Published date: December 15, 2025
Job Title: Public Works Director
Organization: Pend Oreille County, Washington
Address: Newport, Washington
Job Website Link: https://prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3326
Salary and Benefits Information: $145,000 – $165,000 DOQ
Full Description:
Public Works Director
Pend Oreille County, Washington
Salary: $145,000 – $165,000 DOQ
Pend Oreille County, located in the northeastern corner of Washington State, shares its borders with Idaho and Canada. Newport, with a population of 2,276, is the largest town in the county and is the county seat. With a population of approximately 13,600 residents, the county is renowned for its old-growth trees and abundant wildlife, including elk, white-tailed deer, moose, bobcats, bears, and numerous bird species. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in areas like the 440-acre Pend Oreille County Park. In addition, the Pend Oreille River, one of the few northward-flowing rivers in North America, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and paddling along the 70-mile Pend Oreille River Water Trail.
The objective of the Pend Oreille County Public Works Department is to preserve the County’s friendly and rural lifestyle while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of residents, land, and waterways. Public Works includes the Road, Buildings & Grounds, Parks & Recreation, Solid Waste, and Equipment Rental & Replacement (ER&R) divisions. The department also includes fueling and servicing of a fleet of approximately 120 vehicles. Together, these divisions play a critical role in maintaining infrastructure and supporting community needs across Pend Oreille County.
The Public Works Director serves at the pleasure of the Board of County Commissioners, providing regular briefings and receiving strategic direction while retaining full authority over daily departmental operations. This role provides leadership, oversight, and direct involvement in all county engineering design and construction projects, while also supervising Public Works staff and managing services across 1,425 square miles in northeast Washington. The Director manages approximately 40 FTEs and administers an annual budget of about $15 million across four distinct funds. The Public Works Director is responsible for planning, engineering, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of roughly 550 miles of county roadways, 39 bridges, and three solid waste transfer stations. This position also oversees the facilities maintenance activities for the organization. The Public Works Director must maintain strong relationships with federal, tribal, state, and local officials. Decisions made by the Director have significant impacts on public safety, legal liability, fiscal responsibility, and employee performance.
Education and experience: Eight (8) years of progressively responsible work experience in the area of Public Works, including five (5) years of top-level management/director-level experience. Must speak clearly, read, and write legibly in the English language. Knowledge of and experience in grant writing and administration required, including compliance with federal and state reporting requirements for funded projects. Experience in community-oriented leadership roles with cross-over intergovernmental programs and cooperative operations. Demonstrable experience in conferring and interfacing with citizens regarding public works issues. Management experience in a local government agency preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license, successfully pass a background check and driving records check, and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Benefits include: Full medical and vision insurance for the employee. Optional dental, vision, and medical coverage for dependents. Washington State retirement pension is applicable, plan choices vary. County-paid benefits which include life insurance, long-term disability, and Employee Assistance Program. 12 days of sick leave per year. 24 days of paid vacation per year; increases after 5 years of service. 12 paid holidays.
For a complete position profile, full job description and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on “Open Recruitments”. For questions, call 206-368-0050. Pend Oreille County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by February 8, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)
Attachment: Pend-Oreille-County-WA-PWD-Profile-Final