City of Frisco, TX - Director of Public Works

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Frisco, Texas is seeking an experienced, strategic infrastructure executive to serve as its next Director of Public Works, stepping into leadership of a high-performing department at a pivotal moment. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country approaches full build-out, the City of Frisco is maintaining its focus on growth while also modernizing, maintaining, and reinvesting in the infrastructure systems residents and businesses depend on every day — streets, water and wastewater systems, stormwater management, and the public right-of-way. The next Director will inherit a well-resourced, well-regarded department and a City organization that treats infrastructure investment as core to its identity — backed by strong fiscal stewardship, a AAA bond rating, and a City Council and executive team fully engaged in the community's continued success.

ABOUT FRISCO

Located approximately 25 miles north of Dallas within the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, Frisco is one of the most notable success stories in American municipal growth. A farming community of roughly 6,000 residents as recently as the early 1990s, Frisco is now home to more than 245,000 people and continues to draw national attention for its quality of life, fiscal management, and economic vitality. Frisco's economy is anchored by a diverse and expanding base of corporate headquarters and major employers, and household incomes in the city rank well above state and national averages. With that, its population is becoming increasingly diverse as well. Frisco is consistently ranked among the best places to live in Texas and the nation and is nationally known for its sports and entertainment venues – including Toyota Stadium and a roster of professional and collegiate sports organizations, as well as its top-rated schools and family-oriented amenities.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT

The Frisco Public Works Department plans, builds, maintains, and operates the infrastructure systems that promote public health, safety, and welfare across the city, spanning Street Maintenance, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collection and Water Reuse, Stormwater Utility, Right-of-Way Management, Traffic Operations, Environmental Services, and Administration. While the Public Works and Engineering Departments work closely together, they are separate departments within the city. The Public Works Department consists of over 300 FTE employees and six divisions. Reporting directly to the Director of Public Works are an Asset Management Coordinator, an Assistant Director of Utilities, an Assistant Director of Streets, a Stormwater Manager, an Assistant Director of Environmental Services, a Strategic Services Manager, and a Construction Manager. For FY 2027, the Department's General Fund operating budget is approximately $26.6 million. Beyond the General Fund, Public Works operations are also supported by three dedicated enterprise funds funded through service fees rather than property or sales tax: the Utility Fund (Water & Sewer, $199.9 million in FY27 revenue), the Stormwater Fund ($9.6 million), and the Environmental Services Fund (Solid Waste & Recycling, $37 million) - supporting investments such as wastewater treatment plant expansions, stormwater asset management, and the City's new Environmental Services Facility.

THE POSITION

The Director of Public Works provides executive leadership and strategic direction for the Department's operations across all divisions. The position works closely with the City Manager’s Office, reporting to an Assistant City Manager or the Deputy City Manager. As head of the Department, the Director leads a comprehensive system of infrastructure, utilities, and public services that keeps pace with the City's growth. The Director translates City priorities into long-term goals, strategies, and policies aligned with the City's strategic plan. The Director ensures compliance with City-adopted policies and procedures and presents information on projects, programs, and initiatives to City leadership, the City Council, and the community. Core responsibilities include providing executive leadership and strategic direction for the Department; planning, administering, and directing the daily operations of the Department's divisions, and leading long-range planning; leading the development and administration of the Department's operating and capital budgets; advising the City Manager's Office on departmental priorities, policy, capital investments, and emerging issues; collaborating with other City departments and external agencies on behalf of Public Works; providing leadership and guidance for the assignment, training, and supervision of professional, administrative, and technical/field staff; establishing performance measures and using data and community input to evaluate services and guide decisions; and ensuring Department operations meet or exceed state and federal rules governing public water distribution and wastewater collection, and leading programs in emergency preparedness, employee safety, and APWA accreditation. The ideal candidate will be a technically credible, hands‑on executive who can lead a complex, multidisciplinary infrastructure organization while building strong relationships with elected officials, City leadership, employees, and the community.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities qualifies. The following is a typical way to qualify: Education: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. Experience: Five to seven years of progressive leadership experience in a municipal public works department, municipal government, or a related field, including at least five years as a public works director or assistant director, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Licensure: A Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas is preferred but not required.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The salary range for the Director of Public Works is competitive and will be dependent on qualifications and experience. The City also offers an excellent benefit package, including retirement provided by the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) with an employee contribution of 7% of salary and a 2:1 matching contribution by the City. TMRS allows for service credit from other public agencies. Additional information can be found at An optional 457 plan is also available with both pre‑tax and post‑tax savings options. Full benefit details are available here. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Frisco, TX