Public Works Director

JOB FUNCTION: Organizes, directs, and oversees the City's assigned Public Works operations and municipal infrastructure. This position is responsible for the efficient operation and maintenance of assigned public facilities, infrastructure, utilities, equipment, and other municipal assets while providing leadership in planning, budgeting, personnel management, capital improvement projects, regulatory compliance, and emergency response. The Public Works Director advises the City Manager on public works operations, infrastructure needs, and long-range planning while ensuring the effective delivery of public services through responsible stewardship of City resources. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Provides leadership, direction, and guidance to Public Works division supervisors and staff. Interviews, selects, evaluates, and counsels Public Works personnel. Evaluates infrastructure and operational projects to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational standards. Advises the City Manager regarding public works operations, infrastructure needs, capital improvement priorities, and departmental initiatives. Directs fleet management, equipment acquisition, preventative maintenance planning, and operational asset management in coordination with the Lead Mechanic. Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including required reporting and regulatory deadlines. Ensures the timely completion of the City's Annual Consumer Confidence Report. Administers Public Works safety program and ensures compliance with applicable safety policies, procedures, and preventative practices. May coordinate additional divisions or operational functions as assigned. Develops and establishes strategic priorities for Public Works operations. Coordinates infrastructure projects with engineers, contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies. Coordinates departmental activities with other City departments to promote efficient municipal operations. Participates in emergency response and disaster operations. Addresses and assists in resolving sensitive public concerns, complaints, and operational issues. Monitors expenditures and approves purchases. Supports grant administration and funding opportunities. Represents the department before the City Council, regulatory agencies, contractors, developers, and the public. Develops and recommends long-range infrastructure maintenance, replacement, and capital improvement strategies. Assists in planning for future growth by evaluating infrastructure capacity and operational needs. Develops departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards. Develops, administers, and monitors departmental operating and capital budgets. Monitors expenditures throughout the fiscal year and recommends corrective actions when necessary. Coordinates with other departments, outside agencies, utility providers, and contractors to support City operations and infrastructure projects. Identifies opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and maximize available resources. Ensures departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, safety standards, and reporting requirements. Promotes responsible stewardship of City-owned infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and other public assets through preventative maintenance and long-range planning. Maintains regular and predictable attendance and availability to respond to operational emergencies. Other duties as assigned. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Exercises sound, independent judgment within general policy guidelines. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with all levels of City management and the City Council. Plans, organizes, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of assigned staff. Establishes and maintains positive working relationships within the community. Communicates effectively with the public. Prepares clear and concise monthly financial and departmental reports. Maintains knowledge of the proper handling of hazardous materials in the utility and wastewater departments. Analyzes operational, regulatory, and financial data to support decision-making and long-range planning. Monitors and evaluates operational efficiency, service delivery methods, and departmental performance. Demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office and municipal management software systems. Develops and implements departmental goals, policies, procedures, and operational priorities. May serve in a leadership role during emergencies, severe weather events, utility outages, and disaster response operations. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS Work is performed in both office and outdoor field environments. Frequent site visits may be required to streets, drainage systems, utilities, parks, wastewater facilities, airport facilities, construction sites, and other Public Works locations. Position may involve prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, or driving. May occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds. Exposure to outdoor weather conditions, construction environments, traffic hazards, water/wastewater environments, mechanical equipment, chemicals, noise, and other operational hazards may occur. May be required to respond after normal business hours during emergencies, severe weather events, infrastructure failures, or other operational incidents. Required to comply with all applicable safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements. Operates a City vehicle as needed in the performance of duties. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required pre-employment screening, including a background check and any other screening applicable to the position. Employees must maintain all licenses, certifications, and other qualifications required for the position throughout employment and comply with applicable City policies and procedures. GENERAL STATEMENT This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required of the position. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Associate’s degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, Business Administration, Environmental Science, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and progressively responsible experience may be considered. Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License. Working knowledge of TCEQ regulations, municipal infrastructure operations, and applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements. Minimum of six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities, infrastructure, construction management, or related municipal operations. Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a closely related field. Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal public works or infrastructure operations, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory or executive leadership role. Experience managing municipal capital improvement projects. TCEQ Water and/or Wastewater Operator Licenses. #J-18808-Ljbffr