DPW Director

Construction Association of Michigan; Michigan; On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Construction Association of Michigan seeks a Department of Public Works Director to lead the City’s public works, including streets, utilities, parks, cemeteries, and facilities. The role manages daily operations, long-range planning, and regulatory compliance.

You will supervise diverse staff, manage capital projects, coordinate with engineers, ensure safety and licensing, and represent the City in public meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or higher degree preferred for public works leadership roles.
• Minimum 5 years progressively responsible public works, infrastructure, or utilities experience.
• Experience supervising full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.

Responsibilities

• Leads DPW staff and operations across streets, parks, water/sewer, stormwater, and cemetery services.
• Acts as Project Manager for municipal capital and infrastructure projects and coordinates with engineers.
• Ensures regulatory compliance with EGLE, MDOT, OSHA, and related bodies.
• Oversees budgeting, procurement, fleet maintenance, and safety programs.
• Represents the City in public meetings and supports community events.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Team supervision

Communication

Public administration

Education

Associates or Bachelor’s degree in public administration, civil engineering, construction management, or related field

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