Deputy Director of Public Works and Utilities

Innovative Public Advisors; La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 102,500 - 117,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wisconsin Retirement System enrollment

Job summary

Innovative Public Advisors is seeking a Deputy Director of Public Works and Utilities in La Crosse, WI. This role leads engineering, public works, and utility operations to support city infrastructure and service delivery.

The ideal candidate will have a PE license in Wisconsin or ability to obtain, 6+ years of relevant experience, and strong leadership and budgeting skills for complex capital projects and regulatory compliance. Excellent communication is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field is required.
• Wisconsin Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
• Minimum six years of progressively responsible engineering experience including supervision, project management, budgeting and municipal infrastructure.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, public works operations, utility systems, CIP planning, and construction management.
• Experience managing public infrastructure projects, consultant contracts, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Direct engineering, public works, and utility operations to support the City’s goals.
• Develop and oversee infrastructure planning and capital improvement projects.
• Lead utility systems management and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and contractors to deliver infrastructure on time and within budget.
• Collaborate with City leadership, officials, developers, contractors, regulators, and residents to deliver municipal services efficiently.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Public works operations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Wisconsin or ability to obtain

Job description

Deputy Director of Public Works and Utilities

Serves as a key leader within the Engineering and Public Works Department, assisting the Director in directing the City’s engineering, public works, and utility operations. Provides leadership for infrastructure planning, capital improvement projects, utility systems, engineering services, and public works operations.

Responsibilities

• Direct engineering, public works, and utility operations to support the City’s strategic and operational goals.
• Develop and oversee infrastructure planning and capital improvement projects.
• Lead utility systems management and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Manage project teams, budgets, and contractors to deliver public infrastructure on schedule and within budget.
• Collaborate with City leadership, elected officials, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and residents to deliver municipal services efficiently.

Ideal Candidate

Desired qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Wisconsin, or ability to obtain registration within a reasonable timeframe.
• Minimum six years of progressively responsible engineering experience, including supervision, project management, budgeting, and municipal infrastructure.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering principles, public works operations, utility systems, capital improvement planning, and construction management.
• Experience managing public infrastructure projects, consultant contracts, and regulatory compliance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid Wisconsin driver’s license.

Compensation & Benefits

Expected hiring range: $102,500–$117,000 (DOQ). Excellent benefits package and enrollment in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS).

About La Crosse

La Crosse is a vibrant community of approximately 53,000 residents located along the Mississippi River. The city offers a comprehensive range of municipal services, including public safety, public works, planning and development, parks and recreation, engineering, and utility services. Residents enjoy numerous parks, scenic trails, a lively riverfront, and cultural events. La Crosse is committed to infrastructure improvements, economic development, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors.