Published date: September 30, 2025
Job Title: Public Works Director
Organization: City of Pullman, Washington
Address: Pullman, Washington
Job Website Link: https://www.prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3331
Salary and Benefits Information: $132,492 – $161,040
Full Description:
Public Works Director
City of Pullman, Washington
Salary: $132,492 – $161,040
Located in the heart of eastern Washington’s Palouse region, the City of Pullman is a thriving community of nearly 33,000 residents and known for its strong sense of community, academic vitality, and exceptional quality of life. With a low crime rate, a lower-than-average cost of living, and the benefits of a less-dense population, Pullman offers a welcoming environment for families, professionals, and students alike. Pullman is well-known as the home of Washington State University (WSU), a prestigious land-grant research institution that serves as the city’s cultural, educational, and economic cornerstone. Just a 15-minute drive east of the city, the community of Moscow, Idaho, expands the region’s cultural and recreational offerings and is home to the University of Idaho. With excellent public institutions, a strong local economy, rich culture, and abundant recreational opportunities, Pullman stands as a premier place to live, work, and explore in the Inland Northwest.
The City of Pullman’s Public Works Department oversees engineering and inspection, street maintenance and operations, sewage collection and treatment, water system management, public transit, and fleet maintenance. The department operates with 99 full-time and 11 part-time employees, on a 2025 budget of approximately $50 million. The Department is organized into three divisions: Engineering, Maintenance and Operations (including Equipment Rental and Wastewater Treatment), and Pullman Transit. Employees are represented by the Teamsters and ATU unions.
Reporting to the City Administrator, the Public Works Director provides strategic direction for all public works functions of the City. The Director is accountable for departmental planning, policy implementation, and budget management, including the annual operating budget, capital improvement program, and transportation improvement plan. Responsibilities include administering engineering and utility projects, guiding private development review, maintaining city design standards, and coordinating transit and traffic planning. The role also involves building partnerships with regional and state agencies, supporting interdepartmental collaboration, and responding to community concerns with professionalism and transparency. This position requires a results-oriented leader with strong technical expertise and the ability to balance long-range planning with day-to-day operational needs. The Public Works Director must demonstrate skill in managing complex projects, advising elected officials, and motivating teams to meet the City’s infrastructure and service priorities.
Education & Experience: A bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably civil engineering, and Certification as a Professional Engineer is required, and/or the ability to obtain Washington State P.E. Certification within six months of hire is required. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible managerial experience in public works construction projects and/or engineering design is required. Experience in transit operations is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, experience and training that allows a candidate to successfully perform the essential duties of this position may be considered.
Benefits include but are not limited to: Three health insurance plans to choose from. Vision and dental insurance. $15,000 basic life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance. Short-term disability insurance. PERS2 or PERS3 retirement. Employee Assistance Program. 96 hours of vacation preloaded. 96 hours of sick leave preloaded. 12 paid holidays. 40 hours of administrative leave annually (prorated). Relocation expenses negotiated.
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. The City of Pullman is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by October 26, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)