Public Works Manager

Salary: See Position Description
Location : 100 W. Woodstock Street, Crystal Lake, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026-24
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 07/21/2026

Position Summary

The City of Crystal Lake is seeking a collaborative, organized, and detail-oriented Public Works Manager to oversee the administrative and operational functions of the Public Works and Engineering Department. This position plays a key role in coordinating public works bidding and contracting processes, developing and monitoring departmental operating and capital budgets, administering the City's Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Program, and supporting infrastructure projects from procurement through completion.

The Public Works Manager serves as a liaison between departments, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and the public while ensuring efficient departmental operations and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and City policies.

The Public Works Manager serves as a key member of the Public Works and Engineering leadership team, supporting the City's infrastructure investments, capital improvement projects, and daily operations. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact through effective project administration, financial stewardship, and continuous process improvement while working alongside a dedicated team committed to exceptional public service.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are representative of the position and are not intended to be all-inclusive.

• Manage the day-to-day administrative operations of the Public Works and Engineering Department, including purchase orders, invoice approvals, payment processing, payroll coordination, and expense tracking.
• Coordinate the preparation, solicitation, evaluation, and award of bids and Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for engineering services, construction projects, equipment purchases, and other departmental needs.
• Prepare professional service agreements, construction contracts, and related procurement documents.
• Review contracts, performance bonds, payment bonds, certificates of insurance, and other contractual documents for compliance with City policies and project requirements.
• Assist in developing and monitoring the Department's annual operating budget, multi-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP), and long-range capital planning initiatives.
• Prepare City Council agenda items, staff reports, technical memorandums, presentations, and other written communications.
• Administer the City's Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Program in accordance with Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) requirements, including:
  • Preparing resolutions and required documentation
  • Creating section numbers
  • Completing MFT forms
  • Coordinating with the Finance Department during IDOT audits and reporting requirements
• Track letters of credit, bonds, and other financial sureties posted by private developers, ensuring securities remain valid until all permitted improvements are completed and accepted.
• Coordinate with the Finance Department regarding renewals, releases, and monitoring of developer guarantees.
• Collaborate with Public Works Superintendents, Supervisors, and Engineering staff to improve administrative processes and departmental efficiency.
• Assist Public Works and Engineering staff with special projects and assignments as directed.
• Communicate effectively with City departments, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, elected officials, and members of the public.
• Provide responsive, professional customer service while fostering positive community relations.
• Supervise Administrative Assistants and other staff as assigned.
• May supervise Public Works work groups or project teams on special assignments.
• Follow all applicable safety procedures and promote a safe working environment.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Preferred Experience

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of public administration principles, office management practices, and municipal operations.
• Knowledge of budgeting, financial reporting, purchasing, and contract administration.
• Knowledge of public procurement procedures, bid preparation, and contract management.
• Understanding of construction contracts, change orders, pay estimates, quantity-based contracts, and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Program and IDOT requirements is preferred.
• Ability to prepare, administer, and monitor annual operating budgets and multi-year capital improvement budgets.
• Ability to review and interpret contracts, bonds, insurance certificates, and legal documents.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly develop a comprehensive understanding of Public Works and Engineering operations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of technical reports and presentations.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including:
  • Outlook
  • Word
  • Excel (including formulas and workbook development)
  • PowerPoint
  • Adobe Acrobat
• General familiarity with database software and enterprise management systems.

Education

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, Mathematics, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in Public Administration (MPA), Business Administration (MBA), or a related discipline is preferred.

Experience

• Three to five years of progressively responsible administrative, supervisory, or management experience in local government, public works, engineering, construction administration, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Schedule and Compensation

This is an exempt position and the hours are generally Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Anticipated starting salary range is $86,192-$100,000, depending on qualifications, with a competitive benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance, participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF), paid time off, holidays and a 457 Plan. The full salary range is $86,192-$124,129.

Application Process

Qualified candidates should submit a completed employment application, letter of interest, and resume.

Final offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.

Applications will be reviewed as received. This position will remain open until filled.
The City of Crystal Lake provides an excellent benefit package to its full-time employees that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts, a retirement plan through Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, paid holidays, paid vacation, and sick leave.