Public Works Director

City of Homer, Alaska; Homer (AK); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Homer, Alaska is seeking an experienced Public Works Director to lead a multi-disciplinary team responsible for water, wastewater, roads, parks and facilities. The role focuses on advancing the city’s infrastructure priorities, managing state and federal funding, and guiding capital improvement projects.

You will set policy, develop budgets, supervise professional staff, and engage with the City Manager and Council to align services with community needs and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Experience leading public works teams and projects.
• Experience with budgeting, capital projects, and grants/permits.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Public Works department and implement strategic vision for infrastructure assets.
• Plan, budget, and supervise maintenance and capital projects across water, sewer, roads, parks and facilities.
• Prepare annual operating budgets and capital outlay requests.
• Coordinate design/construction contracts, grants, and environmental permits.
• Advise City Manager on major projects and policy impacts; attend City Council meetings as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Public Works knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Planning

Public administration

Job description

The City of Homer has an incredible opportunity for an experienced and ambitious Public Works professional!

Homer is a rapidly growing city at the end of the road system on Alaska's beautiful Kenai Peninsula. The City of Homer is very active and undergoing a significant amount of private development and public investment in public works infrastructure. The Public Works team has created an incredible amount of momentum for capital projects using Homer's unique sales tax structure which dedicates specific funds to roads, trails, water, and sewer. We're looking for someone to join the team who can continue to meet the challenge of maintaining and expanding vital public services, and build a vision for Public Works guided by the needs of the community and policy direction set by the City Council.

The Public Works Department includes a roads crew, water and sewer crews, parks maintenance, building maintenance, janitorial, and engineering. Experience administering projects with state and federal funding will be a very desired skill set for this recruitment.

General Functions

The Director is an active member of the City's leadership team, responsible for collaboratively advancing the City Manager/City Council's priorities; proactively engages the community; and furthers the department's mission/initiatives. Manages all department operations, including water distribution and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, City streets and parks, City vehicles/rolling stock, City-owned public buildings/grounds/equipment, and capital improvement program. Oversees staffing and scheduling for all areas of the department. Sets policies and procedures, goals, priorities and objectives. Prepares annual departmental and capital project budgets.

Job Functions And Major Activities

• Provides leadership for the department by developing, reviewing, updating, and implementing a strategic vision and plan for the department employees and infrastructure assets.
• Plans, budgets, and oversees employees engaged in the short and long term operation and maintenance activities related to City's infrastructure assets and facilities.
• Provides input into the Capital Improvement Plan, coordinates the design and construction of approved capital projects.
• Hires, reviews the performance of, and terminates department employees subject to the provisions of the Personnel Regulations. Supervises and directs all Public Works employees.
• Prepares and recommends annual operating budget for Public Works Department including: water, sewer, parks, motor pool, road maintenance, cemetery, airport terminal Port and Harbor maintenance, administration and capital outlay.
• Assists City Manager and Public Works employees to answer inquiries and resolve conflicts or complaints from the public.
• Coordinates the preparation of requests for proposals for consultant design and construction contracts. Monitors progress and approves pay requests. Coordinates the acquisition of all local, state and federal environmental and regulatory construction permits.
• Assists the preparation of grant/loan applications for capital projects and assures that grant/loan conditions are met during design and construction phases.
• Evaluates and recommends to City Manager the extent of maintenance required and requirements for equipment additions or replacement, annually during the budget process on a 5-year schedule.
• Coordinates with the Finance Director/Department to ensure all required paperwork for purchase orders, work orders, and billing of Public Works Department activities is completed.
• Advises City Manager on proposed City projects and their effect on the Public Works Department.
• Attends City Council work sessions/meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as directed by the City Manager.

Skills, Knowledge And Abilities

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Planning, Public administration, or related field desirable. Minimum of five years of experience in the planning, construction, maintenance, or operations of public facilities, utilities or transportation systems. At least three years of this experience must have been at a managerial level and must have included responsibility for supervising professional level staff in government or city service position. Extensive knowledge of Public Works operation, federal and state regulations applicable to Public Works facilities required. Successful candidate will possess strong oral and written communication skills, be skilled in building and maintaining effective working relationships with government officials and special interest groups, be able to resolve conflict and build consensus where there are differing opinions and interests, have a strong history of developing and implementing new programs or services to increase operational efficiencies, and the ability to lead a team of professional staff in delivering excellent services to the community we serve. Valid Driver License required.

Decision Making Responsibilities

Requires independent judgment in planning major projects and scheduling activities of department personnel and in making efficient use of resources. Responsible for managing, creating, and operating a budget for Public Works as well as water and wastewater utility for maintenance and operations of all City facilities and equipment. Has maximum budget authority at the department level. Develops policy and procedure at City-wide level. Activities are a major source of potential liability to the City.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY

Appoint and dismiss all employees under the Director's jurisdiction as delegated by the City Manager, subject to the provisions of the Personnel Regulations. Supervise and direct work of all Public Works employees.

EXTERNAL VISIBILITY/CONTACT

High frequency of contact with key City personnel, general public and government officials and attendance at public meetings. Moderate contact with key Service personnel

WORKING CONDITIONS

Low exposure to hazardous working conditions. Infrequent exposure to adverse weather conditions. Attendance at Council meetings may be required at the request of the City Manager in regards to Public Works projects. Overtime exempt position.