Executive Director of Public Works

City of Maypearl; Mansfield (TX); Hybrid; USD 164,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Life insurance

Paid leave

Short-term disability

Retirement benefits

Relocation incentive up to $5,000

Job summary

City of Mansfield is seeking an Executive Director of Public Works to lead transformative infrastructure projects and advance sustainability, mobility, and service quality for a growing community.

Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, this role drives long-range planning, regulatory compliance, and regional collaboration while delivering high-quality public services across water, streets, and environmental operations.

Qualifications

• The candidate holds a relevant bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, or environmental science.
• Minimum of 12 years in public works or infrastructure with at least 7 years in leadership roles.
• Experience in large or growing municipalities and long-range infrastructure planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and executive direction for Public Works.
• Oversee capital improvement programs and infrastructure operations.
• Develop budgets and manage financial planning for the division.
• Represent the City in regional partnerships and emergency response.

Skills

Leadership experience

Public works experience

Strategic planning

Budget management

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering

Bachelor’s degree in public administration

Bachelor’s degree in business administration

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science

Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in Texas

TCEQ Class A Water Operator License

TCEQ Wastewater Collection III License

Master’s degree in Public Administration

Job description

AN OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Step into a defining leadership role where vision meets visible impact. The City of Mansfield, Texas is seeking an Executive Director of Public Works to shape the infrastructure that powers a thriving, fast-growing community. This is more than a management position – it's an opportunity to lead transformative projects, drive innovation in sustainability and mobility, and elevate the quality of life for residents through strategic investment and operational excellence. With strong civic support, a collaborative leadership team, and a clear commitment to smart growth, Mansfield offers the ideal environment for a forward-thinking leader ready to leave a lasting legacy on a city poised for the future.

ABOUT MANSFIELD

The City of Mansfield is strategically located in the south-central area of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, 25 miles from Dallas and 20 miles from Fort Worth. Mansfield borders the cities of Arlington on the north, Grand Prairie on the east, Fort Worth on the west, and portions of Johnson and Ellis Counties. The City of Mansfield's population is estimated to approach 91,336 by the end of the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The City of Mansfield is considered one of the fastest growing cities in Texas as estimated by the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Recognized as a “Best City” for families and small businesses, Mansfield is also a highly attractive place to work and live. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized Mansfield as a top place to live: #27 in the nation, and #9 in Texas. Consumer Affairs named Mansfield the 6th best city to move to in Texas in 2025.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DIVISION

The Public Works Division is led by the Executive Director of Public Works. Reporting to the Executive Director is the Deputy Director – Public Works, The Assistant Director – Streets/Traffic Operation, the Assistant Director – Environmental, and the Administrative Lead.

The Mansfield Public Works Division consists of three separate departments, all contributing to the daily functions of the division: Water Utilities, Street Operations/Traffic Control, and Environmental Services.

There are an additional 86.5 staff members who provide service in the three Public Works departments. The Public Works Division has a combined budget of $62 million.

THE POSITION

Reporting to an Assistant City Manager, the Executive Director of Public Works provides strategic leadership, executive direction, and overall accountability for the City’s Public Works functions. The Executive Director of Public Works is responsible for advancing the long-term sustainability, reliability, and performance of the City’s infrastructure systems while aligning operations, capital investments, and regulatory compliance with the City’s growth, financial priorities, and service expectations.

Key responsibilities include establishing long-range infrastructure strategies, capital investment plans, and operational priorities; leading the planning, prioritization, and execution of capital improvement programs to ensure sustainable and resilient infrastructure systems; overseeing maintenance and operation of streets, drainage systems, water production and treatment facilities, water distribution systems, and wastewater collection systems; developing and administering departmental operating and capital budgets; representing the City in regional partnerships and external agencies; and providing executive leadership during emergency and incident response situations, including water, environmental, and infrastructure-related events.

The ideal candidate for the Executive Director of Public Works role will be an accomplished and visionary leader who combines strategic thinking with operational expertise and a deep commitment to public service. This individual will bring a collaborative leadership style, political acumen, and a strong track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure and services in a complex municipal environment. Key attributes include extensive public works expertise and proven capital project delivery experience.

SALARY & BENEFITS

The anticipated hiring range for the Executive Director of Public Works is $164,425 to $228,341. The benefits package includes medical, dental and vision coverage, life insurance, compensated leave, short-term disability, and retirement benefits. The City is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System with a 7% employee contribution and a 2:1 match by the City of Mansfield. A relocation incentive up to $5,000 may be negotiated with the successful candidate in accordance with the City’s Compensation Committee’s policy.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following education, training, and experience are required; however, equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, environmental science, or related field.

Experience

Twelve (12) years or more of progressively responsible technical experience in public works, municipal utilities, infrastructure systems, or closely related fields with a minimum of seven (7) of those years being progressively responsible leadership experience, including direct supervision of professional staff and experience leading through multiple levels of management. Experience in a large or growing municipality or organization, with demonstrated success in planning and supporting infrastructure expansion, service demands, and long-range community development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in Texas.
• TCEQ Class A Water Operator License.
• TCEQ Wastewater Collection III License.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration or related field.