Public Works Assistant Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Public Works Assistant Director supports the Public Works Director in the leadership, oversight, and coordination of key departmental functions, including infrastructure and building maintenance, groundskeeping, sanitation, recycling, and fleet operations. This role plays a vital part in ensuring efficient and effective daily operations, managing improvement projects, and advancing long-term public works initiatives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Customer Service: Respond to public inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding department activities and services. Represent the department at public meetings and presentations to communicate division programs and initiatives.
• Staff Leadership: Supervise and support first-line supervisors, technical staff, and administrative personnel. Provide leadership in hiring, training, performance management, and disciplinary actions. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-oriented work environment.
• Operations Management: Assist the Director in setting performance benchmarks for preventive and routine maintenance across facilities and infrastructure, including response times, work quality, and project completion metrics.
• Project Management: Lead the planning, coordination, execution, and completion of capital improvement projects and other public works programs on schedule and within budget.
• Safety Compliance: Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive departmental safety program aligned with federal, state, and local safety regulations.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all departmental operations comply with applicable laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the creation and implementation of departmental policies, procedures, and operational best practices.
• Liaison and Coordination: Serve as a key liaison between the Public Works Department, other city departments, external agencies, and the community to ensure effective collaboration and service delivery.
• Data and Reporting: Collect, analyze, and report data to support operational decisions. Prepare clear and comprehensive reports, correspondence, and records.
• Facilities Management: Oversee the upkeep, repair, and functional readiness of city-owned buildings, grounds, and related facilities.
• Capital Projects Oversight: Manage the full life cycle of construction projects, including planning, design, bidding, construction, and close-out phases.
• Fleet Management: Direct the maintenance, operation, and replacement planning for the department’s fleet of vehicles and equipment.
• Emergency Response: Coordinate emergency response efforts, including snow removal, flood control, and storm cleanup. Assist in developing and executing emergency preparedness and continuity of operations plans.

Qualifications

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and work experience.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity in the public works field.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with internal staff, city officials, contractors, and the general public.
• Strong project management capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and contract administration.
• Demonstrated commitment to high-quality public service.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

• Valid CDL Class A or B driver's license (required).
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (preferred).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS (Work Environment)

• Primarily office-based, with some fieldwork required.
• Must be available for emergency call-back and capable of working extended hours, including nights and weekends, as necessary.
• Occasional lifting, pushing/pulling, and carrying objects up to 30 pounds.
• Must be able to work under physically demanding conditions during emergencies.
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk on uneven terrain for extended periods.

• Office setting with occasional field exposure to variable weather conditions and job site hazards.
• May encounter moving mechanical parts, electrical hazards, fumes, airborne particles, or vibration in field settings.
• Noise levels range from quiet in the office to moderate in the field.