Public Works Director

About the role

The City of Dickinson is seeking an experienced, strategic, and collaborative Public Works Director to lead one of the City's largest and most essential departments. Reporting directly to the City Administrator, this executive leadership position is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing all Public Works operations, including Water Utilities, Water Reclamation, Solid Waste & Recycling, Streets, Fleet, Forestry, and Buildings & Grounds. This is an outstanding opportunity for a proven leader to guide critical infrastructure, develop high-performing teams, and help shape the future of one of North Dakota's fastest-growing communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all Public Works operations and services.
• Lead departmental planning, budgeting, capital improvement programming, and long-term infrastructure planning.
• Direct a diverse management team while fostering accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee major utility, street, fleet, facilities, solid waste, forestry, and maintenance operations.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Partner with City leadership, engineers, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to deliver high-quality public services.
• Develop future leaders through mentoring, succession planning, and professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• Twelve (12) years of progressively responsible public works experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of supervisory and administrative leadership experience.
• Valid Driver's License with the ability to obtain a North Dakota Driver's License within 90 days.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with municipal work order management systems.
• Experience managing large operating and capital budgets.
• Background leading multi-division public works organizations.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance
• North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS)
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional development opportunities

Pay

$118,875.92 - $131,248.62 annually based on qualifications and experience