possession and maintenance of a valid driver license.
- Current California Professional Civil Engineering license issued by the
California State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.
- Candidates holding an out-of-state Professional Engineer license may be
considered; however, California registration must be obtained within 18
months of hire.
A Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering
or related field is desired.
Resume Evaluation
Interview Process
The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.