Public Works Director

Director of Public Works

The Town of Forest Heights is seeking a results-driven and experienced professional to serve as the Director of the Department of Public Works. This executive leadership role is responsible for overseeing all municipal public works operations, including infrastructure maintenance, sanitation, stormwater management, fleet services, and capital improvement projects. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of strategic planning, operational efficiency, and leadership to ensure that the town's public assets are maintained at the highest standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Direct and manage all functions of the Public Works Department, including streets, sanitation, snow removal, stormwater systems, parks maintenance, and town facilities. Maintains current and detailed maintenance and repair records on all department vehicles and equipment. Submits recommendations to the Town Administrator for the replacement of department vehicles and equipment. Coordinates and advertises any sales of vehicles or equipment approved by the Council.
• Assist in developing and administering the department's annual budget; monitor expenditures and identify cost-saving measures. Develop plans that include competitive pricing for all supplies and materials. Responsible for the submission of all OSHA reports for the Town. Responsible for controlling the GASB 34 and GASB 54 program and reporting the year-end results to the Chief Administrative Officer (Town Administrator) and Treasurer.
• Hire, supervise, train, and evaluate departmental staff; ensure compliance with safety regulations and performance standards. Direct DPW employees daily regarding work assignments. Directs the Town's Risk Management Policy and coordinates employee training programs and reports on all work-related injuries to the CAO.
• Oversee capital improvement projects and coordinate with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders, including ensuring projects meet quality standards and addressing any issues that may arise.
• Responsible for the initial preparation of all documents for bids, bid requirements, and documents for review by the CAO and Mayor before submitting them to the Town Attorney. Oversee the bidding process as well as the competency of contractors. Responsible for the control of construction projects in Forest Heights i.e. Sidewalks, ADA compliance, street overlay, WSSC, Washington Gas, Pepco, snow removal, Storm Damage, speed bumps, and speed humps.
• Prepares the annual highway report for the Town and submits it to the CAO and Mayor. Signs off on any repair of Town Infrastructure by any utility that causes damage to it due to the repair and replacement of water lines/sewer lines/storm sewer lines, streetlights, or damage through accidents.
• Responsible for records on hazardous materials, proper use, disposal, and annual reporting to comply with the employee/community right-to-know act.
• Supervise and monitor State, Federal, and Town flags and replace as necessary.
• Ensure timely response to resident service requests and maintain high levels of public satisfaction.
• Develop strategic plans for infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
• Maintain compliance with all local, state, and federal environmental and public safety regulations.
• Serve as the Town's representative for regional infrastructure coordination and inter-municipal collaboration.
• Provide monthly reports to the Town Administrator, the Mayor, and the Council at Town meetings.
• Public Works Directors are also responsible for communicating with the public about projects, addressing concerns, and ensuring community needs are considered in project planning.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Mayor and or CAO.

Minimum qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public works management, including supervisory experience; knowledge in the area of sidewalk construction, street overlay, bidding, personnel supervision, hiring, OSHA reports, and budgeting, purchasing control are examples.
• Valid Maryland driver's license.
• Working knowledge of municipal public works operations, budget management, and project planning.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in using software related to work order systems, GIS, and asset management is a plus.
• Knowledge regarding OSHA, especially annual reports.
• Safety training and a strong safety acumen
• Strong teamwork, communication, and attitude
• Superior knowledge of manual labor tools and techniques.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Qualifications that are a plus:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent certifications.
• Experience working in a small-town or urban-suburban municipal environment.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish is desirable.
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field (to qualify at the higher grade).

Skill in:

• Leadership and team building
• Budgeting
• Communicating orally and in writing with internal and departmental staff to give and receive information courteously.
• Operating and maintaining all assigned equipment required to perform the job's essential functions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, town officials, government agencies, and the public.
• Ability to work independently, lead, multitask, and coordinate and organize multiple projects.

Thorough knowledge of:

• All applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, laws, rules, and regulations.
• All machinery and hardware related to performing the job's essential functions.
• Department organization, standard operating guidelines, policies, and regulations.
• Local, state, and federal laws and current Town ordinances.
• Applicable Federal safety statutes, State safety laws, safety regulations, and local safety ordinances.

Working conditions:

70/30 administrative (office) to field work ratio. Field work is performed mainly in an outdoor environment, with considerable exposure to varying temperatures, dirt, and dust. The work also requires regular bending, lifting, standing, climbing, and walking.

Examples of equipment used:

Small: grinders, drills, brush hogs, riding and push mowers, weed eaters, arc welder, and other related small to medium-sized equipment. Large: loaders, dump trucks, snowplows, and other repair or maintenance equipment.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability, and Life Insurance

How to Apply:

Candidates may also apply through the Town of Forest Heights' official website.

The Town of Forest Heights is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and inclusion and encourage all qualified individuals to apply.