Director of Public Works - City of Sycamore, IL

Director Of Public Works

The City of Sycamore, IL (pop. 18,577). The City of Sycamore, located in the heart of DeKalb County approximately 60 miles west of Chicago and 30 miles south of Rockford, is seeking a knowledgeable and pragmatic public works professional to serve as its next Director of Public Works. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the successful candidate will bring strong interpersonal and organizational leadership skills, along with demonstrated experience in employee engagement and development, strategic planning, capital improvement programming, and fiscal management.

Sycamore offers a unique blend of community charm, economic vitality, and high-quality public services. Serving as the county seat of DeKalb County, the City is home to five of the county's top ten private-sector employers, along with major public-sector institutions including DeKalb County Government and Sycamore Community Unit School District 427. The city is also home to the Sycamore Historic District, an area with 99 acres containing over 200 individual properties comprised of historical and Victorian homes and buildings. With a strong local economy, competitive tax structure, and reputation for responsive municipal services, Sycamore continues to attract both residents and businesses seeking a vibrant and welcoming community atmosphere.

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Director of Public Works provides executive leadership and oversight for the City's Public Works Department including streets, water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater, facilities, and fleet operations. The Director oversees a department of 25 full-time employees in addition to three seasonal summer staff. The Director works closely with City leadership to ensure efficient and customer-focused service delivery. City leadership is committed to long-range planning, operational excellence, and continued investment in infrastructure and public services. In FY2026, the department oversees a $18 million operating budget.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the City's expert on public works matters, providing strategic leadership and overall management of public works operations and infrastructure systems.
• Direct and develop department staff through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, and operational planning while fostering accountability, professionalism, and collaboration across divisions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits and safety standards governing public works and utility operations.
• Prepare, present, and manage the annual operating budget for the Public Works Department, including water and wastewater enterprise funds, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship and adherence to City procurement policies.
• Build and maintain constructive labor relations and participate in collective bargaining, employee relations, and grievance resolution processes as needed.
• Plan, implement, and oversee capital improvement projects from design through construction, ensuring quality execution, cost control, regulatory compliance, and timely project delivery.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, utility providers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to support infrastructure planning, operational effectiveness, and project implementation.
• Provide leadership and decision-making during emergency response situations, including severe weather and after-hours operational events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, civil engineering, or a closely related field required.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible work-related experience with at least three (3) years of supervisory experience required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• While experience in municipal work is a plus, relevant private sector experience will also be considered.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver's License or ability to obtain one. A valid CDL Class B State of Illinois Vehicle Operator's license is preferred but not required.
• A 30-mile residency guideline as the crow flies applies; however, exceptions may be approved based on operational considerations and individual circumstances. Employees should make good-faith efforts to meet this expectation within 12 months of hire.

The full salary range is $145,000 - $155,000 +/- DOQ. The City of Sycamore offers a competitive benefits package that includes three weeks of paid vacation, three weeks of paid executive time, plus sick and holiday time; annual COLA increases; substantial City contributions to medical, dental, vision insurance; optional HSA and Flexible Spending Account plans; short-term disability insurance eligibility; an optional deferred compensation plan; a complimentary $25,000 life insurance policy; supplemental life insurance benefits; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement program; and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension eligibility.