Public Works Director

THE POSITION

Under the direction of the City Administrator, the Public Works Director oversees all aspects of the City’s Department of Public Works, including Streets, Parks, Water, and Wastewater departments, including: the day-to-day provision of services to the community; overall staff management; equipment and material procurement; and budget creation, implementation, and management. The Public Works Director also works closely with engineers and staff on contracted construction projects throughout the city. The nature of the work performed requires that the Public Works Director establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, other City employees, the City Council, business, and community groups, outside contractors, state and federal officials, and representatives of the media.

DUTIES

• Manage all Public Works Department services and activities; recommends and administers all adopted policies and procedures.
• In conjunction with relevant staff, will create, implement, and manage the annual budgets for the Streets, Water, Parks, and Wastewater Departments.
• Exercise all powers and duties set forth by statute or ordinance subject to the authority as relating but not limited to engineering construction, and the maintenance of public improvements, traffic engineering, wastewater treatment, water treatment, and other city operations as specified in the annual budget.
• Direct the development and implementation of department goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area.
• Establish, within city policy and within budget constraints, appropriate service, and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate, through department supervisors, the department work plan; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with management staff to identify and resolve issues collaboratively.
• Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes to improve efficiency.
• Provide operational management of emergency activities associated with rainstorms, flood protection, windstorms, and snow and ice removal.
• Along with City Administrator and Human Resources Manager, select professional, technical, and support staff and ensure positive morale, productivity and discipline; plan, organize, administer, review and evaluate the activities of staff directly and through subordinate supervisors or managers; provide for staff training and professional development; interpret City policies and procedures for staff; work with employees to develop short and long term goals, monitor accomplishments, establish performance requirements and personal development targets and provide coaching for performance improvement and development.
• Provide input on environmental and local project funding issues.
• Serve as an in-house consultant on matters involving infrastructure guidance and municipal services.
• Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; approve the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Coordinate with city staff on the dissemination of information relevant to Public Works.
• Develop safety initiatives and ensure compliance with standard safety practices and procedures.
• Determine the feasibility of various municipal projects; direct and plan various construction projects, including the construction of buildings, streets and roads and drainage and flood control systems.
• Explain and justify department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
• Review new legislation and regulations and report on potential impact to the City.
• Represent the Public Works Department to other city departments, elected officials, and outside agencies and coordinate department activities with other departments, outside agencies, and organizations.
• Assist the Building Inspector and/or Zoning Administrator as needed to review and make recommendations for pending subdivision approvals, stormwater management, and site plan/architectural reviews before the City Plan Commission.
• Inspect construction progress to ensure conformance with existing City codes and land use policy.
• Provide staff assistance to the City Administrator; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Provide staff support to assigned boards and commissions.
• Serve as the chief spokesperson for the Public Works Department.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints in a courteous, respectful, and timely manner.
• Direct the compilation of estimates, contract provision, and specifications.
• Perform such other duties as the City Administrator may require.
  
  

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be experienced in the operation of a municipal water system, street maintenance, parks systems, and a municipal wastewater system. Must also have substantial understanding and experience in municipal budget creation, implementation, and management; must be relatable and approachable to city staff. The City of Rhinelander desires a leader who fosters teamwork and supports and encourages professional development opportunities for employees.

A minimum of 7-10 years of managerial experience in a municipal, local government setting; a Public Works management setting is preferred and highly desired. A bachelors’ degree in related field or an equivalent combination of education, related training/certifications, and Public Works management experience in a municipality sufficient to provide the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the job will also be considered.

Substantial high-level experience in management functions within a municipality; the combination of experience, education, and training shall demonstrate that the applicant has the leadership competencies necessary to fulfill the job requirements.

Knowledge And Skills

• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with current principles, practices, and operations of public works operations.
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience with current principles, practices, and operations of municipal water and wastewater systems.
• Comprehensive knowledge of modern engineering and construction principles.
• Proven performance with municipal budgeting creation, implementation, and management.
• Thorough knowledge of civic emergency responses associated with weather extremes and services relating to municipal infrastructures.
• Ability to provide administrative direction within a municipal Department.
• Ability to supervise, train, evaluate and lead the work of others.
• Ability to effectively communicate with various audiences, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal instructions and written policies, procedures, and instructions.
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing environments, responsibilities, expectations, trends, strategies, moving priorities, projects, and technology.
  
  

This position is subject to annual written performance evaluations as set forth by administrative practice and policy.

Notes For Submission

Applications accepted through 12/7/25 at 8pm CST

Resume, Cover Letter and 3-5 references required. Please send to: mgeorge@rhinelanderwi.us

Applications also available through: http://www.rhinelandercityhall.org and can be found at https://www.governmentjobs.com/

135 S. Stevens Street Rhinelander, WI 54501

715-365-8600, EXT 511