Director - Public Works

Manatee County Government; Bradenton (FL); On-site; USD 141,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government seeks a dynamic Public Works Director to provide strategic leadership, planning, and oversight for the county's Public Works Department. You will oversee multiple divisions, manage capital projects, and ensure compliant, efficient delivery of infrastructure and transportation programs.

The role calls for extensive experience in public administration, strong budgeting skills, and effective staff leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration or related discipline.
• Master's degree in related field desired.
• Florida Professional Engineer license highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Directs activities and programs of the Public Works Department to ensure laws, regulations, and standards are met.
• Develops and administers work programs, procedures and policies for Public Works.
• Develops and manages the department's annual budgets and conducts cost analyses.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements related to transportation projects.
• Communicates with the Board, citizen groups and agencies; represents the department publicly.
• Directs staff, allocates work, trains, evaluates performance and motivates for high productivity.

Skills

Leadership

Public administration

Public speaking

Budget management

Staff supervision

Computer literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Bachelor's degree in business administration

Bachelor's degree in public administration

Master's degree (desired)

Florida PE license (highly desired)

Tools

Transportation-focused software

Job description

Work Location

9000 Town Center Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34202

Expected Starting Salary Range

$141,239.91 - $187,142.88

Serving in a Department Director capacity at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of the County’s Public Works Department, including short- and long-range planning, program objectives, and operational priorities. The Department currently includes the Divisions of Infrastructure Inspections; Project Management; Stormwater Engineering; Infrastructure Design and Transportation Planning; Field Maintenance; Fleet and Fuel Services; Transit; Traffic Engineering; Traffic Operations; the Resurfacing Program; and Right-of-Way Permitting. The organizational structure and the number or configuration of divisions may increase or decrease over time in response to County needs. This classification provides strategic direction and oversight for all assigned divisions to ensure coordinated, effective delivery of public infrastructure, transportation, mobility, maintenance, and related public services. Position initiates and administers all horizontal capital improvement projects.

Note

This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator's authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law.

Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions

The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer.

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

In coordination with Division Managers, directs activities and programs of the department to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and that goals, objectives and standards are met in a timely and effective manner.

In coordination with staff, develops and administers work programs, practices, procedures and policies for improving the effectiveness of Public Works programs and projects.

Develops and manages the annual budgets for the department and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses to ensure efficient and appropriate use of funding.

Negotiates or participates in negotiation of contracts and agreements related to Transportation projects.

Communicates clearly, effectively and professionally, orally and in writing; makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, various citizen groups and the general public, as necessary; maintains liaison with Federal, State and local governmental agencies, engineering consultants and contractors.

Directs assigned staff, which includes work allocation, training and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.

Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and appliable federal and Florida law.

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration or related discipline.

Minimum of eight (8) years management experience in a multi-disciplined organizational setting.

Minimum of three (3) years high level budgetary and/or financial management experience.

Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

Master's degree in related field desired.

Prior related experience in a local governmental setting desired.

Current Florida Professional Engineer (P. E.) License highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of Land Development Codes, Comprehensive Plans and FEMA regulations applicable to transportation, transportation engineering, and the urban transportation planning process.

Knowledge of capital improvement programming and comprehensive planning.

Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and perform duties effectively and efficiently in a high stress, fast paced environment.

Excellent public relations and presentation skills.

Skill in computer operations (including specialized transportation-related systems) and related software applications.