DPW Project Director

Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Water & Sewer, this position oversees projects and programs within the Water Operations and Sewer Operations Divisions of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The DPW Project Director facilitates coordination, communication, administrative systems management, project deliverables, and capital construction projects, working closely with management, technical teams, and consultants. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Water & Sewer management, technical teams, and consultants for total financial management of capital construction projects from inception through closeout.
• Oversee procurement management, construction payment processing, construction change order management, and project closeout compliance.
• Develop and review RFPs, manage purchase orders, and handle contract amendment management.
• Develop and maintain administrative systems to track and report on the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.
• Identify critical path project delivery pathways and implement proactive strategies to mitigate delays, including milestones, dependencies, and deadlines.
• Develop and manage project-related communications, including public outreach materials in coordination with the Commissioner’s and City Manager’s Office Communications team. Communications work may include weekends, holidays, and night shifts.
• Assist with grant writing, administration, and reimbursement processes.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date project files, including contracts, meeting notes, design documents, and financial records.
• Serve as the central point of contact for project-related questions from DPW, Finance, Procurement, City Manager’s Office, and other departments.
• Facilitate cross-departmental workgroups when projects span multiple City functions.
• Document lessons learned at project closeout and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain administrative systems for accurate and proper filing of all pertinent materials, such as as-built plans and engineering documents, to keep a complete record. Evaluate files that may be redundant or outdated.
• Coordinate program efforts within the division and with other departments.
• Interact regularly with employees within the department and other departments.
• Prepare various letters and reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and five (5) years of related work experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Three (3) years of project management experience.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of municipal operations and financial management practices.
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices, including work breakdown structures, communications planning, team management, scheduling, budgeting, and finance methods.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement procedures, including cost estimating, bidding, and contracting.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities; perform tasks in an organized, detailed, and timely manner to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with City of Worcester construction contractors and professional services consultants.
• Ability to interpret and follow local, state, and federal regulations/statutes.
• Ability to utilize permitting, inspection software, and online permitting programs.
• Ability to use digital documents, filing systems, and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work successfully with other City departments and agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests.
• Ability to work outside in the street and on construction sites.
• Strong technical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Exercise judgment and creativity in decision-making.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of project management experience.
• Three (3) years of experience in public works administration.
• Three (3) years of prior municipal/government experience.
• Three (3) years of budgeting experience.
• Three (3) years of grant administration and/or management experience.

Pay

$85,280 - $112,100 annually, full-time, exempt.

Benefits

Excellent benefits package.