Assistant Director of Public Works - Regulatory & Environmental Programs

Assistant Director of Public Works - Regulatory & Environmental Programs

Salary

$213,033.60 - $234,416.00 Annually

Location

San Rafael, CA

Job Type

Full Time, Regular

Job Number

0230-26-05

Department

Department of Public Works

Opening Date

05/19/2026

Closing Date

6/9/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Vacancies

1

Weekly Schedule

40

Additional Salary Information

• The salary shown above does not reflect a 4% cost of living adjustment effective July 2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

The County of Marin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Persons of color, women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and adults of all ages are strongly encouraged to apply.

Individuals with Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability and are unable to complete an online application or require an accommodation to participate in a recruitment, you must contact Human Resources at least five work days in advance of the testing step or interview. Please contact the Human Resources Staffing Division at (415) 473-2126 (CRS DIAL 711) .

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

ABOUT US

ABOUT MARIN COUNTY

At the County of Marin, our employees overwhelmingly report feeling their work is meaningful, they like the work they do, and they are proud to tell people "I work for the County of Marin." Discover more about us, our values and our organizational culture on the Department of Human Resources website.

The County of Marin is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors, each representing one of five districts. The County employs approximately 2,500 employees across 22 departments. Equity is one of the County's core values, and employees are committed to fostering an anti-racist, multicultural workforce that prioritizes accountability, transformational change, and community engagement.

The County has a long history of sound fiscal management; its approximately $866 million budget is balanced, structurally sound, and focused on advancing key community priorities including Infrastructure, Equity, Affordable Housing & Homelessness, Emergency Preparedness, Community & Economic Vitality, and Climate Change Adaptation.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Public Works is composed of more than 260 dedicated professionals who deliver a broad range of essential services, including transportation systems, flood control infrastructure, stormwater and environmental programs, capital project delivery, and general government support. Today, the Department is actively modernizing-embracing data-driven asset management, innovative project delivery methods, and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service quality.

Department employees take pride in expanding both the quality and volume of services delivered, while advancing major infrastructure investments and strengthening long-term resilience. Through this transformation, Public Works continues to evolve as a trusted partner in local government, focused on continuous improvement and delivering high-quality services to the Marin County community.

The mission of the Marin County Department of Public Works is "To provide quality services and maintain and improve public infrastructure and facilities, while protecting Marin's natural resources". Read more about the Department of Public Works at https://publicworks.marincounty.gov/.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Advance Priorities. Align Efforts. Deliver Results.

The County of Marin is seeking a strategic, politically astute executive to serve as its next Assistant Director of Public Works - Regulatory & Environmental Programs.

This is a high-impact leadership role responsible for aligning critical regulatory, environmental, and community-focused programs with Countywide projects and initiatives. The next Assistant Director will drive cross-functional alignment, integrate systems, and elevate how Marin delivers on infrastructure, climate resilience, and equitable services.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS

Marin County is at a pivotal moment. Climate change, housing pressures, aging infrastructure, and evolving regulatory requirements demand more integrated, strategic leadership. This role is central to that transformation-connecting programs that have historically operated independently and aligning them with the County's highest priorities. The next Assistant Director will help shape how Marin County delivers smarter, more coordinated, and more impactful public services for years to come.

THE PORTFOLIO

This executive oversees a diverse and influential portfolio of programs:

• Land Development & Engineering Permits

Enabling safe, compliant, and efficient development that supports housing, infrastructure, and community vitality.

• Countywide Disability Access (Americans with Disability Act and California Title 24)

Advancing equitable access to programs, services, and facilities across all County departments.

• County Waste Management & Zero Waste Marin Joint Powers Authority

Driving sustainability, waste reduction, and climate action through countywide policy and partnerships.

• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Programs

Ensuring Clean Water Act compliance while protecting Marin's creeks, bays, and watersheds.

• Integrated Water Resources Program

Leading development of a brand-new countywide program to strategically connect wet utility operations with flood resilience, watershed health, and climate adaptation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

To bridge organizational boundaries, you will:

• Embed regulatory and environmental programs into capital planning and delivery, including the Countywide Capital Improvement Program.
• Align programs with the County's highest priority projects and initiatives.
• Strengthen regional partnerships with cities, towns, and joint powers authorities.
• Modernize systems, processes, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.

ABOUT YOU

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Executive Leader | Systems Thinker | Trusted Partner

You are a seasoned public sector leader who understands how to translate complex regulatory and environmental programs into meaningful community outcomes.

You bring:

• Strategic Integration Skills - Ability to connect programs, policies, and capital investments into cohesive systems.
• Political Acumen - Experience working with elected officials, boards, and diverse stakeholders.
• Organizational Leadership - Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and complex portfolios.
• Regulatory Expertise - Knowledge of California Environmental Quality Act, stormwater permits, environmental compliance, and land development processes.
• Partnership Mindset - Skilled at building trust across agencies, jurisdictions, and communities.
• Change Leadership - Track record of aligning people, processes, and priorities to successfully implement strategic initiatives and deliver measurable results.

