Director of Public Works Job Description

Job Title: Director of Public Works

Department: Public Works

Location: Prairie City Hall

Reports To: City Manager

Summary:

The Director of Public Works provides executive leadership, supervision, and direction for all divisions within the Public Works Department, including roads, parks, facility maintenance, solid waste, water and sewer systems, and stormwater management. This role ensures that all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, while maintaining cost efficiency and high service standards. The Director collaborates with other government agencies, utilities, developers, and the public to manage infrastructure and public services effectively. Work involves significant decision-making, strategic planning, and public interaction to achieve the city's operational goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Direct and oversee the activities of all Public Works divisions, including streets, parks, sanitation, water, sewer, and stormwater management.

· Supervise and mentor departmental supervisors, providing guidance on projects and personnel matters.

· Develop, implement, and monitor annual work plans, goals, and objectives aligned with city priorities.

· Coordinate with the Building Department on site plan reviews to ensure compliance with city specifications.

· Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies, as well as developers, contractors, and the public.

· Oversee the maintenance and operation of public infrastructure, ensuring safety and compliance with regulations.

· Manage department budgets, including operating expenses and capital improvement projects.

· Ensure proper maintenance and utilization of equipment, vehicles, and facilities.

· Monitor and report progress on projects, ensuring timely completion and quality control.

· Ensure compliance environmental regulations.

· Develop and manage the city’s stormwater programs and budgets.

· Lead the Public Works Department’s response to natural disasters and other emergencies.

· Coordinate with local utilities, county, state, and federal agencies during emergency operations.

· Direct cleanup, damage assessments, and debris removal activities.

· Other duties as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position oversees staff. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, recommending termination, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Public Administration, or a related field, preferred.

· Seven years of professional experience in public works, infrastructure management, or municipal operations, with supervisory responsibilities.

· Extensive knowledge of public works operations, infrastructure management, and civil engineering principles.

· Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulations governing public works projects and environmental compliance.

· Strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

· Effective communication skills for interacting with public officials, contractors, staff, and the public.

· Proficient in developing budgets, managing projects, and tracking performance metrics.

· Ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment under pressure.

· Ability to build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

· Ability to lead and coordinate emergency response efforts effectively..

· Minimum C License, Waste and Wastewater

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Work in both office settings and outdoor environments, sometimes in inclement weather.

· Potential exposure to hazardous materials or situations during fieldwork and emergency operations.

· Work hours are typically during regular business hours, though occasional overtime may be required to meet deadlines or support urgent business needs.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Regularly required to sit for extended periods or be stationary.

· Regular use hands to handle or operate office equipment, and reach with hands and arm

· Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, or bend

· Occasionally lift and/or move office supplies or files weighing up to 20 pounds.

· Occasional exposure to the elements when working in an outdoor environment.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $66,207.24 - $79,733.45 per year

Work Location: In person