Central Services

Clerical Services

Provides support services to the Agency, including the PWA Director, to promote efficiency, professionalism and responsiveness. Services include: administrative services, outreach, citizen engagement, media relations, event management and other support to ensure Agency staff are able to accurately and effectively serve the citizens of Ventura County.

Fiscal Services

Supports the financial integrity and operational productivity of the Agency through accounts payable and receivable oversight; monitoring, analyzing and reporting of financial resources; and financial guidance. Fiscal Services is committed to serve the County and its constituents in a professional, timely and efficient manner and adhere to strict accounting standards mandated by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.

Health and Safety

Educates employees in identifying and mitigating hazards and trains employees to work with and around equipment to prevent injuries and illnesses at the work place. We are committed to promoting health and safety excellence in all aspects of our lives at work, at home and in our communities. We continually strive to improve our performance by looking at data and at the latest technology to create a safe work environment.

Human Resources

Provides personnel and payroll services to the 400 employees of the Public Works Agency. Staff ensures compliance with collective bargaining agreements, personnel rules and regulations, statutes and other state and federal requirements including providing information, problem solving, benefit assistance, payroll processing, and recruitments. The division interacts with all employee levels and departments within the Agency, and is the first point of contact for potential new employees, new hires and incumbent employees.

Careers with Public Works

Information Technology

Provides a wide-range of innovative technical solutions that align with the daily tasks and strategic objectives of the Public Works Agency. We serve the Agency, the County of Ventura, and members of the public by providing efficient, responsive, and cost-effective technology solutions for the operation and maintenance of Agency systems and services.

Real Estate Services

Provides real property acquisition, leasing, appraisal, utility relocation, and road vacation services; as well as administering the County Service Areas and County Franchise program. We are committed to providing efficient, responsive, and cost-effective services while adhering to high ethical and legal standards of the right-of-way profession, and state and federal regulations governing the public acquisition of private property.

Strategic Management

Leads and supports the strategic planning and continuous process improvement initiatives. We are committed to a culture of innovation and excellence and seek to ensure our goals and objectives are in alignment with the County Strategic Plan, Economic Vitality Plan and General Plan. Services include: facilitating and reporting continuous process improvement events, staff training, conducting organizational assessments, and publishing outcomes and agency accomplishments.

Integrated Waste Management Division

The Integrated Waste Management Division (IWMD) focuses on all aspects of waste and recycling for Ventura County’s unincorporated areas. It manages residential, commercial, and facility solid waste agreements, with growing emphasis on organics recycling, SB1383 compliance, and edible food recovery. IWMD also oversees household hazardous waste programs, construction and demolition debris recycling, community beautification events, and supports schools and businesses with education and compliance assistance. Regionally, it leads food recovery and recycling initiatives with partner cities and handles state reporting, grants, and community education efforts.

Public Information Office

Leads the Agency’s internal and external communications efforts through news articles, social media posts, and community outreach events. In addition to these core duties, the Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies, managing media relations, and overseeing the development of informational materials such as brochures, newsletters, and reports. PWA’s dedicated PIO provides support to the entire Agency and community in communicating public meetings, crisis communication, ensuring timely and accurate information is disseminated during emergencies or significant storm events, disasters, and road closures. Additionally, the Agency’s PIO plays a critical role in major community events such as National Public Works Day, with over 1,000 school children visiting the Government Center to learn about Public Work’s greater impact on all County residents.

JOAN ARAUJO, CENTRAL SERVICES DIRECTOR

Central Services provides effective, proactive and responsibly managed administrative, financial, business, technological, real property, human resources, safety and training support services.

Joan Araujo
805.654.2076
joan.araujo@ventura.org

Image showing the CRM application on a phone

CONNECT WITH US