You will excel if you can:

• See both the big picture and operational details.
• Navigate complexity with sound judgment and diplomacy.
• Align technical programs with policy, equity, and community goals.
• Advance work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, aligning perspectives and maintaining momentum.
• Communicate clearly with both technical and non-technical audiences.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of leadership and management, including program development, implementation, and evaluation; goal setting; project management; personnel management; budget development management; and contract and grant negotiation and management.
• Civil engineering and construction design and management principles and practices.
• Land use, project design and construction and demographic, environmental and socio-economic concepts as applied to public works planning and operations.
• State and federal laws and regulations related to public agency construction and maintenance programs including highways and flood control projects.
• Basic principles and practices of facility and stationary engineering, installation, repair, and maintenance, among others related to assigned divisions.
• Applicable laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, administer, coordinate, and evaluate the functions of a variety of public works divisions; delegate and provide day-to-day administrative direction to supervisory staff.
• Develop, recommend, and implement goals, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide effective direct and indirect supervision of staff.
• Interpret, explain, and apply complex federal, state, and local laws related to the areas of responsibility.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work, including representatives of other County departments, agencies, private contractors, engineers, architects, and with the public.
• Identify with and assist in implementing the overall objectives of the department as determined by departmental policies and directives.
• Use initiative and sound independent judgment within policy and procedural guidelines.
• Prioritize work, coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines.
• Make effective oral presentations and represent the County in meetings with other departments and organizations.
• Analyze and review staff reports and recommendations.
• Prepare and/or direct the preparation of accurate, concise, and effective technical and non-technical reports, policies, procedures, correspondence, and other materials.
• Direct the maintenance of accurate records and files.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Department of Public Works offers two Assistant Director of Public Works - Regulatory & Environmental Programs classifications: one requiring a valid California Civil Professional Engineering (PE) license and one that does not.

Assistant Director of Public Works

Any combination of education, training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills. A typical way to qualify is graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in business or public administration, management, engineering, planning or a closely related field and five years of experience, which included experience in an assignment related to the work and two years of supervisory, management or administrative experience.

Assistant Director of Public Works - Engineering

Any combination of education, training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills. A typical way to qualify is graduation from a four-year college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a closely related field and five years of engineering experience which included two years of supervisory, management, or administrative experience.

Certificates and Licenses

Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Candidates for this classification may be required to successfully pass a background investigation including fingerprint and criminal history evaluation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

For any questions concerning this position announcement, please contact Stephen Schoengarth, Human Resources Analyst, at 415-473-6946.

All applicants will receive email notifications regarding their status in the recruitment process. Please be sure to check your spam settings to allow our emails to reach you. You may also log into your GovernmentJobs.com account to view these emails.

Testing and Eligible List: Depending on the number of qualified applications received, the examination may consist of a highly qualified review, application screening, online assessment, written examination, oral examination, performance examination, or any combination to determine which candidates names will be placed on the eligible list. The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancy, and any future vacancies for open, fixed-term, full-time or part-time positions which may occur while the list remains active.

Disaster Service Workers: All County of Marin employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: If you have questions regarding equal employment opportunities, please contact Roger Crawford, Equal Employment Opportunity Director, at 415-473-2095.

PLEASE NOTE: The benefits described herein do not apply to temporary (contingent) or to part-time employees that work less than 50%.

COUNTY OF MARIN BENEFITS: GENERAL

Below are some of the excellent benefits the County offers. More information about our benefits can be found on the Marin Countys Benefits Homepage.

Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual; 12 holidays per year; and generous sick leave accruals. Additional types of paid leaves are available for some bargaining units.

Health Plan: Choice of four health plans (two Kaiser HMOs, Western Health Advantage HMO, and an Anthem Blue Cross PPO) along with dental through Delta Dental PPO, and vision through Vision Service Plan (VSP). There is a County contribution toward the premiums (the contribution amount varies depending on coverage tier elected such as employee only, employee + 1, employee + family). Plus, the County offers excellent Life Insurance, Disability, Flexible Spending Plans, a Dependent Care Assistance Program, professional development and more.

Retirement: Defined benefit plan under the County Employees Retirement Act of 1937. More information can be found online at www.mcera.org.

IRS 457 Plan: Choice of pre-tax or post-tax (Roth) employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.

Retiree Medical: The County provides access to group health plan coverage to eligible retirees.

For specific questions regarding the employment process, please contact Human Resources at (415) 473-6104. For additional details about the benefits or retirement, please contact the Benefits Division at (415) 473-2197.

• IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.

01

QUALIFYING EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Your qualifying experience is listed in the Work Experience section of the standard application

• Yes
• N/A

02

Your degree and major are listed in the Education section of the standard application, along with all relevant documentation attached to your submission.

• Yes
• N/A

03

Do you have a current registration as Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers?

• Yes
• N/A

04

NARRATIVE QUESTIONS (If you do not possess any experience, please state "No Experience" in the space provided)

Describe your Work Experience managing a portfolio of regulatory, environmental, or public works programs (such as permitting, stormwater, waste management, or accessibility).

• How have you aligned these programs with broader organizational priorities, capital projects, or policy initiatives?
• Please include the scope of your responsibility (staffing, budget, and programs) and the outcomes achieved.

05

From your Work Experience, provide an example of how you have led a complex regulatory program or function (e.g., land development permitting, stormwater compliance, or environmental programs).

• How did you ensure regulatory compliance while also improving efficiency, customer service, or project delivery?

06

Regarding your Work Experience, describe a significant initiative you led that required coordination across multiple departments, agencies, and stakeholders in a public-sector environment.

• What strategies did you use to build alignment and move the effort forward, and what was the result?

Required Question

Employer County of Marin

Address 3501 Civic Center Drive

Room 124

San Rafael, California, 94903

Phone 415 473-2126

Website https://www.hr.marincounty.gov/our-divisions/join-our-team