Public Services Director

City of West Des Moines; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 179,000 - 193,000; Full time

Job summary

City of West Des Moines is seeking a senior public works leader to direct the Public Services Department, overseeing streets, sewers, drainage, parks, and urban forestry. You will manage maintenance operations and City equipment, and represent the City in regional planning forums.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field, 10 years in related work, including 6–8 years in management, with a master's preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Works Administration, Construction Management, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of related work experience, with six (6)–eight (8) years in a management/supervisory capacity.
• Master’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation and performance of the Public Services Department for all City infrastructure (streets/traffic controls, sanitary/sewer, storm sewers, flood control, drainage, parks maintenance, urban forestry).
• Oversee and approve maintenance (including building and fleet) of existing infrastructure and City equipment.
• Represent the City on Metropolitan area planning groups and advise City Manager, committees, and Council on Public Services matters.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Works Administration, Construction Management, or related field

Ten (10) years of related work experience

Six (6) to eight (8) years in a management/supervisory capacity

Job description

$179,274 – $192,720/year

Under the general direction of the City Manager, is responsible for the operation and performance of the Public Services Department for all City infrastructure such as streets/traffic controls, sanitary sewers, storm sewers, flood control systems, drainage areas parks maintenance and urban forestry. Oversees and approves maintenance (including building and fleet). for existing infrastructure and City equipment. Oversees the Community Compliance and Neighborhood Services activities for the City. Acts as City’s representative on various Metropolitan area planning groups. Provides advice, guidance, and policy recommendations to the City Manager, City committees and the City Council as it relates to Public Services matters.

This position requires a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Works Administration, Construction Management, or related field. Ten (10) years of related work experience, with six (6)-eight (8) years in a management/supervisory capacity. Master’s degree in Public Administration or Business Administration preferred.

Recruitment Brochure

September 17, 2026 deadline to apply – application review will begin immediately, however the deadline may be extended if needed for a qualified candidate pool