Public Works Director

Public Works Director

The Public Works Director oversees and manages the Public Works Department, including streets, stormwater, sanitation, public grounds, parks, traffic signs & signals, facility maintenance, fleet maintenance, and other related activities. This position involves complex supervisory, administrative, technical, and professional duties, with responsibility for planning, organizing, directing, and supervising all department operations. The Director reports to the City Manager's Office and is accountable for strategic planning, budgeting, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. This leadership role requires strong managerial skills, technical expertise, and a commitment to providing efficient services and maintaining public infrastructure.

Essential Functions

The following functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of the specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

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• Lead, direct, and supervise the Public Works Department, including staff in operations, maintenance, engineering, and planning. Determines work procedures, work schedules, and guidelines.
• Develop and implement strategic goals, objectives, and work plans to improve public infrastructure and services.
• Provide leadership, training, and mentorship to develop and retain a skilled, customer-focused staff. Foster a positive work environment through effective management practices that align with the City's mission and values.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration among department staff, other city departments, external agencies, contractors, and community stakeholders.
Budgeting & Financial Management :
• Prepare and manage the Public Works budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources and fiscal responsibility.
• Monitor expenses, track expenditures, and implement cost-saving measures where appropriate.
• Identify funding sources, including grants, and manage public works projects funded through federal, state, or local programs.
• Prepares special reports for the City Manager and City Council as needed.
• Develops and oversees the preparation of specifications and bid documents for a variety of public works and public utilities-related designs, construction, and maintenance projects; recommends contract awards, negotiates contract provisions and coordinates, reviews and approves contractor's performance.
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, supervises, and evaluates the programs, services, staffing, equipment, and infrastructure of the Public Works Department in alignment with city policies. Assesses the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, and allocates resources as needed to optimize performance
Operations & Maintenance :
• Oversee the maintenance, repair, and improvement of public infrastructure, including streets, stormwater systems, public grounds, parks, facilities, fleet, and traffic signs & signals, etc.
• Ensure that Public Works projects are completed on time, within budget, and meet all applicable quality standards.
• Implement preventive maintenance programs to minimize unplanned downtime and extend the lifespan of public assets.
• Provides input into the development or update of the Capital Improvement Program, and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure.
Project Management & Planning :
• Lead the planning and execution of large-scale infrastructure projects, including oversight of design, construction, and implementation.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with building codes, safety standards, and environmental regulations.
• Develop and implement long-term infrastructure plans to meet community needs and growth projections.
• Coordinates the preparation of reviews and updates the stormwater and street/traffic system maps, data bases, and comprehensive plans.
• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short- and long-range plans. Gathers, interprets, and prepares data for studies, reports, and recommendations. Coordinates activities with other departments and agencies as needed.
• Evaluates Public Works needs and formulates short- and long-range plans (fiscal and operational) to meet needs in all areas of responsibility, including stormwater, street, sanitation, public grounds, parks, facility maintenance,, and traffic sign & signal maintenance.
Regulatory Compliance & Safety :
• Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and codes related to public works.
• Oversee the department's safety programs, ensuring that staff adhere to safety protocols and procedures.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to assess Public Works assets and ensure operational safety and integrity.
Community Engagement & Public Relations :
• Serve as the primary liaison for Public Works-related inquiries from community members, elected officials, and stakeholders, addressing concerns and providing guidance on department policies and procedures.
• Communicate with the public about upcoming projects, disruptions, or service changes. Assess Public Works issues, evaluate available options, and provide informed recommendations to address municipal needs.
• Prepare and present reports to City council, public meetings, and stakeholders on the status of public works projects and department initiatives.
Innovation & Sustainability :
• Stay up to date with new trends, technologies, and best practices in public works and infrastructure management.
• Integrate sustainable practices into operations, projects, and future planning to minimize environmental impact and enhance community well-being.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Land Surveying, Construction Management, Public Administration, Urban Planning, or closely related field
• AND
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible civil engineering and/or public works or utilities experience, at least three (3) of which were at a management and supervisory level; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• An equivalent combination of professional experience in operations supervision, education, and certifications may be considered as a substitute for education.
• A graduate degree in one of the above areas may be substituted for one year of the required work experience.
• Education and experience must be commensurate with assignment for current vacancy.
• Proven track record of managing public infrastructure projects, budgeting, and team leadership.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license is required. (CDL preferred)
• Any other certification/license relevant to position, e.g., Professional Engineer (PE), Project Management Professional (PMP), or certifications in Public Administration or Management.

Additional Information

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles and public works practices, including traffic engineering, street, public grounds, parks, facility, and fleet maintenance
• In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing public works and utilities operations.
• Familiarity with public administration principles, including budgeting, purchasing, record-keeping, and the structure of City Council and personnel policies.
• Working knowledge of personal computers and relevant software.
• Expertise in materials, methods, tools, and equipment used in responsibility, with demonstrated skill in their operation.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for interaction with employees, the City Manager, contractors, consultants, city officials, and the public.
• Ability to build strong relationships with stakeholders, including business owners, City Council, department heads, and community members.
• Skilled in conducting engineering research and preparing comprehensive reports.
• Valid SC driver's license (or ability to obtain prior to employment).
• Engineering Intern Certification or Professional Engineer License is preferrable.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Beaufort is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The City of Beaufort will provide reasonable accommodation for otherwise qualified individuals. The City of Beaufort does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender or sex, race, color, religion, national origin, veterans status or genetic information.

The City of Beaufort offers a wide range of benefits to full-time employees and their families to include health care, dental, vision, PEBA retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. To learn more details, visit our benefits page.