THE OPPORTUNITY
This is a rare opportunity to lead a high-performing, full-service Public Works Department in one of Southern California’s most unique and civically engaged communities. South Pasadena is seeking a strategic and hands-on leader to guide critical infrastructure investments, steward environmental and sustainability initiatives, and modernize systems that support long-term service delivery. With strong backing from the City Council and City Manager, the next Public Works Director will join a collaborative executive team at a pivotal moment—shaping the future of a city that blends small-town character with metropolitan ambition.
ABOUT SOUTH PASADENA
The City of South Pasadena, incorporated in 1888, is a charming and historic community nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. Encompassing just 3.4 square miles and home to approximately 26,000 residents, South Pasadena is widely recognized for its strong sense of community, tree-lined streets, and distinctive small-town character while in the heart of a major metropolitan area. With a strong civic identity, active community engagement, and proximity to major economic and cultural centers, South Pasadena offers an exceptional quality of life for those seeking a welcoming, inclusive, and connected place to call home.
Learn more about the City of South Pasadena here.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The City of South Pasadena’s Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and enhancing the City’s infrastructure and essential services. The department oversees a wide range of functions including water production and distribution, street and sewer maintenance, capital improvement planning, engineering, parks and facility maintenance, environmental services, sustainability initiatives, and transportation planning.
The department is led by the Public Works Director and is organized into six functional divisions: Operations & Maintenance, Engineering, Capital Improvement Program, Water, Environmental Services & Sustainability, and Transportation. Each division is managed by a supervisor, manager, or program lead, with additional support provided by administrative staff and two part-time management interns. A Deputy Public Works Director and a City Engineer assist the Director in day-to-day oversight.
With a staff of 43 full-time and 2 part-time employees and a FY 24/25 operating budget of $18 million, the Public Works Department plays a vital role in ensuring the reliability, safety, and sustainability of the City’s physical assets and infrastructure systems.
THE POSITION
The Public Works Director will serve as a trusted advisor to the City Manager and a vital leader within the City’s executive team. This position offers the opportunity to shape South Pasadena’s infrastructure systems, sustainability efforts, and capital investment priorities, while strengthening operational effectiveness across a wide range of essential public services. The Director leads a full-service Public Works Department and plays a key role in advancing citywide goals for livability, resilience, and community trust. Key areas of responsibility include department leadership & oversight; strategic planning & project delivery; sustainability & environmental stewardship; infrastructure & asset management; organizational effectiveness; budgeting & fiscal responsibility; and cross-agency & community engagement.
The ideal candidate will have an orientation toward building strong and effective teams who are invested in working together to continually seek improvement; be a strong leader, committed to leading by example and delivering excellent customer service; have a willingness to invest in the mentorship and professional development of employees; and have an understanding of change management and building employee buy-in.
QUALIFICATIONS
A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered qualifying for this position. The following is a typical way to qualify:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, civil engineering, or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a related discipline is highly desirable.
Experience: Six (6) years of broad and increasingly responsible experience in public works, utilities, or related service delivery operations, including at least four (4) years in a management or supervisory role.
Licensure: Registration as a Professional Engineer is desirable but not required.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The City of South Pasadena provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The salary for this role is up to $223,128, with specific placement within the range dependent on qualifications and experience. Key elements of the City’s benefits program include retirement provided by CalPERS with a 2.0% @ 55 formula for Classic PERS member employees and 2.0% @ 62 formula for new PERS members. The City also contributes 1% of base salary to a deferred compensation plan and provides merit pay up to 2% above the salary step in the pay schedule.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com/careers.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Apply Immediately - Will close once a strong pool of candidates is established. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and résumé online at:
www.mosaicpublic.com/careers
This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson | greg@mosaicpublic.com |(916) 550-4100
