Public Work Director

City of Burlington NC

Burlington (NC)

On-site

USD 112,000 - 153,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Job summary

The City of Burlington NC is seeking a seasoned Public Works leader to plan, organize, and direct a broad array of services, including streets, solid waste, cemetery operations, and building maintenance. The role oversees contracts, budget, and personnel while engaging with citizens to address service requests.

The successful candidate will coordinate with division heads, supervise multiple crews, and report to executives on projects and operational improvements.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, engineering, construction management, or closely related field.
Five years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal infrastructure, or related operations with supervisory and budget management responsibilities.
Equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, and direct public works teams.
Manage street maintenance, solid waste, cemetery and grounds, and building maintenance services.
Oversee contracts, citizen issues, and department budgets and personnel administration.
Represent the city to citizens and internal customers.
Collaborate with division heads to address operational issues and improve services.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Contract management

Public engagement

Staff supervision

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

About us:

The Public Works Department delivers services such as street maintenance, street cleaning, sidewalk construction and maintenance, solid waste services, brush and leaf collection, curb and gutter construction, right-of-way maintenance, vehicle maintenance and repair, and cemetery maintenance and burials.

What you will do:

An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of public works. The employee manages the public service aspect of local government including street maintenance, solid waste, cemetery and grounds, building maintenance, and equipment services. Work also includes contract management, handling citizen issues, and budget and personnel administration of the department. The employee represents the city to a wide variety of citizens.

Hiring Range: Hiring Range: $112,444 – $153,491 Annually

The anticipated hiring salary range for this position is $112,444 to $153,491 annually. Starting salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, education, relevant experience, and internal equity considerations.

Leadership and Collaboration:

Operational Oversight: Works closely with Division Heads (Solid Waste, Equipment Services, Sustainability/Projects, Building Maintenance, Streets, Cemetery, and Grounds) to address operational and personnel issues, ensuring high-quality services for citizens and internal customers.

Advisory Role: Reports to and advises the Assistant City Manager and officials on public works projects, activities, and operational improvements.

Problem-Solving: Frequently meets with supervisors to address complex issues, set priorities, and provide guidance.

Public Engagement: Maintains regular contact with citizens to address service requests and complaints, ensuring effective resolution and coordination with other departments.

Project Management:

Capital Planning: Identifies and consolidates the capital needs for the Public Works Department.

Project Supervision: Makes field inspections of public works projects to monitor progress and ensure completion.

Contract Management: Recommends and oversees contracted work, coordinating efforts with engineers and supervisors.

Continuous Improvement: Assess workload, systems, and reporting structures to identify and implement operational changes.

Administrative Responsibilities:

Budget Management: Prepares and reviews departmental operating and capital budgets, monitors performance, and approves expenditures.

Personnel Administration: Manages selection, training, promotion and discipline of staff; conducts employee performance evaluations, approves leave requests, and maintains confidential records.

Committee Involvement: Serves on various boards and committees to represent the department.

Additional Contributions:

Strategic Decision-Making: Researches and recommends operational changes to the City Manager.

Performance Monitoring: Ensures timely completion of projects and adherence to departmental priorities and deadlines.

Representation: Attends City Council meetings as needed to provide departmental updates.

Miscellaneous Duties: Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Expertise:

Public Works Administration: Comprehensive understanding of principles, planning, and construction processes.

Regulatory Compliance: In-depth knowledge of city policies, regulations, and OSHA standards.

Financial Acumen: Proficiency in governmental budgeting, personnel management, and purchasing practices.

Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with equipment, materials, and engineering principles used in public works infrastructure projects.

Legal and Regulatory Insight: Understanding of laws and regulations relevant to public works functions.

Leadership and Management:

Team Supervision: Skilled in communication, motivation, staffing, and coaching of employees.

Operational Oversight: Ability to plan, organize, and direct multiple crews effectively.

Communication and Collaboration:

Report Preparation: Expertise in preparing and presenting complex and detailed records and reports.

Relationship Building: Strong capability to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, employees, contractors, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, engineering, construction management, or a closely related field, and at least five years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal infrastructure, or closely related operations, including supervisory and budget management responsibilities. Experience coordinating multiple operational functions, managing contracts, and working with municipal departments and regulatory agencies is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered.

Valid North Carolina Driver's License

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

Work in this class is described as being sedentary and seldom requires much physical exertion to complete tasks.

Work typically involves the ability to physically perform the basic life operational functions of reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.

Employee regularly operates a variety of machinery and equipment, including telephones, computers, calculators, copiers, facsimile machines, etc.

Work necessitates visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of work assigned in preparing and analyzing figures, accounting, transcription, computer terminal viewing and extensive reading.