Public Works Director

 Job Title: Public Works Director

Department: Public Works

Reports To: Tribal Administrator

Classification: Exempt, Full-Time

Salary Range: $85,000 to $115,000 annually

Location: Oakhurst, CA

Job postings remain open for up to thirty (30) days or until a qualified candidate is selected. The organization reserves the right to close a posting at any time without prior notice, based on the hiring needs.

Job Summary

The Public Works Director leads and manages the Public Works department, overseeing grounds maintenance, land management, fire prevention, firewood operations, and light facilities work. This role establishes departmental priorities, directs field operations, and ensures safe, efficient execution of work. The Director also performs project planning and coordination for larger maintenance and infrastructure initiatives, aligning resources, schedules, and operational goals to support Tribal properties and services.

Essential Duties

• Direct and oversee daily Public Works operations and crew activities.


• Establish departmental priorities, schedules, and workflow planning.


• Plan, coordinate, and manage larger maintenance, land management, and infrastructure projects.


• Allocate personnel, equipment, and materials to support operational and project needs.


• Ensure compliance with safety standards, operational procedures, and applicable regulations.


• Provide leadership and operational guidance to the Public Works Supervisor and field staff.


• Monitor progress of ongoing projects and adjust plans to meet timelines and priorities.


• Coordinate procurement and maintenance of equipment, tools, and materials.


• Inspect work sites and completed work to ensure quality and safety standards.


• Communicate operational status, project updates, and resource needs to leadership.


• Maintain departmental records, reporting, and documentation.


• Support emergency response, fire prevention, and land management activities as required.


• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related field.


• Five years of documented experience in public works, facilities maintenance, land management, construction, or similar operational environments


• Documented experience coordinating or managing work projects, crews, or operational planning.


• Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and alcohol/drug screening in accordance with organizational policy.


• Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising public works or field operations staff.


• Experience managing multi-phase maintenance or infrastructure projects.


• Familiarity with safety compliance and equipment management practices.


• Experience working in a Tribal or government environment.

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials:

• Completed application form


• Current resume


• Documentation of higher education


• Verification of Tribal enrollment (required if claiming Tribal or Indian Preference)

Submission Instructions

Applications may be submitted on-line, by walk-in, or regular mail. Please send all materials to:

Human Resources Department P.O. Box 2226 Oakhurst, CA 93644

PRCI Tribal Preference:

In accordance with applicable Tribal law and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians (PRCI) Administration provides employment preference to enrolled PRCI Tribal Members. To qualify, applicants must submit valid proof of enrollment. Tribal Members who meet the minimum qualifications will be given preference in hiring, promotion, transfer, and layoff decisions. During the interview process, PRCI Tribal Members will receive an additional 7.5 points (10% of the 75-point interview rubric). Non-PRCI Native American candidates will receive an additional 5 points (6.7% of the total points) in accordance with Indian Preference guidelines.

Indian Preference Statement:

In compliance with 25 CFR Part 276 and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, Sections 701(b) and 703(i), employment preference shall be given to qualified applicants who are enrolled members of the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians, and secondarily, to another qualified American Indian/Alaska Native Candidate.