Job Opening: Superintendent of Public Works

Town of Williamstown; Williamstown (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Williamstown seeks a hands-on Superintendent of Public Works to lead the Department of Public Works, overseeing multiple divisions and directing infrastructure projects. The role emphasizes budgeting, scheduling, and coordination with town officials and external partners.

Applicants should have strong public works management experience, budgeting skills, and knowledge of safety regulations. A CDL with tanker endorsement and a Hoisting license are required; Class A preferred.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of public works financing and administration.
• Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of groups of employees in various Public Works construction and maintenance operations.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prepare and administer budgets.
• Confidentiality awareness in personnel records and bid specifications.
• Massachusetts CDL Class B license with Tanker endorsement; Class A preferred.
• Massachusetts 2A Hoisting license.

Responsibilities

• Manages the Highway, Cemetery, Parks, Transfer Station, and Facilities Departments.
• Coordinates and directs planning and operation of storm drainage, road construction and improvements, and special public works projects.
• Oversees division budgets and capital expenditures and supervises payroll and accounts payable.
• Supervises staff and equipment usage; evaluates methods; assists in bid specifications for projects and equipment.
• Ensures upkeep of all Department equipment and vehicles; maintains records and reports.
• Supports department heads and officials; communicates with public and stakeholders on departmental matters.

Skills

Public works management

Budgeting

Public relations

Safety compliance

Education

High School diploma or higher; post-secondary education preferred

Job description

Job Opening: Superintendent of Public Works

Salary: $95,000 – $105,000 Annually
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Union
Department: Department of Public Works

The Town of Williamstown is seeking its next Superintendent of Public Works to report directly to the Director of Public Works.

General Job Definition

Professional, supervisory, administrative, and operational work in planning, directing, and assisting the operations of the Department of Public Works (DPW). The salary range for this position is $ 95,000 – $ 105,000. The Town offers a competitive benefits package and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Work is performed under typical office conditions; other work may be performed out in the field, including within the different DPW facilities. Daily contact with the public, town departments, local boards and commissions, county organizations, state and federal agencies, attorneys, consultants, engineers, and architects. Errors in administrative decisions could result in lower service standards, substandard construction, inadequate maintenance, and potential risk to town finances and public safety. Frequent travel to other communities and occasional travel to other regions of the state for training, conferences, and seminars. Has access to all confidential departmental information such as personnel records, contract negotiations, and bid proposals.

Supervision and Guidance

Under the policy direction of the Director of Public Works, performs highly responsible duties requiring the exercise of considerable independent judgment in planning and inspecting the construction of public works projects and in determining the scope and scheduling of maintenance projects. Plans, directs, and budgets for the activities of the Public Works Department. Responsible for all phases of design and construction of infrastructure projects for the Town.

The Superintendent of Public Works supervises all positions in the Department of Public Works and employees from other departments during snow emergencies.

Essential Functions

• Under the supervision of the Director of Public Works, manages the Highway, Cemetery, Parks, Transfer Station, and Facilities Departments.
• Assists in engineering, design, and construction projects for the department and provides input to all other Town departments as required for such projects.
• Coordinates and directs the planning and operation of storm drainage systems, road construction and improvements, and various special projects of a public works nature.
• Oversees division budgets and short- and long-range capital expenditures programs and supervises payroll and accounts payable.
• Supervises employees and utilization of equipment; evaluates different methods of performing work; assists in preparing bid specifications for construction projects and equipment.
• Responsible for the upkeep and general maintenance of all Department equipment and vehicles.
• Directs the maintenance and preparation of reports from departmental administrative and fiscal records, including accounts, cost systems, personnel records, payrolls, inventory, maintenance records, and permits.
• Confer frequently with division heads, other department heads, municipal officials, state government officials, professional and technical consultants, business representatives, and the public on matters of departmental concern.
• Maintains current knowledge of all safety regulations and ensures employees are trained in said safety regulations and safety compliance is monitored.
• Responsible for the Town’s snow and ice program for streets, sidewalks, and parking lots.
• Attend after-hours department emergencies.
• Performs related work as required.

Physical Requirements

Moderate physical effort is necessary to perform supervisory duties in driving, standing, and walking, sometimes in rough terrain under varied weather conditions, and entering trenches and detention basins. At times, it will require bending, stooping, and lifting. May occasionally assist in lifting heavy objects. Regularly exposed to active construction and work sites and potentially dangerous conditions during weather events.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education and Experience– High School diploma or equivalent, post-secondary education preferred; five years minimum progressively responsible experience in public works operations and management, engineering, construction, facility management, or a related field; and equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge, Ability, and Skill– Thorough knowledge of the materials, methods, and techniques relative to public works issues. Ability to plan, assign, and supervise the work of groups of employees engaged in a variety of Public Works construction and maintenance operations. Ability to maintain good public relations. Knowledge of public works financing and administration. Understanding of the confidentiality requirements of personnel records and bid specifications. Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to prepare and administer budgets. Ability to operate a computer, telephone, and standard office equipment.
• Confidentiality– Must have a high regard for, communication, and understanding of confidentiality and how it applies to the position.
• Special Requirements
  • Must possess a valid Class B Commercial Driver’s License; Tanker Endorsement required. Class A preferred.
  • Must possess a Massachusetts 2A Hoisting license.

The Town of Williamstown offers a competitive salary range of $95,000 to $105,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package

Halloween is Saturday, October 31! Trick-or-treating at downtown businesses runs from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, and neighborhood trick-or-treating runs from 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Southworth

To vote early, come to Town Hall, 31 North Street, through Friday October 30 (except for Sundays).

Residents and business owners are encouraged to attend a public information session on Tuesday, October 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 PM at Milne Public Library.

Take part in the grand opening of Williamstown’s new municipal skatepark — The Max Rothschild Memorial Skatepark!
The party happens 12:00 to 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Join NBSWMD for Zero Waste Day in Cheshire, MA on Saturday, November 14, 2026

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Williamstown voters can vote early in person, by mail, or at the polls on Election Day. Check key deadlines, view a sample ballot, and explore voter resources.