PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

SUMMARY

The Public Works Director is a senior-level executive management position responsible for the planning, administration, supervision, coordination, and overall management of the City of Opa-locka's Public Works Department.

The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of municipal infrastructure and essential public services, including streets and roadways, water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater drainage, public facilities, grounds maintenance, fleet operations, and other assigned municipal services.

The position is responsible for developing and implementing departmental policies, managing personnel and financial resources, ensuring regulatory compliance, overseeing infrastructure improvement projects, and maintaining efficient and responsive delivery of public services.

The Director serves as a key member of the City's executive management team and is expected to exercise independent judgment, demonstrate strong leadership, maintain accountability, and ensure that departmental operations align with the City Manager's directives, City Commission priorities, adopted budgets, and applicable laws and regulations.

NATURE OF WORK

Duties require independent judgment in resolving technical accounting problems. Account classifications and operational standards are determined by established county and departmental regulations or statutory requirements. Supervision may be exercised by subordinate clerical personnel who assist in accounting, collection and related activities. Supervision is received from an administrative or professional superior who reviews progress and completed work for adherence to professional accounting standards and program guidelines, and completed work is also subject to periodic internal or external audit.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all operations, programs, personnel, and activities assigned to the Public Works Department.
2. Provide executive leadership and supervision to division managers, superintendents, supervisors, administrative personnel, and field employees.
3. Establish departmental goals, performance measures, operational standards, and strategic priorities consistent with the City's objectives.
4. Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and internal controls.
5. Ensure effective coordination and communication among departmental divisions and other City departments.
6. Conduct regular staff meetings, operational assessments, and performance evaluations.
7. Establish clear expectations regarding employee productivity, attendance, professionalism, safety, and accountability.
8. Address employee performance deficiencies and recommend corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with City policies.
9. Ensure adequate staffing, supervision, equipment, and resources to maintain uninterrupted delivery of essential public services.
10. Provide timely, accurate, and comprehensive reports to the City Manager regarding departmental activities, projects, challenges, and accomplishments.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

1. Departmental Leadership and Administration

• Knowledge of professional accounting principles and procedures.
• Knowledge of the general principles of public financial administration including the budgetary process, reporting requirements and cost accounting techniques.
• Knowledge of computerized accounting systems, operating activities and fiscal programs of the department or agency of assignment.
• Knowledge of sources of information and accounting techniques used in the preparation of fiscal reports, statements, schedules and summaries.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations and guidelines relating to financial records of county departments and agencies funded by federal grants.
• Some knowledge of management principles and supervisory practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of office methods and procedures and familiarity with the use of standard office equipment.
• Ability to prepare complete and accurate accounting reports and statements.
• Ability to perform detailed work involving written and numerical data.
• Ability to make arithmetic calculations rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to interpret and apply accounting procedures and guidelines to a variety of accounting operations and problems.
• Ability to supervise a small group of clerical subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

1. Water and Wastewater Operation

• Oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the City's water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Ensure the reliability, safety, and operational efficiency of water and sewer infrastructure.
• Supervise water main repairs, service interruptions, sewer line maintenance, lift station operations, hydrant maintenance, and other related activities.
• Coordinate with Miami-Dade County and other governmental agencies regarding water and wastewater services, interlocal agreements, and infrastructure improvements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, county, and local environmental and utility regulations.
• Monitor system deficiencies and develop corrective action plans to address infrastructure failures, service interruptions, and regulatory concerns.
• Ensure residents, businesses, and City leadership receive timely notification of planned utility interruptions and significant emergency repairs.
• Coordinate water quality monitoring, system flushing, and other maintenance activities through appropriately licensed or certified personnel.
• Oversee emergency response procedures for water and sewer system failures.

