EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Position will be open until filled.We are currently seeking: An Executive Director of Public Works to join our team. In this role, you will provide strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and policy direction for the City's Public Works Department, including Operations, Water Utilities, and Engineering Services. This position ensures the effective planning, construction, operation, and maintenance of the City's infrastructure systems and public works programs. The Executive Director serves as a key advisor to City leadership on public works issues, long‑range infrastructure planning, regulatory compliance, and capital improvement strategies. Work involves high-level decision‑making, coordination with regional, state, and federal agencies, and the development of policies and programs that support the City's goals for safety, sustainability, and service excellence.Job Duties and Responsibilities:Department Leadership & Administration Provides executive direction and oversight for the Operations Director, Water Utilities Director, and City Engineer; establishes departmental goals, performance expectations, and service standards.Develops and implements long‑range plans, policies, and strategies for public works programs, infrastructure systems, and capital improvement projects.Ensures departmental activities align with City goals, regulatory requirements, and community needs.Oversees departmental budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation; reviews and approves expenditures, reports, and operational plans.Ensures effective communication across divisions and with City leadership, elected officials, partner agencies, and the public. Operations Oversight Provides executive guidance for Operations Department functions including streets and bridges, traffic operations, street lighting, stormwater management, solid waste, fleet services, and lake operations.Ensures operational programs meet scope, schedule, cost, and quality requirements.Reviews and evaluates operational performance, staffing needs, and service delivery effectiveness.Supports the Operations Director in resolving complex technical, operational, and regulatory issues. Water Utilities Oversight Provides executive guidance for Water Utilities programs including customer service, water treatment, production, utility maintenance, laboratory services, distribution, collections, conservation, backflow prevention and reclamation.Ensures compliance with federal and state water quality, environmental, and safety regulations.Oversees long‑range planning for water supply, treatment capacity, infrastructure resiliency, and resource management.Supports the Water Director in addressing technical, operational, and interagency challenges. Engineering & Capital Projects Oversight Provides executive oversight for engineering services, including land development review, infrastructure design, construction management, and floodplain management.Ensures engineering plans, specifications, and projects comply with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.Oversees the development and execution of the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP).Supports the City Engineer in resolving complex issues. Interagency Coordination & Compliance Serves as the City's principal advisor on public works programs, infrastructure policy, and technical issues.Represents the City in regional planning efforts and coordinates with state and federal agencies on regulatory, funding, and project matters.Ensures all Public Works divisions comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and safety standards. Community & Stakeholder Engagement Responds to inquiries from residents, businesses, developers, and partner agencies regarding public works programs and projects.Communicates complex technical information in a clear and accessible manner.Builds and maintains strong working relationships with community stakeholders.Regular and timely attendance is required. The above duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.Requirements and Skills: Leading, motivating, and developing high‑performing teams across diverse technical disciplines.Managing complex projects, programs, and budgets with competing priorities.Interpreting and applying engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and municipal policies.Analyzing operational, financial, and technical data to support decision‑making.Building collaborative relationships with elected officials, staff, agencies, and the public.Communicating effectively in written and verbal form, including presenting technical information to non‑technical audiences.Resolving complex operational, engineering, and administrative issues.Exercising sound judgment, strategic thinking, and problem‑solving in high‑stakes situations.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or a related field required.Master's degree in Public Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline preferred.Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities, engineering, or municipal infrastructure management, including at least five (5) years in a senior leadership or executive role.Experience in municipal government strongly preferred.Physical Demands / Work Environment: Work is performed in a standard office environment. Job postings may be withdrawn at any time at direction of the City Manager.

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