Public Works Director

Public Works Director

Exciting things are happening at the City of Sparks! If you are looking for a meaningful career that has a positive impact on the community, join our team!

The City of Sparks is seeking to hire one Public Works Director. This posting will be open until filled, with a first review of applications occurring by September 14, 2026. Application review dates may occur sooner, and the posting may be extended or close without notice as needed. Therefore, individuals are encouraged to apply immediately. Only complete applications will be reviewed for minimum qualifications. Candidates that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

About the job: Aside from working for a City team that is dedicated to their community, the person selected will oversee the newly established Public Works department as the Department Director. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications listed below, while not required, the ideal candidate will have a Certified Public Works Manager certificate and/or Nevada Professional Engineer license. The selected candidate can expect a generous and competitive salary and benefit package which includes a comprehensive Group Health Insurance package and 100% City paid premium payment, retirement contributions made 100% by the City into a qualified Nevada PERS account, deferred compensation matching at 100% up to IRS allowable amounts, and more. See full description of benefits under Executive Management Resolution NO. 3499 here.

Plan, organize and direct the activities and programs of the Public Works Department. Provide expert professional assistance to City leadership staff on policy development, program planning, fiscal management, administration and operation of assigned functional areas including utilities, capital improvements, transportation, street maintenance, sanitary sewer and storm drain collection systems, fleet services, and facility maintenance.

This single class is the department head of the City of Sparks Public Works Department. Functions as the Public Works Director as provided in municipal code.

Qualifications

Applicants must clearly demonstrate how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below, on their completed application, to continue in the recruitment process. If there are certifications or degrees that require proof of completion, be sure to attach them to your application before submission:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree in business or public administration, engineering, construction management, or a related field and five (5) years of experience of management experience in public works, engineering, or a related field.

Licenses and Certificates: Must possess within thirty (30) days of hire and maintain throughout employment, the equivalent to a valid Nevada Class C driver's license. Must possess within six (6) months of hire and maintain throughout employment, Incident Command System (ICS) 100/200, ICS 700/800 and must possess as soon as available and maintain throughout employment, ICS 300/400.

Examples of Essential Duties

Plan, organize, coordinate and direct the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards for the Public Works Department. Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for department operations, programs, and services in alignment with City priorities. Oversee long-range planning efforts, including capital improvement planning and asset management strategies, transportation infrastructure, utility infrastructure, and facility maintenance.

Oversee and manage operations and planning, including but not limited to the development, construction, maintenance and rehabilitation of fleet vehicles, equipment, streets, snow and flood control, sewer and storm drain lines, pump and lift station maintenance and repair, open ditches and detention areas, effluent distribution systems, facilities, mechanical and electrical equipment, and traffic signs and signals.

Work closely with the Mayor, City Council, City Manager, Assistant City Manager, City staff, public and private organizations, and citizen groups in developing programs and implementing projects that address community infrastructure and service needs. Provide technical assistance, directly or through subordinate staff.

Participate in the City's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including implementation of equitable hiring, evaluation, and retention practices, compliance with applicable laws, staff training, and ensuring all employees and customers are treated with respect and have equitable access to City services.

Direct the development and administration of the department budget; forecast funding needs; monitor and approve expenditures; ensure fiscal accountability; and identify service delivery improvements and resource needs.

Direct the development of management systems, procedures and standards for program evaluation. Establish performance metrics and continuously evaluate operational effectiveness; implement policy and procedural improvements as needed. Support redevelopment and community planning initiatives as they relate to public infrastructure.

Serve as the primary liaison between the Public Works Department and other City departments, external agencies, and regional partners. Coordinate closely with the Community Services Director and Parks and Recreation Director where duties intersect.

Monitor conditions of City infrastructure. Manage and oversee maintenance activities necessary to resolve identified deficiencies. Establish and implement preventative maintenance programs. Ensure infrastructure systems are safe, reliable, and maintained in accordance with adopted standards and regulatory requirements.

Oversee the preparation of bid specifications for contractual services, equipment, and supplies. Negotiate and administer various maintenance and service contracts. Ensure procurement processes comply with applicable laws and City policies.

Direct the negotiation and drafting of agreements and contracts with consultants, contractors and other governmental agencies for capital improvement projects; actively conduct or participate in the process for highly complex and/or sensitive projects.

Ensure adherence to federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations and guidelines relating to public works activities. Update various permits as required and adhere to reporting requirements of those permits.

Stay informed of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes; evaluate their impact and implement improvements. Prepare reports, analyses, and recommendations to support decision-making.

Lead and supervise the department's subordinate managers and supervisors. Direct the selection, supervision and the work evaluation of department personnel. Monitor and direct employee relations and grievance procedures. Provide for staff development and training programs. Implement discipline and termination procedures.

Manage capital improvement projects through subordinate level staff; ensure staff designs and construction drawings are properly reviewed and approved; create and approve standards for the construction of public infrastructure.

Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.

Lead emergency response and disaster recovery efforts for Public Works functions, including coordination of continuity of operations and infrastructure resilience planning.

Perform other duties which may be assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles, applicable permit standards, laws, codes, regulations, techniques and equipment used in public works construction, maintenance and repair
• Knowledge of budgetary principles and practices
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision including planning, training, safety, evaluation and discipline
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract administration
• Knowledge of dispute resolution techniques and principles
• Knowledge of principles and practices of labor negotiations and employee contract administration
• Knowledge of safe work methods and safety practices related to the work and safety of assigned staff
• Knowledge of funding sources impacting program and service development
• Knowledge of and ability to work with social, political and environmental issues influencing program administration
• Knowledge of principles and practices of emergency management and ability to manage emergency events using the Incident Command System
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials
• Ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures and work standards
• Ability to use computer applications and software related to the work including Microsoft Office
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted during work
• Ability to have direct and tough conversations with others as needed
• Ability to reason logically and make sound decisions, including consideration of alternative and diverse perspectives
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to remain poised under all circumstances and to interact effectively with people in a positive manner that engenders confidence and trust within general policy guidelines
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with a variety of citizens, public and private organizations, boards and commissions and City staff

Physical Demands:

Requires ability to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment. Requires sufficient strength and stamina to monitor and inspect the construction, maintenance and repair of buildings, grounds, streets and public works projects in a variety of weather and traffic conditions, including in severe and inclement weather.

Supplemental Job Information:

• This position is Exempt under FLSA guidelines
• This position is at-will and exempt from the Regulations of the Civil Service Commission
• This position is subject to an Employee Resolution
• This position reports to the City Manager or Assistant City Manager
• Supervision exercised: Direct staff through subordinate management personnel
• May be required