Public Works Director

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION TITLE: Public Works Director

DEPARTMENT: Administration-Public Works

RATE CLASS: Exempt

REPORTS TO: City Manager

SHIFT: 7:30AM-4:30 PM, M-F (May be changed at the discretion of the City of Freeport)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Required: Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal operations, infrastructure management, or related field. At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience overseeing multiple operational divisions, crews, or functional areas. Demonstrated experience developing and administering operating and capital budgets. Experience managing infrastructure or construction projects from planning through completion. Preferred: Experience in a municipal government environment. Experience implementing process improvement initiatives or operational system modernization. Professional certifications such as APWA accreditation, Certified Public Manager (CPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or related credentials.

JOB SUMMARY: The Public Works Director serves as a strategic department head responsible for the planning, organization, administration, and continuous improvement of the City's public works operations, including streets, drainage, parks and grounds, beach and levee maintenance, fleet, facilities, the Public Works operations yard (Service Center), and the Recreation Center. This position focuses on establishing operational systems, performance standards, capital planning processes, and fiscal discipline to ensure efficient, accountable, and sustainable delivery of municipal infrastructure services. The Director works collaboratively with division supervisors to modernize workflows, implement best practices, and align departmental operations with the City's long-range infrastructure and financial goals. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success modernizing municipal operations through process discipline, financial stewardship, and structured project delivery.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Process Improvement

• Design, implement, and evaluate operational systems to ensure efficient, accountable delivery of public works services.
• Develop and formalize standard operating procedures across all divisions.
• Establish measurable service levels and performance metrics.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, safety, and cost control.
• Provide regular performance and financial reporting to the City Manager to ensure transparency and accountability.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop, administer, and maintain full accountability for the department's operating and capital budgets.
• Prepare cost estimates, long-range infrastructure forecasts, and asset replacement plans.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls, fiscal accountability, and responsible expenditure of public funds.

Capital Planning & Project Management

• Develop and administer capital improvement projects for streets, drainage, facilities, parks, and related infrastructure.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with City policy and applicable state purchasing regulations.
• Oversee project planning, procurement, scheduling, contractor coordination, and cost tracking.
• Review construction documents, pay applications, and project performance to ensure quality and compliance.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning with other departments and external agencies as appropriate.

Operational Oversight

• Provide leadership through division supervisors overseeing streets, drainage, parks and grounds, beach and levee maintenance, fleet operations, facilities, the Public Works yard (Service Center), and the Recreation Center.
• Ensure proper maintenance of city infrastructure, equipment, and facilities.
• Establish preventive maintenance schedules and asset management systems.
• Establishes operational controls, safety standards, and inventory management systems at the Service Center to ensure equipment accountability, regulatory compliance, and efficient deployment of personnel and resources.

Interdepartmental & External Coordination

• Coordinate infrastructure planning and right-of-way activities with the Utilities Manager and contracted service providers to ensure alignment of capital planning and infrastructure maintenance.
• Serve as liaison with contractors, engineers, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders as assigned.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for the City Manager and City Council.

Emergency Management

• Lead public works response during declared emergencies, including storm preparation, debris management, infrastructure stabilization, and recovery operations.
• Coordinate post-disaster damage assessment, contractor mobilization, and documentation for potential reimbursement.

Personnel Leadership

• Supervise and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Promote a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and customer service.
• Identify training needs and support workforce development initiatives.

Other important duties and responsibilities

• Attend City Council meetings, workshops, and community meetings as required.
• Respond to citizen concerns and service requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and City policies.
• Provide staff support to assigned boards.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the City Manager.

SPECIFIC SKILLS include knowledge of:

• Strong knowledge of municipal public works operations including streets, drainage, facilities, fleet, and parks maintenance.
• Knowledge of capital improvement planning, infrastructure lifecycle management, and asset management principles.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage operating and capital budgets.
• Knowledge of construction project management practices, procurement processes, and contract administration.
• Ability to analyze operational workflows and implement process improvements.
• Ability to establish performance metrics and accountability systems.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and supervisory skills.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to utilize project tracking, budgeting, and asset management systems.
• Ability to build collaborative working relationships with staff, elected officials, contractors, and the public.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions :

Office and field environment; may work in inclement weather conditions. Working hours may vary to accommodate the needs of both the City and its citizens. All City employees may be required to report for duty during emergencies to ensure continuity of City services as needed.

Physical Conditions :

Essential and marginal functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; and operating motorized vehicles. Valid driver's license required.

ACKNOWLEGMENT:

All municipal employees will be expected to show and maintain a high level of initiative, enthusiasm, and motivation towards the improvement of ALL aspects of the Freeport community. Employees will also be expected to be available for work, to report to work in a dependable and timely fashion, and to be physically and mentally fit to do their assigned work. This position is designated as disaster essential and is required to be available for duty before, during, and after emergency events, including natural disasters, as directed.

• Must pass a drug analysis test, physical exam, and successfully complete a background check.