DPW Director

City of St Joseph; Gladwin Township (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of St Joseph is seeking a Director of Public Works to oversee daily operations, planning, and long-term management of city infrastructure, including streets, water and sewer utilities, stormwater, parks, cemeteries, buildings and grounds. The DPW Director serves as project manager for all infrastructure projects and reports to the City Administrator.

This role requires strong leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance experience, with responsibility for budgeting,

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in public works or utilities.
• Direct supervisory experience of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
• Experience as Project Manager for infrastructure projects preferred.
• Working knowledge of EGLE, MDOT, OSHA and municipal cemetery operations.
• Valid Michigan driver's license; ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test.

Responsibilities

• Leads DPW staff and operations across streets, parks, buildings, water/sewer, stormwater, and cemetery services.
• Oversees capital and infrastructure project planning, procurement, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting.
• Ensures contract compliance and provides updates to the City Administrator.
• Oversees operation and maintenance of the city-owned cemetery.
• Acts as Compliance Officer for regulatory bodies and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Coordinates DPW support for city events and responds to resident concerns and emergencies.
• Develops and manages DPW operating and capital budgets and procurement.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Budgeting

Regulatory compliance

Staff supervision

Communication

Education

Public administration

Civil engineering

Construction management

Job description

Position Summary

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Director is a key municipal leadership role, responsible for overseeing the daily operations, planning, and long-term management of the City’s public infrastructure. This includes city streets, water utilities, sewer utilities, stormwater, parks, cemeteries, buildings and grounds. The DPW Director serves as the Project Manager for all City infrastructure projects, and reports directly to the City Administrator on departmental performance, capital projects, and regulatory compliance. Additionally, the DPW Director will provide public events support. This position supervises all DPW employees including full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.

Job Description (including, but not limited to)

LEADERSHIP

• Leads, directs, and schedules all DPW staff and operations: including streets, parks, buildings, water/sewer, stormwater, and cemetery services
• Supervises full-time, part-time, and seasonal personnel
• Encourages a respectful, team-oriented culture by promoting open communication, staff development, and fairness
• Conducts or supports hiring, training, evaluations, and disciplinary actions in collaboration with the City Administrator

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Serves as Project Manager for all municipal capital and infrastructure projects
• Coordinates with engineers on project planning, procurement, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting
• Oversee contract compliance and provide project updates and recommendations to the City Administrator

CEMETERY OPERATIONS

• Oversee the operation and maintenance of the city owned cemetery

COMPLIANCE

• Serves as the City’s Compliance Officer for EGLE, MDOT, OSHA, and other regulatory bodies
• Manages wastewater testing and reporting, ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations
• Maintains required documentation for water/sewer systems, stormwater permits, and employee licensure/certifications
• Ensures all DPW employees meet licensing and certification requirements and maintain updated records

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

• Coordinates DPW logistical support for city-sponsored events, parades, and public gatherings
• Responds to resident concerns, maintenance requests, or infrastructure emergencies with professionalism
• Represents the City in public meetings
• Participates in emergency response and after-hours support (as needed)

FINANCE

• Develops and manages the DPW operating and capital budgets
• Participates in long-range infrastructure planning and capital improvement scheduling
• Oversee procurement, vendor contracts, fleet maintenance, and department safety programs

QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or GED required, associate or bachelor’s degree in public administration, civil engineering, construction management, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in public works, infrastructure, or utilities
• Minimum of two years of direct supervisory experience, preferably within a municipal or unionized setting
• Experience as a Project Manager for infrastructure or utility-related construction preferred
• Working knowledge of EGLE, MDOT, OSHA, and municipal cemetery operations required
• Valid Michigan Driver’s license; ability to pass pre-employment background check and drug test