Deputy Director, Public Works

City of Smyrna, GA Government; Smyrna (GA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Smyrna, GA Government in the Atlanta metro area seeks a seasoned Public Works Director to plan, direct, and manage the operations of the Public Works and Engineering Department. Under general direction, you will ensure regulatory compliance, oversee budgets and capital projects, review plans, and lead staff to deliver safe, well-maintained infrastructure.

This senior role requires a Master’s degree and substantial related experience; the city promotes professional growth and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a related field.
• More than five years of related experience.
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a Georgia CDL.
• Possession of a Georgia Certificate of Public Works Management from APWA.
• Possession of a Georgia Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections license.
• Criminal background, credit, and Motor Vehicle checks.
• Post-offer DOT drug screening and physical.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operations of the Public Works and Engineering Departments.
• Develop and manage department budget and capital plans.
• Plan and implement long- and short-term strategic plans for the department.
• Prepare cost estimates for projects, bid specifications, and contract assistance.
• Review project plans for streets, water/sewer, drainage, and utilities.
• Coordinate paving projects and ensure quality and compliance with standards.
• Supervise staff per City policies and procedures.
• Direct LMIG projects including paving, curb and gutter, sidewalk, street, and utility work.
• Ensure safety compliance and train staff on safety procedures.
• Perform related duties to support the department.

Skills

Public works management

Budget planning

Communication skills

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree in related field

Tools

Computers and software

Job description

The City of Smyrna is a municipal organization serving residents and businesses in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Located in a growing and dynamic region, the City provides a wide range of public services and infrastructure to support community needs. Smyrna focuses on sustainable development, quality-of-life improvements, and responsive local governance. Team members work collaboratively across departments to deliver efficient, reliable, and customer-focused public services. The organization offers opportunities for professional growth while contributing directly to the well-being of the community.

JOB SUMMARY

Under general direction, this position is responsible for assisting in planning, directing, and managing the operations of the Public Works and Engineering Department, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations and the efficient delivery of public infrastructure, engineering, and related services.

MAJOR DUTIES

• 1. Assists in directing the day-to-day operations of the Public Works and Engineering Departments, including streets, water and sewer, sanitation and recycling, facilities, and fleet maintenance divisions.
• 2. Assists in developing and implementing the department budget; develops and implements capital improvement plans; monitors fixed assets; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budget.
• 3. Assists in developing and implementing long- and short-term strategic plans, goals, and objectives for the department.
• 4. Prepares cost estimates for Public Works projects, including developing bid specifications, soliciting competitive bids, and assisting with the evaluation and award of contracts.
• 5. Reviews and approves project plans and related documents for city streets, water and sewer infrastructure, drainage improvements, and utility installations.
• 6. Coordinates oversees municipal paving projects ensure quality, efficiency, and compliance with applicable standards.
• 7. Trains, assigns, directs, supervises, evaluates, and, when necessary, disciplines departmental personnel in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• 8. Plans, coordinates, and directs Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG)projects including paving, curb and gutter, sidewalk, street, and utility improvements.
• 9. Ensures compliance with applicable safety regulations and procedures; monitors workplace safety and the proper use of personal protective equipment; develops and conducts safety training programs.
• 10. Performs other related duties as assigned to support the mission and objectives of the Public Works Department.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• 1. Knowledge of public works management principles and practices.
• 2. Knowledge of budget planning, development and financial management principles.
• 3. Knowledge of computers and job-related software applications.
• 4. Knowledge of applicable federal state and local laws, rules, regulations and standards.
• 5. Knowledge of municipal codes, ordinances and policies.
• 6. Knowledge of project management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• 7. Knowledge of municipal purchasing policies and procurement procedures.
• 8. Skill in oral and written communication.
• 9. Skill in interpersonal relations and relationship building.
• 10. Skill in reading, interpreting, and applying construction plans, specifications, and contract documents.
• 11. Skill in prioritizing and managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• 12. Skill in reading and interpreting technical specifications, engineering drawings, and blueprints.

The Public Works Director assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The performance is monitored through conferences, reports, and direct observation of department activities to ensure effective and efficient operations.

Guidelines include the city code of ordinances, lead and copper rule requirements, applicable state and federal regulations, personnel policies, purchasing policies, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require sound judgment, careful selection, and appropriate interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied administrative, management, and supervisory duties. The complex and unique nature of each project combined with strict and frequently changing regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to assist in directing the city’s public works and engineering operations. Success in this position results in the provision of safe and well-maintained city infrastructure.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with other city staff, engineers, consultants, vendors, developers, elected and appointed officials, representatives of state and federal agencies, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, encourage cooperation, explain and defend policies and decisions, and to resolve issues effectively.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or while frequently standing, walking, stooping, bending, or crouching. The employee frequently lifts light and heavy objects, climbs ladders, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, distinguishes between shades of color, and utilizes the sense of smell.
• The work is performed in an office, stockroom, warehouse, or outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, grease, machinery with moving parts, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has final responsibility and authority for the accomplishment of goals and objectives, utilization of resources, and personnel administration decisions within a major area, department, or unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in a course of study related to the occupational field required; and
• More than five years of related experience required; or
• Any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid commercial driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a Georgia Certificate of Public Works Management from the American Public Works Association.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a Water Distribution and Wastewater Collections State of Georgia license.
• Must successfully pass criminal background, credit, and Motor Vehicle checks.
• Must successfully pass post-offer DOT drug screening and physical.

The City of Smyrna is an Equal Opportunity Employer