Public Works Director

Essential Functions

• Lead, direct, and supervise the Public Works Department, including staff in operations, maintenance, engineering, and planning.
• Determines work procedures, work schedules, and guidelines.
• Develop and implement strategic goals, objectives, and work plans to improve public infrastructure and services.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to develop and retain a skilled, customer-focused staff.
• Foster a positive work environment through effective management practices that align with the City’s mission and values.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration among department staff, other city departments, external agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Prepare and manage the Public Works budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and fiscal responsibility.
• Monitor expenses, track expenditures, and implement cost-saving measures where appropriate.
• Identify funding sources, including grants, and manage public works projects funded through federal, state, or local programs.
• Prepares special reports for the City Manager and City Council as needed.
• Develops and oversees the preparation of specifications and bid documents for a variety of public works and public utilities-related designs, construction, and maintenance projects; recommends contract awards, negotiates contract provisions and coordinates, reviews and approves contractor’s performance.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the programs, services, staffing, equipment, and infrastructure of the Public Works Department in alignment with city policies.
• Affords assessments of the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, and allocates resources as needed to optimize performance.

Operations & Maintenance

• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and improvement of public infrastructure, including streets, stormwater systems, public grounds, parks, facilities, fleet, and traffic signs & signals, etc.
• Ensures that Public Works projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all applicable quality standards.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize unplanned downtime and extend the lifespan of public assets.
• Provides input into the development or update of the Capital Improvement Program, and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure.

Project Management & Planning

• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects, including oversight of design, construction, and implementation.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement long-term infrastructure plans to meet community needs and growth projections.
• Coordinates the preparation of reviews and updates the stormwater and street/traffic system maps, data bases, and comprehensive plans.
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans.
• Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations.
• Coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Evaluates Public Works needs and formulates short- and long-range plans (fiscal and operational) to meet needs in all areas of responsibility, including stormwater, street, sanitation, public grounds, parks, facility maintenance, , and traffic sign & signal maintenance.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and codes related to public works.
• Oversee the department’s safety programs, ensuring that staff adhere to safety protocols and procedures.

• Community Engagement & Public Relations

  • Serve as the primary liaison for Public Works-related inquiries from community members, elected officials, and stakeholders, addressing concerns and providing guidance on department policies and procedures.
  • Communicate with the public about upcoming projects, disruptions, or service changes.
  • Assess Public Works issues, evaluate available options, and provide informed recommendations to address municipal needs.
  • Prepare and present reports to City council, public meetings, and stakeholders on the status of public works projects and department initiatives.

  Innovation & Sustainability

  • Stay up to date with new trends, technologies, and best practices in public works and infrastructure management.
  • Integrate sustainable practices into operations, projects, and future planning to minimize environmental impact and enhance community well-being.