DPW Project Director

Worcesterchamber; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Worcester is seeking a DPW Project Director for the Water Operations Division to oversee capital construction projects from inception to closeout, coordinating with management, technical teams and consultants to ensure timely, compliant delivery.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged; required knowledge includes municipal operations, procurement, budgeting, and strong communication. The role demands cross-department collaboration and detailed record-keeping.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of municipal operations and financial management practices.
• Knowledge of project management principles, including work breakdown structures, scheduling, budgeting, and finance methods.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement procedures including cost estimating, bidding, and contracting.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and priorities with organized, timely work.
• Ability to interact with City of Worcester construction contractors and consultants.
• Ability to interpret local, state, and federal regulations/statutes.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee capital construction projects from inception through closeout.
• Coordinate procurement management, payment processing, change order management, and closeout compliance.
• Develop and review RFPs, manage purchase orders and contract amendments.
• Maintain administrative systems to track and report on the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.
• Communicate project updates with City leadership and external stakeholders.
• Prepare letters and reports and maintain project files.

Skills

Project management

Public sector procurement

Budgeting

Communication

MS Office

Team collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering / construction management / public administration

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Permitting software

Online permitting programs

Job description

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of DPW Project Director for the Water Operations Division within the Department of Public Works. Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Water & Sewer, the position will be responsible for projects and programs within the Water Operations and the Sewer Operations Divisions for the Department of Public Works (DPW). The position will facilitate coordination, communication, administrative systems management, project deliverables, and management of capital construction projects. The DPW Project Director will work closely with management, technical teams and consultants to oversee project workflows, ensuring timely delivery and accurate processing from conception through conclusion. Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

Essential Elements

• Work in collaboration with Water & Sewer management, technical teams and consultants for total financial management of capital construction projects from project inception through project closeout.
• Oversee procurement management, construction payment processing, construction change order management, and project closeout compliance.
• Develop and review RFPs, manage purchase orders, and contract amendment management.
• Develop and maintain administrative systems required to track and report on the Integrated Water Resources Management Plan.
• Identify critical path project delivery pathways and implement proactive strategies to mitigate delays. Critical pathways may include milestones, dependencies, and deadlines.
• Develop and manage project related communications including public outreach materials in coordination with the Commissioner’s and City Managers’ Office Communications team. Communications work may include weekends, holidays, and night shifts.
• Provide assistance with grant writing, administration, and reimbursement processes.
• Maintain organized and up-to-date project files, including contracts, meeting notes, design documents, and financial records.
• Serve as the central point of contact for project-related questions from DPW, Finance, Procurement, City Manager’s Office, and other departments.
• Facilitate cross-departmental workgroups when projects span multiple City functions.
• Document lessons learned at project closeout and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain administrative systems for the accurate and proper paper and electronic filing of all pertinent materials, such as as-built plans and engineering documents to keep a complete record.
• Evaluate files that may be redundant or outdated.
• Coordinate program efforts within the division and with other departments.
• Interact regularly with other employees within the department and of other departments.
• Prepare various letters and reports.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal operations and financial management practices.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management, work breakdown structures, communications planning, team management, scheduling, budgeting, and finance methods.
• Knowledge of public sector procurement procedures including cost estimating, bidding, and contracting.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects and competing priorities; perform multiple tasks in an organized, detailed, and timely manner and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work with City of Worcester construction contractors and professional services consultants.
• Ability to interpret and follow local, state, and federal regulations/statutes.
• Ability to utilize permitting, inspection software and online permitting programs.
• Ability to use digital documents, filing systems and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work successfully with other City departments and agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations, organizations, and interests.
• Ability to work outside in the street and on construction sites.
• Strong technical analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Exercise judgment and creativity in making decisions.
• Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Regular onsite attendance is required.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field or;
• An equivalent combination of education & five (5) years of related work experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the required duties of the position will be considered in lieu of the above-mentioned requirements.
• Three (3) years of project management experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid Driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Five (5) years of project management experience
• Three (3) years of experience in public works administration
• Three (3) years of prior municipal/government experience
• Three (3) years of budgeting experience
• Three (3) years of grant administration and or management experience

OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2026, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.