The City of La Grande Public Works Department is more than pipes and pavement—it’s the heartbeat of our community. With a dedicated team overseeing water, wastewater, streets, and engineering, Public Works ensures that residents enjoy safe, reliable services and a high quality of life. Join us in shaping the future of La Grande, where strong infrastructure builds a stronger community.

Our Assistant Public Works Director handles both administrative and supervisory duties for the Public Works Department, including supervision of Superintendents and supervisory staff for the streets, water, storm water, engineering, motor pool, wastewater collection and wastewater treatment divisions. This position provides department wide functional support and highly complex staff assistance to the Public Works Director. This position assists the Director in the planning, directing and review of the activities of the Public Works Department. This position regularly deals with other Public Works employees, other City employees, other levels of government, citizens and professionals in the connection with projects and assignments. The principal duties of this class are performed in both a general office environment and an outdoor environment that may include exposure to adverse weather conditions.

From its beginnings, La Grande has relied on Public Works to provide reliable water, sewer, and street systems. As the City grew, the department expanded and formalized divisions to meet rising demands and ensure compliance with state and federal standards.

Today, the City of La Grande Public Works Department is a well-funded, stable organization with six divisions—Engineering, Motor Pool, Streets, Water, Wastewater Collection, and Wastewater Treatment—and a team of 30 full-time employees. The department self-performs most project development and construction, ensuring quality and efficiency, and is supported by an on-staff Professional Engineer (PE).

Public Works thrives on a culture of success, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and professional development. New leaders will find a strong support system, proven tools, and a dedicated team ready to help them succeed. This recruitment is not about solving problems—it’s about leveraging assets to accomplish more and continuing a proud tradition of excellence.

With stable funding, visionary leadership, and a commitment to compliance, Public Works remains the backbone of La Grande, delivering safe drinking water, reliable wastewater treatment, and a robust street maintenance program while partnering with developers and stakeholders to support growth and modernization.