Public Works Director

Salary: $92,712.56 - $115,890.73 Annually
Location : 104 S Williamson Ave, Elon, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: DPWDIR
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 06/23/2026
Closing Date: 7/24/2026 5:00 PM Eastern


Description

General Statement of Duties

The Public Works Director will be the ORC for both a water system and a sewer system. They are responsible for ensuring the water and sewer systems are maintained, fully functional, and in compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. The system does not include a water treatment plant or a sewer treatment plant. Performs difficult professional, administrative, and managerial work in directing the varied operations of the Public Works Department. The employee plans, organizes, and manages a wide range of municipal services including pump stations, street construction and maintenance, water and sewer system operation, and the general maintenance of town property and equipment. Work involves a high-level oversight of department services and the execution of other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Features of the Class
An employee in this class manages and directs the planning and organization of all work involving public works and utilities systems, including installation, construction, maintenance, and repair. Work managed includes the upkeep of town streets, facilities, and stormwater systems, as well as the management of solid waste and the daily operation of water distribution and wastewater collection. The employee is responsible for the oversight of all pump stations and may serve as the Operator in Responsible Charge for the town's water or sewer systems. The Director provides technical guidance and support to the Town Manager, elected officials, and various boards and commissions. This role involves participating in long-range planning for future infrastructure needs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and striving for excellent service. Key duties include preparing and administering capital and operating budgets, overseeing capital improvement projects, addressing citizen concerns, and handling staff hiring and management. Work requires strong management skills in budgeting and project oversight, knowledge of engineering design, and a solid understanding of personnel practices and regulations. Work is performed under the general direction of the Town Manager and is evaluated through regular conferences, written reports, and the general public's satisfaction with utility services and water quality.
Examples of Duties
• Researches and recommends long-range plans and strategies to meet current and future citizen service needs; manages the development of multi-year capital improvement plans, including lifecycle replacement schedules for equipment and infrastructure.
• Plans for the short- and long-term development of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems, street construction, and solid waste operations.
• Directs and manages all capital projects related to Public Works, water distribution, sewage collection, and transportation infrastructure.
• Develops and administers grants to support town projects and infrastructure improvements.
• Manages and supervises department personnel through department supervisors; oversees the selection, hiring, and promotion of staff in collaboration with the Town Manager and Human Resources.
• Sets clear priorities and deadlines, providing guidance to subordinate supervisors to solve complex operational problems.
• Ensures staff performance excellence by overseeing evaluations, handling disciplinary actions, and promoting continued training to enhance skills and maintain necessary certifications.
• Fosters a professional and inclusive work environment, ensuring all personnel adhere to town policies and management directives.
• Manages and directs the daily operations of public utilities and public works, including water distribution, wastewater collection, and the maintenance of all municipal pump stations.
• Determines the needs for system repairs and replacements, overseeing the upkeep of town facilities, stormwater systems, and rights-of-way.
• Provides technical guidance and support to the Town Manager, elected officials, and various boards on matters of infrastructure capacity and environmental compliance.
• Maintains oversight of the town's fleet, ranging from passenger vehicles to large industrial construction equipment.
• Participates as a member of the Technical Review Committee (TRC) and performs detailed plan reviews for public and private development projects.
• Provides community education as needed, such as instruction on state requirements regarding the handling and disposal of fats, oils, grease and recycling.
• Establishes and enforces a culture of safety by ensuring all departmental work is performed in strict compliance with OSHA standards and municipal safety rules.
• Coordinates regular safety training for staff and ensures that field operations are conducted with proper protective measures and equipment.
• Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work and contractors; manages consultant and interagency contracts and ensures sub-contractors meet town specifications.
• Conducts field inspections of public works and utility projects to monitor progress, verify quality of work, and ensure successful completion of capital projects.
• Reviews and approves expenditures and purchase orders, ensuring all department spending aligns with the approved budget.
• Maintains considerable personal contact with citizens, contractors, and builders to address inquiries and resolve complaints regarding town services and development.
• Represents the Town on local, regional, and state level boards or committees as appropriate, and collaborates with agencies to coordinate intergovernmental projects.
• Attends staff and council meetings to deliver presentations, explain project reports, and provide expert advice on public works matters.
• Performs other related work as required.
Typical Qualifications
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws, local ordinances, and municipal standards affecting public works functions and utility systems, including water distribution and wastewater collection.
• Comprehensive knowledge of departmental policies and procedures used to govern all aspects of the department's responsibilities, ensuring all operations align with town-wide administrative and personnel guidelines.
• Considerable knowledge of the coordination and administration of large-scale governmental capital projects, including the ability to perform cost estimations and oversee project design.
• Extensive knowledge of municipal budgeting and purchasing principles, with the ability to manage complex operating budgets and long-term capital improvement plans.
• Substantial knowledge of modern leadership and supervisory practices, with a demonstrated ability to mentor, motivate, and delegate effectively to a diverse workforce.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices as they apply to the construction, maintenance, and repair of municipal infrastructure.
• Understanding of personnel laws and regulations, with the ability to handle staff hiring, performance coaching, and evaluation within a professional framework.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution and the ability to maintain professional and effective customer contact under pressure.
• Expertise in public speaking and the clear presentation of ideas, findings, and recommendations in both oral and written forms.
• Ability to manage large municipal projects from conception through completion, ensuring quality standards and timelines are met.
• Capacity to exercise sound judgment and initiative while using diplomacy and tact when resolving sensitive citizen complaints or community issues.
• Aptitude to maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, community leaders, state and regional representatives, and outside contractors.
• Competency to prepare concise administrative reports and communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and the general public.
• Proficiency to respond to emergency requirements and maintain operational oversight during extended hours or critical incidents.
Additional Information

Physical Requirements
Work ranges from sedentary office work to regular supervision and participation in field operations. Work is characterized as light to medium work requiring exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Employee must have the visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned. Employee must have the manual dexterity to move hands and legs and perform repetitive work.

Working Conditions
The employee is primarily subject to inside working conditions but may also be exposed to external environmental conditions including extreme heat (above 100 degrees F) and extreme cold (below 32 degrees F) to supervise or inspect work projects. Employee may be subject to noise requiring shouting to be heard above ambient noise levels. Employee would be subject to vibrations including oscillating movements of extremities or whole body. Employee would be subject to hazards including proximity to moving parts, electrical current, high heat, or chemicals and atmospheric conditions such as fumes, odors, dusts, mists, gases, or poor ventilation.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions
Qualifications for this position include a Bachelor's Degree in public administration, business administration, civil or environmental engineering, and five to seven years of supervisory and management experience in the construction and maintenance of streets, buildings, recreation and grounds facilities, water and sewage piping systems, and facility management; or any combination of related training and experience sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position.

Special Requirements
• N.C. Commercial Driver's License (CDL-B)
• N.C. Level A Water Distribution and N.C. Level II Sewage Collection Certifications
• May be required to have a general contractor's license
• PE in Civil Engineering preferred.


Disclaimer
This classification specification has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to perform the job. The Physical Requirements and Working Conditions section of this classification may vary from position to position. The Town reserves the right to assign or otherwise modify the duties assigned to this classification.
The Town offers a comprehensive benefit package.