Director - Public Works

About the role

Serving in a Department Director capacity at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of the County's Public Works Department, including short- and long-range planning, program objectives, and operational priorities. This classification provides strategic direction and oversight for all assigned divisions to ensure coordinated, effective delivery of public infrastructure, transportation, mobility, maintenance, and related public services. The position initiates and administers all horizontal capital improvement projects.

Department structure

The Department currently includes the Divisions of Infrastructure Inspections; Project Management; Stormwater Engineering; Infrastructure Design and Transportation Planning; Field Maintenance; Fleet and Fuel Services; Transit; Traffic Engineering; Traffic Operations; the Resurfacing Program; and Right-of-Way Permitting. The organizational structure and the number or configuration of divisions may increase or decrease over time in response to County needs.

Essential functions

• In coordination with Division Managers, directs activities and programs of the department to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and that goals, objectives and standards are met in a timely and effective manner.
• In coordination with staff, develops and administers work programs, practices, procedures and policies for improving the effectiveness of Public Works programs and projects.
• Develops and manages the annual budgets for the department and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses to ensure efficient and appropriate use of funding.
• Negotiates or participates in negotiation of contracts and agreements related to Transportation projects.
• Communicates clearly, effectively and professionally, orally and in writing; makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, various citizen groups and the general public, as necessary; maintains liaison with Federal, State and local governmental agencies, engineering consultants and contractors.
• Directs assigned staff, which includes work allocation, training and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee's qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration or related discipline.
• Minimum of eight (8) years management experience in a multi-disciplined organizational setting.
• Minimum of three (3) years high level budgetary and/or financial management experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Preferred qualifications

• Master's degree in related field desired.
• Prior related experience in a local governmental setting desired.
• Current Florida Professional Engineer (P.E.) License highly desired.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Knowledge of Land Development Codes, Comprehensive Plans and FEMA regulations applicable to transportation, transportation engineering, and the urban transportation planning process.
• Knowledge of capital improvement programming and comprehensive planning.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and perform duties effectively and efficiently in a high stress, fast paced environment.
• Excellent public relations and presentation skills.
• Skill in computer operations (including specialized transportation-related systems) and related software applications.

Working conditions

• The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions.
• The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer.

Veterans preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.