Public Works Director

Public Works Director

The City of Bowie is seeking a proven and experienced professional to serve as its next Public Works Director. The ideal candidate will have a broad background in all aspects of public works operations. This individual will be a skilled problem solver with the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as City residents. Additionally, a manager with the ability to foster an environment where employees feel motivated to perform at their highest level is a highly desirable quality.

Bowie's next Public Works Director should have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field, along with seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works management in a municipal government or similar environment. Applicants with related private sector or military experience will also be considered. Possession of a professional engineer's license (PE), and/or a master's degree in engineering, public administration, Project Management or a related field are highly desirable.

The successful applicant will also possess the following attributes:

• Knowledge of civil engineering, construction, infrastructure maintenance, utility operations, and public works management, and construction principles, practices, and methods;
• Demonstrated skill in resolving public works issues involving contractors, City residents, developers, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other governmental partners;
• Ability to provide strong and effective leadership to division managers, mid-level supervisors, field personnel, technical staff, administrative staff, and varied operations;
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with the City Manager, City Council, department heads, employees, contractors, regional partners, and residents;
• Ability to identify, recommend, and implement efficient organizational processes, service standards, operating procedures, and protocols;
• Experience managing operating and capital budgets, contracts, procurement processes, equipment needs, and major capital improvement projects;
• Commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship, and high-quality resident service;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical, operational, financial, and infrastructure issues to non-technical audiences.

The Position

Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Public Works is a member of the City's senior management team. Responsibilities of this position will include, but not be limited to:

• Planning, directing, and overseeing the activities of the Public Works Department's eight operating divisions and major service areas.
• Providing leadership and coordination for street maintenance, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, streetlights, snow and ice control, stormwater management, solid waste and recycling collection, fleet and equipment maintenance, engineering review and permitting, capital projects, water treatment and distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment.
• Preparing, prioritizing, and administering annual department budget for presentation and review by the City Manager and City Council.
• Recommending staffing, equipment, vehicle, facility, technology, infrastructure, rate, fee, contract, and capital improvement needs based on service levels, regulatory requirements, asset condition, and available resources.
• Providing prompt, practical, and professional responses and resolution to resident concerns and inquiries.
• Serving as a key participant in the negotiation, implementation and oversight of matters related to the City's AFSCME collective bargaining unit.
• Developing, reviewing, and implementing departmental policies, practices, standard operating procedures, service standards, and safety protocols. Providing capital improvements planning and recommending options for public works projects and capital improvement programs.
• Overseeing public works capital projects from planning and design through procurement, construction, inspection, closeout, and warranty.
• Taking an active role in the hiring, training, supervision, succession planning, and ongoing evaluation of key departmental staff.
• Ensuring the proper execution, administration, and inspection of agreements, contracts, permits, and work performed by City contractors, consultants, developers, and vendors.
• Conducting and/or coordinating engineering studies and technical reviews in response to requests from the City Manager, City Council, residents, or operational needs.
• Ensuring that the City's water and wastewater operations are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and permit conditions.
• Coordinating Public Works emergency response and recovery activities during snow events, severe storms, flooding, debris events, utility failures, infrastructure failures, and other emergencies.
• Representing the City in meetings with residents, civic associations, contractors, developers, utilities, professional organizations, and county, state, regional, and federal agencies.
• Promoting a culture of safety, accountability, ethical public service, employee development, continuous improvement, and responsiveness to the Bowie community.

The Public Works Department

With a $26 million operating budget, eight divisions, and 112 staff members, the Public Works Department provides resident services including: street maintenance; water and wastewater treatment; maintenance of the City's water and sewer distribution system; stormwater management; refuse and recycling collection; fleet maintenance and capital improvement projects, consisting of improvements to facilities including buildings and parks.

The City

The City of Bowie is a vibrant forward-thinking community of approximately 58,000 residents, known for its strong neighborhoods, high quality of life, and engaged civic culture. The City's proximity to Washington, DC, commitment to quality neighborhoods, and focus on safety, and economic stability have helped position Bowie as the largest, and one of the wealthiest municipalities in Prince George's County.

The City staff consists of over four hundred hardworking employees in a variety of skilled, non-skilled, administrative, public safety, and professional disciplines. The City boasts a pleasant working environment and a strong, goal-oriented culture. This culture is reflected in the City's consistently high employee retention rate, and record of success in achieving organizational objectives. Joining the City of Bowie means becoming part of a dynamic, motivated, and aligned team.

Salary and Benefits

The City offers a competitive salary range of $160,000-$200,000 depending on qualifications, and a robust menu of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, and a 457 savings plan. To optimize employee work/life balance, many positions include telework and flexible scheduling options.

How to Apply

Please visit the city's website at and click on the employment link. All applicants must submit a completed City of Bowie employment application in order to be considered for this opportunity.

Application deadline: Open until filled

A proud Equal Opportunity Employer, the City of Bowie is committed to providing a fair and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected. This commitment is a vital part of the City's organizational culture and values.