Public Works Director

About the role

The City of Omaha seeks an innovative, strategic, and dedicated executive leader to serve as its next Public Works Director. Reporting directly to the Mayor, this key leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the infrastructure and essential services that will support Omaha for decades to come and to play a central role in advancing the city's transportation, mobility, and environmental investments. The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight for all functions within the department. The executive leads the city's third-largest department, with 763 employees, 11 divisions, and an annual operating budget of more than $820 million.

Omaha combines the economic strength and amenities of a thriving metropolitan area with the affordability, accessibility, and welcoming spirit of a mid-sized city. Nearly 500,000 residents call Omaha home, and the metro population exceeds 1 million. Residents enjoy short commutes, excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and ambitious civic investments supported by a strong tradition of public-private collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Direct long-range infrastructure planning, policy development, and daily operations across the Transportation and Environment branches.
• Lead the City's Capital Improvement Program and oversee major annual capital spending.
• Guide roadway, bridge, adaptive traffic control, parking, and mobility improvements and support deployment of Omaha's modern streetcar system, OSCAR.
• Oversee regional wastewater treatment facilities serving approximately 800,000 residents, along with stormwater compliance, flood control, household hazardous waste, and long-term stream and combined sewer control plans.
• Direct fleet maintenance for City vehicles, facilities management, and department-wide administrative functions.
• Build productive relationships with elected officials, regional partners, business leaders, the media, and the public.
• Lead emergency management and continuity of operations during severe weather, flooding, and other critical events.

Qualifications

• Ten years of extensive administrative and management experience in public works operations and engineering management serving a complex municipal organization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal infrastructure, transportation systems, water and wastewater utilities, major capital projects, and public-sector budgeting.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, crisis response, continuous improvement, and team leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Nebraska, or the ability to obtain registration within the specified timeframe, required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• City funding toward a Health Savings Account
• Defined benefit pension
• 15 paid holidays
• Generous vacation and sick leave

Pay

$205,000–$220,000 annually