***OPEN AND PROMOTIONAL JOB OPPORTUNITY***
Public Works Superintendent
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal Public Works Superintendent candidate is a knowledgeable and motivated public works professional with experience in municipal facilities maintenance and operations who is ready to step into a broader leadership role. They possess a strong understanding of infrastructure systems, safe work practices, and service delivery in a public agency environment.
This individual is an effective communicator and supervisor who can lead staff, initiate and coordinate projects, manage budgets and contracts, and adhere to established policies and procedures. They are organized, adaptable, and capable of balancing day-to-day operations with long-term planning.
Internal candidates will bring valuable institutional knowledge and demonstrated leadership potential, while external candidates will offer comparable public works experience and a collaborative, service-oriented approach.
Recruitment and Selection Process
Application Process
To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please click "Apply" above and submit a completed City of Hercules employment application online by the application deadline. Only application materials submitted online during the filing period will be accepted.
All qualified applications and supplemental application question responses will be competitively evaluated, and only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the interview process.
Tentative Selection Plan
Applicants will be informed via email with reasonable notice in advance of any examination process which will require their in-person attendance.
The following dates are tentative and subject to change based on the needs of the City of Hercules:
Application Deadline
Friday, January 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (PST)
Review of Minimum Qualifications
Week of February 2, 2026
Panel Interview
Week of February 16, 2026
If you are selected to participate in the panel interview and are unavailable, we regret that we will not be able to reschedule you.
The selection process may include a finalist interview, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components.
Questions relating to this recruitment may be directed to Kristi Carter, Human Resources Manager, at
kcarter@herculesca.gov.
Public Works Superintendent Job Description
Under administrative direction of the Public Works Director, the Public Works Superintendent plans, organizes, and supervises the operational and technical support services of a major division within the Public Works Department. The position has oversight of related budgets, the procurement process, contracted services, and project management responsibilities.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The Public Works Superintendent is a management-level position responsible for overseeing a major division within the Public Works Department, including the Operations and Maintenance Division and related programs and functions. This classification is distinguished from the Public Works Supervisor position by its broader responsibility for managing multiple divisions, programs, procurements, and department-wide operations.
Supervision Received and Exercised
Reports to the Public Works Director. Supervision received is characterized by general administrative support and guidance, rather than direct control over methods, programs or objectives. The Public Works Superintendent manages subordinate staff’s assignments and performance including Public Works Supervisor.
Knowledge of:
Practices, techniques and materials used in maintenance, electrical, construction, mechanics, and repair of street, park, building, pool, sewer and water distribution facilities.
Safety requirements for the operation of trucks and other equipment.
Basic principles of mathematics.
Principles and practices of budget administration.
Methods and techniques of supervision, training and motivation.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Operational characteristics of standard maintenance equipment.
Methods and techniques for record keeping.
Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.
Principles and practices of building and public works inspections.
Principles and practices of civil infrastructure improvements including streets, sanitary sewer collection systems and stormwater systems.
Principles and practices of the State Clean Water Program.
Principles and practices of solid waste management.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.
Ability to:
Manage and direct the operations and activities of Public Works operations.
Select, manage and supervise subordinate staff.
Analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response.
Prepare and administer division budgets.
Analyze and evaluate new and existing service delivery methods and standard operating procedures.
Read and interpret engineering plans and specifications and interpret them to others.
Perform maintenance, repair and installation of asphalt, signs, concrete and storm drains.
Ensure that safety principles are observed and practiced.
Prepare reports and maintain records.
Courteously respond to community issues, concerns and needs.
Work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
Perform activities with a schedule, maintain regular attendance and be punctual within specified tolerances.
Follow safety rules and wear protective gear including head gear, ear plugs, hard hats, protective clothing and any required gear that is expected as an essential protective gear for general functioning of daily duties.
Work well with co-workers or peers without exhibiting extreme responses.
Participate in work activities requiring negotiating, instructing, supervising, persuading or speaking.
Respond appropriately to criticism from supervisor.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION/TRAINING GUIDELINES
Any combination of experience and education/training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in maintenance, repair, and construction work, including at least two (2) years in a supervisory role.
Education/Training
The equivalent of a high school diploma with additional college level coursework in construction management, civil engineering, business or public administration or another field of study applicable to the responsibilities and requirements of this job classification.
Certificates / Licenses / Special Requirements
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City’s policy. Possession of a valid Class B California Driver’s License may be required in some instances.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions
Office environment and field environment; travel from site to site; exposure to heavy vehicle traffic conditions; exposure to all weather conditions including wet, cold, hot and dry; may require the use of chemicals, exposing employees to fumes, dust and air contaminants; exposure to excessive noise.
Physical Conditions
Essential and marginal functions require sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces; reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, grasp and make repetitive hand movements in the performance of daily duties; requires near and far vision when inspecting work and operating assigned equipment; use color and depth vision; frequently lift, carry, push, and/or pull tools, equipment and supplies weighing 51- 75 pounds and occasionally 50 pounds; perform substantial heavy physical labor; may require climbing ladders; use of power and noise producing tools and equipment; hear and talk in person and by phone; may require driving motorized vehicles and heavy equipment; may be required to respond to after hour emergency call outs, work weekends, and alternative shift schedules; interact with City management, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.