Description

Assistant Director (UC) - Department of Public Works

County of Los Angeles

Location: Los Angeles County, California

Annual Salary: $235,440 - $366,158

Application Period: Open until filled; first consideration will be given to submissions received by August 28, 2026.

The Opportunity

Los Angeles County Public Works is seeking a strategic, enterprise-minded executive to serve as Assistant Director. This position provides executive leadership across major business service areas and is accountable for operational performance, financial stewardship, capital planning, and delivering measurable value through integrated services.

As part of the executive leadership team of the largest county public works organization in the United States, the Assistant Director will help shape infrastructure priorities involving transportation, water resources, environmental services, development services, and municipal infrastructure.

The successful candidate will be a trusted advisor who brings executive judgment, political awareness, business acumen, and experience leading large, multidisciplinary organizations in a complex, governance-driven environment.


Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of major operational and public service functions.
• Align personnel, budgets, business plans, and infrastructure strategies with County priorities.
• Ensure the financial viability and effective stewardship of assigned funds and programs.
• Advance initiatives involving climate resilience, transportation innovation, sustainability, and infrastructure integration.
• Guide major capital improvement programs and long-term infrastructure investments.
• Translate Board and County policies into effective operational strategies.
• Develop senior managers and support leadership continuity and succession planning.
• Represent Public Works in discussions with County leadership, governing bodies, public agencies, community partners, and regional stakeholders.
• Promote accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Minimum Requirements

Candidates must possess:

• A bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university.
• Current registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California. The license must be active, unrestricted, and in good standing when applying and throughout employment.
• Five years of leadership experience in a large, complex organization, including responsibility for infrastructure systems, engineering operations and services, major capital programs, or public works functions.

Desirable Qualifications

• Success collaborating with executive teams and advancing organization-wide priorities.
• Experience leading organizational transformation and improving business processes, systems, and workforce resources.
• An advanced degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Law, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Experience developing long-range financial strategies, assessing operational and financial risks, and conducting cost-benefit analyses.
• Knowledge of land use, real estate law, property development, or related regulatory matters.
  
  

Compensation and Benefits

The annual salary is $235,440 - $366,158, depending on qualifications and career accomplishments. This unclassified position is compensated at MAPP Range R19.

• The County offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
• MegaFlex Cafeteria Benefit Plan with a tax-free County contribution equal to 14.5% of monthly salary.
• Optional 401(k) and 457 plans, each potentially including County matching contributions of up to 4%.
• Flexible spending accounts, including a $75 monthly County contribution to the Dependent Care Spending Account.
• Ten paid non-elective days annually, the option to purchase additional elective annual leave, and 13 paid holidays.

How to Apply

Apply online: https://bit.ly/4xbcmZI

Create a NEOGOV profile and submit a resume and cover letter. Educational verification and professional licensure documentation should be uploaded at the time of submission.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. First consideration will be given to submissions received by August 28, 2026.

Confidential inquiries: Tom Britt, Executive Recruiter | (213) 330-6067 | tbritt@hr.lacounty.gov


The County of Los Angeles is an active equal opportunity and Fair Chance employer.