Public Works Director - City of Burbank, California
The City of Burbank, a thriving and forward-looking community nestled between the Hollywood Hills and the Verdugo Mountains, is seeking its next Public Works Director. With 106,000 residents, a daytime population of nearly 200,000, and over three million annual visitors, Burbank blends small-town charm with world-class opportunities. Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” the City is home to Disney, Warner Bros., and over 1,000 entertainment-related companies while also offering safe neighborhoods, abundant parks, equestrian trails, bike paths, and a vibrant Southern California lifestyle.
A full-service charter city with a $1 billion FY 2025–26 budget and 1,500 employees, Burbank provides nearly every essential service in-house, from police, fire, utilities, and parks to public works. This structure fosters innovation, responsiveness, and a strong sense of community connection. Public Works is among the largest departments, with a $127 million budget, 212 staff, and responsibility for planning, designing, building, and maintaining Burbank’s infrastructure and public spaces. The department also manages more than $31.5 million in active capital projects, underscoring the City’s commitment to high-quality facilities and services.
The City is advancing bold, transformative projects that will shape its future, including a new downtown civic center library, major renovations to Izay Park with a recreation center and multi-purpose theater, a new dog park, and enhancements to the Starlight Bowl. The Public Works Director will play a central role in bringing these initiatives to life, while ensuring day-to-day services continue to meet the community’s high expectations.
Reporting to the City Manager and serving as a key member of the Executive Team, the Director will lead five divisions and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence. The City seeks a dynamic, enthusiastic, solutions-oriented leader with deep technical expertise, proven project management skills, and the ability to foster teamwork and deliver results.
The annual salary range is $205,210 – $269,852, plus an outstanding executive benefits package. Requires a degree in engineering or a related field, along with at least seven years of progressively responsible public works management experience.
Filing deadline: October 23, 2025
Resumes are acknowledged within 2 business days.