1. Streets, Roadways, Sidewalks, and Stormwater Management

• Direct maintenance and improvement of City-owned streets, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, rights-of-way, and associated infrastructure.
• Establish preventive maintenance and inspection programs to identify and correct deteriorating infrastructure.
• Oversee pothole repairs, pavement restoration, sidewalk replacement, roadway maintenance, and related public safety improvements.
• Coordinate stormwater drainage maintenance, including catch basins, drainage structures, canals, and related facilities within the City's responsibility.
• Develop and implement drainage improvement plans to address flooding and recurring stormwater concerns.
• Coordinate infrastructure projects with Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Transportation, and other applicable agencies.
• Ensure appropriate traffic control, work-zone safety, and public notification during construction and maintenance activities.
• Maintain accurate inventories and condition assessments of municipal infrastructure.

1. Facilities, Grounds, and Fleet Management

• Oversee maintenance and repair of City-owned buildings, public facilities, and assigned municipal properties.
• Establish preventive maintenance schedules for building systems, mechanical equipment, electrical systems, plumbing, and other facility components.
• Supervise grounds maintenance, landscaping, mowing, and beautification of City-maintained properties and public rights-of-way.
• Coordinate maintenance activities at municipal parks and recreational facilities as assigned.
• Direct fleet maintenance, equipment replacement planning, vehicle utilization, and associated operational controls for assigned City assets.
• Ensure City facilities, vehicles, and equipment are maintained in safe and serviceable condition.
• Develop long-term maintenance and replacement schedules to reduce emergency repairs and operating costs.

1. Capital Improvement Projects and Infrastructure Planning

• Assist in developing and implementing the City's Capital Improvement Program as it relates to public works infrastructure.
• Identify infrastructure deficiencies and recommend short-term and long-term improvement priorities.
• Coordinate with the City's Engineering Division, consultants, contractors, and other agencies regarding infrastructure projects.
• Monitor project schedules, expenditures, construction progress, and contractor performance.
• Review plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical recommendations within the Director's professional qualifications and authority.
• Ensure capital projects are completed within approved budgets and established timelines.
• Provide regular progress reports identifying project milestones, delays, financial impacts, and recommended corrective actions.
• Assist in identifying grant opportunities and external funding sources for infrastructure improvements.
• Support development of infrastructure asset management plans and long-range capital replacement strategies.

1. Budget Administration and Financial Accountability

• Prepare, administer, and monitor the department's annual operating and capital budgets.
• Ensure expenditures remains within approved appropriations and comply with City purchasing policies.
• Review and approve expenditures, purchase requests, invoices, and contractual obligations within delegated authority.
• Monitor overtime, equipment expenditures, utility costs, and contracted services to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Identify opportunities to reduce operating expenses without compromising service quality or public safety.
• Develop cost estimates, budget projections, and financial justifications for proposed projects and equipment purchases.
• Coordinate with the Finance Department regarding procurement, payments, grant expenditures, and audit requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation supporting departmental financial transactions and operational expenditures.
• Implement corrective measures when spending trends or operational inefficiencies threaten budgetary compliance.

1. Contract Administration and Vendor Oversight

• Administer contracts and agreements for public works services, maintenance, construction, and infrastructure improvements.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, service standards, and project specifications.
• Coordinate preparation of scopes of work, technical specifications, and procurement recommendations.
• Review contractor invoices, deliverables, change orders, and project documentation.
• Identify and address contractor deficiencies, delays, or noncompliance.
• Coordinate with the Procurement Department and City Attorney regarding contract administration and disputes.
• Ensure compliance with applicable procurement requirements and approved contractual terms.

1. Regulatory Compliance, Safety, and Emergency Management

• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, county, and municipal laws, ordinances, permits, and regulations.
• Coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miami-Dade County regulatory agencies, and other authorities as appropriate.
• Implement workplace safety programs consistent with applicable occupational safety requirements.
• Ensure employees receive required training, certifications, and safety equipment.
• Develop and maintain departmental emergency response and continuity-of-operations procedures.
• Coordinate departmental preparations and response activities for hurricanes, flooding, severe weather, utility failures, and other emergencies.
• Direct emergency debris removal, roadway clearance, infrastructure restoration, and other assigned recovery operations.
• Serve as an essential employee during declared emergencies and other critical incidents.
• Ensure timely reporting, documentation, and correction of safety hazards and regulatory deficiencies.

