Hercules is hiring: Public Works Superintendent in Hercules

Salary : $125,693.36 - $160,419.58 Annually
Location : Hercules, CA
Job Type: Full-time, Benefited
Job Number: 2026-00001
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 01/05/2026
Closing Date: 1/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Definition
***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

1. 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.
2. 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:
Action

Timeline

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
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.
Essential Functions
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors and participates in the work of personnel responsible for the supervision of the Operation and Maintenance division.
• Performs the more difficult and complex maintenance duties of the work unit including obtaining and reviewing vendor and contractor bids in accordance with the City's procurement policy; secures and administers grants.
• Participates in the development of policies and procedures; recommends programs, projects and work assignments; develops schedules and methods for performing assigned duties; maintains appropriate work records and documents which may include timesheets and work orders; prepares monthly productivity reports; prepares memos, letters, statistical and/or analytical reports on operations as necessary; prepares and submits the division budget for inclusion in the Public Works department budget; monitors budget expenditures.
• Participates in the selection and training of maintenance personnel; assumes responsibility for motivating and evaluating assigned personnel; provides necessary training; initiates discipline procedures as appropriate; recruits, hires and manages supplemental labor crews; assigns work to assigned staff and personnel; monitors work activities to ensure safe work practices, work quality and accuracy.
• Ensures safe work practices; identifies safety means and methods and training opportunities.
• Ensures compliance with applicable rules, policies and procedures; develops and implements standard operating procedures for routine activities; develops and implements asset management program; identifies and addresses gaps in service or maintenance of assets.
• Maintains inventory control; solicits bids and prepares specifications for purchasing of supplies, equipment, and materials in accordance with the City's procurement policy.
• Prepares and manages materials and labor for city festivals and special events.
• Assists with new development designs; reads and interprets engineering plans; makes recommendations for new public works construction; monitors contractors, encroachment permittees and projects.
• Participates in organizational and community group meetings as needed; responds to questions and inquiries; deploys emergency response crews; investigates and resolves complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
• Performs building and public works inspections as necessary.
• Serves as project manager and project lead on maintenance and operations related projects.
• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
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.
Additional Information
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.
For information regarding the City's applicable benefits package for this position, please contact the Human Resources Division at hr@herculesca.gov.
01

COMPETITIVE EVALUATION: Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and completely and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate the highest level of education you have completed.

• Less than High School Diploma or GED
• High School Diploma or GED
• College-level coursework in construction management, civil engineering, or business/public administration
• Other related coursework or training
• Associate's Degree (at least 60 semester units or 90 quarter units)
• Bachelor's Degree (at least 120 semester units or 180 quarter units)
• Master's Degree or Higher

03

How many years of supervisory experience do you have?

• I do not have any supervisory experience
• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more

04

Indicate the supervisory functions you have performed. (Check all that apply.)

• Direct supervision of maintenance or operations staff
• Assigning and scheduling work
• Training and mentoring employees
• Conducting performance evaluations
• Enforcing safety rules and work practices
• Initiating or participating in discipline processes
• Supervising supervisors or lead staff
• No supervisory experience

05

Indicate the areas in which you have direct work experience. (Check all that apply.)

• Streets and roadway maintenance
• Stormwater systems
• Sanitary sewer collection systems
• Water distribution systems
• Parks or landscape maintenance
• Buildings and facilities maintenance
• Electrical or mechanical systems
• Construction, repair, or installation work
• None of the above

06

How many years of increasingly responsible experience in maintenance, repair, and/or construction work do you have?

• I do not have any experience
• Less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years or more

07

Indicate which licenses you possess. (Check all that apply.)

• Valid California Driver's License
• Valid Class B California Driver's License
• Experience operating heavy equipment
• None of the above

08

Budget and Fiscal Management ExperienceIndicate your experience related to budgets and fiscal oversight. (Check all that apply.)

• Preparing division or program budgets
• Monitoring expenditures
• Managing procurement or purchasing
• Administering contracts or vendor agreements
• Grant administration or reporting
• No budget or fiscal management experience

09

Project and Contract Management Experience: Indicate your experience related to project and contract management. (Check all that apply.)

• Serving as project manager or project lead
• Coordinating contractors or consultants
• Reviewing or interpreting engineering plans
• Conducting inspections of public works projects
• Managing encroachment permits or construction activities
• No project or contract management experience

10

Policies, Procedures, and Asset Management Experience:Indicate your experience in organizational planning and systems development. (Check all that apply.)

• Developing or implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Improving service delivery methods
• Implementing or supporting asset management programs
• Identifying service gaps or operational improvements
• No experience in these areas

11

Safety Leadership Experience:Indicate your experience related to workplace safety. (Check all that apply.)

• Enforcing safety rules and procedures
• Conducting safety training
• Identifying and correcting workplace hazards
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations
• Responding to safety incidents or near-misses
• No safety leadership experience

12

Communication and Public Interaction Experience:Indicate your experience interacting with internal and external stakeholders. (Check all that apply.)

• Responding to public inquiries or complaints
• Working with City leadership team or elected officials
• Coordinating with contractors or vendors
• Participating in community or organizational meetings
• Handling emergency or after-hours operational issues
• No experience in these areas

13

Readiness for Superintendent Responsibilities Experience:Indicate which responsibilities you have experience performing. (Check all that apply.)

• Managing daily public works operations
• Leading or supporting emergency response activities
• Balancing operational demands with long-term planning
• Supervising multiple Public Works programs or functional areas
• Supporting special events or City-wide operations
• No experience in these areas

14

Supplemental Experience Summary: In 500 words or less, please provide a brief summary of your most relevant experience as it relates to the Public Works Superintendent position.Your response should include:• Your current or most recent job title(s)• The agency or organization where the experience was obtained• A summary of your public works, supervisory, and operational responsibilities• Approximate dates (month/year) of employment for each roleThis information will be used to verify minimum qualifications and evaluate your readiness for the position.
Required Question