Director - Public Works

Director of Public Works

City of Westminster, Maryland (pop. 20,536)

Lead the infrastructure that keeps Westminster running, and shape what comes next.

The City of Westminster is seeking an experienced and collaborative Director of Public Works to lead one of the City’s most essential departments. This role offers a unique opportunity to guide the strategic direction of Westminster’s infrastructure systems while working alongside a talented team of operational experts.

This position is ideal for a leader who enjoys building strong teams, guiding complex infrastructure projects, and collaborating with community partners and elected officials to shape the future of a growing city.

About the Role

The Director of Public Works provides senior leadership for the City’s Public Works Department, overseeing critical infrastructure systems that support the daily life of the Westminster community.

The Director leads four Superintendents who manage the City’s core operational departments: Streets, Utilities Maintenance, Wastewater Treatment, and Water Treatment. Together, these teams maintain Westminster’s essential infrastructure and ensure reliable public services for residents and businesses. This very strong, competent, and collaborative team of professionals is in place and ready to support the incoming Director. 

This role is not expected to serve as the technical expert in every discipline. Instead, the Director provides strategic leadership, coordination, and long-term planning across the department while empowering the existing subject-matter experts to lead their respective operations. With experienced staff already in place and prepared to partner with the new leader, the Director can focus on guiding vision, strengthening collaboration, and positioning the department for continued success.

Key Leadership Responsibilities

Department Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Public Works Department.
• Supervise and support Superintendents and their teams.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Infrastructure & Capital Planning

• Lead planning and implementation of City capital improvement projects.
• Oversee long-term infrastructure planning and asset management.
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with City priorities.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the Public Works operating and capital budgets.
• Oversee procurement, contracting, and resource allocation.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.

Policy & Regulatory Leadership

• Serve as the City’s Floodplain Administrator.
• Interpret and apply regulatory requirements related to infrastructure and environmental compliance.

Regional & Community Collaboration

• Represent Westminster on the Carroll County Water Resources Coordinating Council.
• Collaborate with elected officials, City leadership, developers, consultants, contractors, and residents.

Technology & Innovation

• Provide oversight of the Westminster Fiber Network, supporting the City’s innovative municipal broadband initiative.

What Success Looks Like

The successful Director will:

• Lead a high-performing team of operational experts
• Advance the City’s capital infrastructure priorities
• Strengthen collaboration across departments and the community
• Ensure efficient, compliant, and responsive public works operations
• Support Westminster’s continued growth and infrastructure resilience

Ideal Candidate

The City is seeking a leader who brings a balance of operational knowledge, strategic thinking, and strong relationship-building skills.

Strong candidates will demonstrate:

• Knowledge of municipal infrastructure systems and operations
• Experience leading teams in public works, utilities, engineering, or municipal operations
• Budgeting and capital project management experience
• Ability to interpret regulations and public policy
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Comfort working with elected officials and community stakeholders

The ideal candidate understands that successful public works leadership is built on empowering experts, managing complex systems, and maintaining strong partnerships across the community.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, engineering, construction management, environmental science, or a related field (or equivalent experience)
• Significant leadership experience in public works, utilities, infrastructure management, or municipal operations
• Experience supervising teams and managing budgets
• Valid driver’s license 

Relevant certifications or advanced degrees are welcomed but not required.

Why Westminster?

Located in Carroll County, Maryland, Westminster is a vibrant and growing community known for its livability and family friendliness. The City hosts a variety of events throughout the year highlighting and promoting historic downtown, community engagement, and commitment to innovation.

The City is recognized for forward-thinking initiatives such as a pioneering water reuse initiative PUREWater Westminster and the Westminster Fiber Network and continues to invest in infrastructure that supports long-term sustainability and quality of life.

The Director of Public Works plays a critical role in helping shape Westminster’s future.

Compensation

• Salary Range: $120,000 - $140,000
• Competitive municipal benefits package
• Maryland State Retirement & Pension System participation
• Paid leave and holidays
• Use of dedicated city vehicle 

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by submitting a resume and cover letter outlining leadership experience in infrastructure or public works.  A copy of the full job description can be found linked at the top, right-hand side of this webpage. 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

The City of Westminster commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state, and federal laws. The City’s policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. False or misleading statements on this form are grounds for termination of the application process or, if discovered after employment, termination of employment.