1. Public Relations and Intergovernmental Coordination

• Respond professionally and promptly to resident complaints, service requests, and inquiries regarding public works operations.
• Establish procedures for tracking, assigning, resolving, and documenting public service requests.
• Attend City Commission meetings, workshops, community meetings, and other official functions as directed.
• Prepare reports, presentations, recommendations, and agenda materials for the City Manager and City Commission.
• Coordinate with county, state, and federal agencies regarding infrastructure, utilities, transportation, and environmental matters.
• Maintain productive working relationships with residents, businesses, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Provide accurate and timely information to City leadership regarding significant operational concerns, public safety hazards, and service interruptions.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or a closely related field.

An equivalent combination of relevant education, professional training, certifications, and progressively responsible municipal public works experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal infrastructure, utilities, engineering operations, construction management, or a closely related field.

At least five (5) years of supervisory or management experience, preferably in municipal or county government.

Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, personnel supervision, infrastructure maintenance, capital improvement planning, and contract administration.

Experience managing multiple operational divisions and coordinating essential public services is highly preferred.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid Florida driver's license, or ability to obtain one within an established period following appointment.

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is preferred but not required.

Certified Public Works Professional or other recognized public works management certification is preferred.

FEMA Incident Command System training, including ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800, is preferred or may be required following appointment.

Applicable water or wastewater operator certifications are preferred when relevant to assigned responsibilities.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Municipal public works administration and management.
• Water distribution and wastewater collection systems.
• Stormwater drainage and roadway maintenance.
• Municipal facilities, fleet management, and grounds maintenance.
• Public infrastructure planning and preventive maintenance.
• Government budgeting, procurement, and contract administration.
• Federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations.
• Capital improvement planning and project management.
• Emergency management and disaster recovery operations.
• Personnel administration, employee relations, and performance management.

Ability to:

• Effectively lead and manage a diverse workforce.
• Develop and implement operational plans and departmental priorities.
• Make sound decisions under pressure and during emergencies.
• Evaluate infrastructure deficiencies and recommend cost-effective solutions.
• Manage multiple projects, deadlines, and operational demands.
• Analyze financial and operational data.
• Prepare professional reports, correspondence, and presentations.
• Communicate effectively with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, residents, and outside agencies.
• Resolve complex operational problems and personnel matters.
• Maintain accountability and enforce established policies.
• Work independently with limited supervision while remaining responsive to executive direction.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• The Public Works Director exercises administrative and supervisory authority over all assigned departmental personnel, including managers, superintendents, supervisors, technical personnel, field employees, and administrative staff.
• Responsibilities include hiring recommendations, employee evaluations, work assignments, scheduling, training, performance management, and disciplinary recommendations in accordance with City policies and applicable laws.
• The Director is responsible for ensuring appropriate management coverage and continuity of operations during employee absences, emergencies, and periods of increased operational demand.

Performance Expectations

• Operational Efficiency: Timely and effective delivery of essential public works services.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Implementation of preventive maintenance and timely correction of deficiencies.
• Budget Compliance: Responsible management of departmental expenditures and approved resources.
• Project Management: Completion of projects within established budgets and schedules.
• Regulatory Compliance: Adherence to applicable regulatory requirements and timely resolution of deficiencies.
• Employee Management: Effective supervision, accountability, productivity, and staff development.
• Customer Service: Timely response to and resolution of resident concerns and service requests.
• Emergency Preparedness: Readiness to respond to utility failures, storms, flooding, and other emergencies.
• Executive Communication: Timely reporting of significant issues, operational needs, and departmental accomplishments.
• Strategic Planning: Demonstrated progress toward infrastructure improvements and long-term sustainability.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; handle and feel computers and standard business equipment; and reach with hands and arms.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Equal Employment Opportunity/EEO

The City of Opa-locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.