City Employment Opportunities:
The City of Joseph is accepting applications for a City Public Works Director.
Join Joseph. Build Something Lasting.
The City of Joseph, Oregon is looking for a hands-on, forward-thinking Public Works Director to lead the infrastructure and operations that keep our community running — and growing. If you’re the kind of leader who finds meaning in clean water, well-maintained roads, and a community that trusts its government, we want to hear from you.
About Joseph
Located in northeastern Oregon, the City of Joseph is a small, vibrant community known for its natural beauty, strong civic identity, and high quality of life. With a population of approximately 1,196 residents, Joseph offers the character of a close-knit mountain town with the rewards of meaningful public service.
Governed by a Mayor-Council structure, the City of Joseph is served by seven full-time employees spanning the Administration, Library, and Public Works departments.
The Role
The Public Works Director serves as the operational lead for the City’s infrastructure — from utilities and roads to capital projects. Reporting to the City Council and working closely with the City Administrator, this position is expected to provide both high-level leadership and direct operational engagement across all areas of public works.
The Public Works Director will be responsible for setting long-term departmental direction while remaining actively involved in the day-to-day functions of a small municipal environment where adaptability and accountability are essential.
Core Responsibilities
Infrastructure & Utilities
- Oversee the planning, maintenance, and improvement of city utilities — water, sewer, streets,
and related systems — to ensure reliable, high-quality service for residents. - Lead capital infrastructure projects from scoping through completion, managing timelines,
budgets, and contractor performance.
- Serve as the city’s primary point of contact for permits, public works contracts, and external
agencies.
Strategic & Administrative Leadership
- Partner with the City Administrator and Council to provide data-driven recommendations on
infrastructure investment, land use, and sustainable growth. - Contribute to the annual budget process, with direct responsibility for the Public Works
department budget and long-range capital planning. - Support compliance with Oregon land-use regulations and city ordinances as they relate to
public works and development.
Community & Council Engagement
- Attend City Council meetings and present clear, accessible updates on department priorities,
project status, and emerging needs. - Build trust with residents by communicating proactively, following through consistently, and
representing the City with professionalism in every interaction.
Who We’re Looking For
The City of Joseph is seeking a practical leader with technical expertise with a strong commitment to public service. The ideal candidate communicates with clarity and confidence — whether presenting to the City Council, coordinating with contractors, or responding to the concerns of a resident. This role demands someone who can balance long-term infrastructure planning with the immediate needs of the community, and who holds themselves to the highest standards of integrity — the kind that restores and sustains public confidence in local government.
Qualifications
Preferred:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related, field.
- 3+ years of progressive experience in public works, municipal operations, or infrastructure management.
Alternate Path:
- 10+ years of relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
Certifications (Preferred):
The following Oregon certifications are not required but are strongly preferred. Candidates who hold one or more of these certifications will be given greater consideration in the selection process.
- Wastewater Treatment Operator — Grade 2
- Collection System Operator — Grade 2
- Water Treatment Operator — Grade 1
- Water Distribution Operator — Grade 1
- Cross-Connection Control Specialist
Core Competencies:
- Working knowledge of municipal infrastructure systems (water, sewer, streets, etc.)
- Familiarity with Oregon land-use planning and public contracting requirements
- Experience with fiscal management and budget experience
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- High ethical standards and a collaborative leadership style
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: $80,000/year
Benefits:
- Oregon PERS retirement enrollment
- Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
- 9 paid holidays
- 120 hours PTO per year
- 120 hours vacation leave per year
- Basic life insurance (supplemental available)
Recruitment Process (Process subject to change per scheduling restrictions)
June 8th, 2026 — Application Process Open
July 9th, 2026 — Application Deadline
July 13th-23rd, 2026 — First Review/Candidate Interviews
TBD — Candidate Interviews (second set)
Application Process
To apply for this position download and complete:
Along with the application, please provide:
- A detailed cover letter describing your experience, interest, and leadership style.
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
Please submit your packet via mail or email to:
City of Joseph
P.O. Box 15
Joseph, OR 97846
Thank you for your interest in applying for the position of Public Works Director. For questions, please
contact Lacey McQuead at lmcquead@josephoregon.org.
Applications must be received by July 9th, 2026.
EEOE.
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Main Street Beautification Worker
Help Keep Joseph Beautiful! 🌺
The City of Joseph is looking for a Main Street Beautification Worker to join our team for the upcoming 2026 season. If you enjoy working outdoors and take pride in our community’s charm, we’d love to hear from you!
The Details:
- Role: Part-time, Temporary
- Timeline: Approximately April 15th – September 15th
- Hours: Approximately 20 hours per week
- Pay: $18.00 – $25.00 per hour
What You’ll Be Doing: You’ll be the hands-on force behind our downtown appeal—primarily focusing on planting, watering, and maintaining the Main Street flower boxes, along with general upkeep of our Main Street to keep our town looking its best for residents and visitors alike.
To Apply:
City of Joseph Employment Application or stop by City Hall for an application.
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Service Opportunities:
The following volunteer positions are currently open:
Planning Commission Member:
The City is currently taking applications for two Planning Commission members (4 year term).
Planning Commission Application
Planning Commission Requirements
All interested parties are invited to apply for the employment or service position they are interested in by returning the appropriate application to City Hall or emailing the application to: