PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Town of Mooresville; Mooresville (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Town health plans

Life insurance

Disability coverage

EAP

Volunteer Time-Off

Vacation days

Holidays

Floating Holiday

Bereavement Leave

On-site clinic

Down payment assistance

Pet insurance

Gym reimbursement

Job summary

The Town of Mooresville seeks a dynamic Public Works Director to provide strategic leadership for sanitation, street maintenance, equipment services, and buildings and grounds. You will plan, organize, and manage the division, coordinating across Town departments to deliver safe, reliable public infrastructure and responsive service to residents.

You will oversee budgets, contracts, personnel, and customer service, advise Town leadership, supervise staff, conduct inspections, and engage with

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a responsible management position within public works, utilities, or related municipal operations.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and manage the activities of all Public Works Division staff and ensure coordination of work across divisions and departments.
• Provide technical advice and recommendations to the Assistant Town Manager, Town Manager, and elected officials regarding public works projects and operational matters.
• Participate in plan review processes to ensure proper design, construction, and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, and related infrastructure.
• Research, recommend, and implement operational improvements and best practices for public works operations.
• Supervise the hiring, promotion, training, counseling, discipline, and evaluation of division personnel.
• Meet regularly with subordinate supervisors to resolve complex operational issues and establish priorities and deadlines.
• Conduct field inspections of division projects to review progress and ensure quality standards are maintained.
• Respond to citizen service requests and complaints, investigate concerns, and coordinate solutions with other departments when necessary.
• Attend Board of Commissioners meetings when required to present or discuss public works agenda items.
• Prepare and administer the division’s operating and capital budgets; monitor expenditures and approve spending as appropriate.
• Ensure accurate records of division activities are maintained and analyze trends and work orders to support operational decision-making.
• Research and implement regulatory changes related to solid waste disposal, recycling, stormwater management, safety, and related public works issues.
• Plan, organize, and monitor contracted projects such as street resurfacing, sidewalk and drainage construction, cemetery development, and buildings and grounds maintenance.
• Coordinate project activities with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration

5–7 years of management experience

Tools

Budgeting software

Job description

About the Town of Mooresville

As one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing communities, the Town of Mooresville combines innovation, teamwork, and community pride to deliver exceptional public service. Mooresville is a thriving, connected community dedicated to providing outstanding services that foster inclusivity and vibrancy for all. Guided by our PAC-IQ values (People, Agility, Communication, Innovation, and Quality), we empower employees to collaborate, think ahead, and make a meaningful impact every day.

Work alongside a team committed to innovation and collaboration, creating positive change for the community!

Why Join the Town of Mooresville
We value our employees and invest in their success with a comprehensive total rewards package. Our benefits are among the most competitive in the region and include:

• 5% Town contribution to your 401(k), no employee match required
• Choice of threemedical plans, including an HSA plan with Town contributions
• Town-paid life insurance at 1.5× annual salary
• Fully paid short- and long-term disability coverage(up to $8,000 per month)
• Wellness Incentive Program, with Adiscount of $240 annually on medical premiumfor participation
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering24/7 mental health and work-life support
• Volunteer Time-Off: 16 hours per calendar year to volunteer at any approved agency or organization
• Vacation Leave: Starting 2026, new hires receive 14 vacation days upfront!
• Holidays:Employees accrue 13-14 paid holidays per year
• Floating Holiday and Wellness Day:New hires receive one Floating Holiday and one Wellness Day up front each year
• Bereavement Leave:Up to five days per occurrence for deaths within the employee’s immediate family
• On-site clinic for eligible employees and dependents coming in 2026!
• Additional perks include down payment assistance, pet insurance, gym reimbursement, and more!

About the Role
The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Town’s Public Works Division, directing essential municipal services including sanitation, street maintenance and repair, equipment services, and buildings and grounds maintenance. This position ensures that public infrastructure and operational services are maintained using modern, safe, and efficient practices that support the needs of the community.

The Director plans, organizes, and manages the work of Public Works staff while coordinating activities with other Town departments and divisions. This role provides technical guidance and recommendations to Town leadership, including the Assistant Town Manager for Public Services and Operations, the Town Manager, and the Board of Commissioners, regarding infrastructure improvements and operational initiatives.

The Public Works Director also oversees budget development and administration, contract management, personnel management, and customer service issues related to Public Works operations. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to represent the Town when working with citizens, contractors, developers, and other stakeholders. Work is performed under the direction of the Assistant Town Manager for Public Services and Operations.

• Plan, organize, and manage the activities of all Public Works Division staff and ensure coordination of work across divisions and departments.

• Provide technical advice and recommendations to the Assistant Town Manager, Town Manager, and elected officials regarding public works projects and operational matters.

• Participate in plan review processes to ensure proper design, construction, and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, and related infrastructure.

• Research, recommend, and implement operational improvements and best practices for public works operations.

• Supervise the hiring, promotion, training, counseling, discipline, and evaluation of division personnel.

• Meet regularly with subordinate supervisors to resolve complex operational issues and establish priorities and deadlines.

• Conduct field inspections of division projects to review progress and ensure quality standards are maintained.

• Respond to citizen service requests and complaints, investigate concerns, and coordinate solutions with other departments when necessary.

• Attend Board of Commissioners meetings when required to present or discuss public works agenda items.

• Prepare and administer the division’s operating and capital budgets; monitor expenditures and approve spending as appropriate.

• Ensure accurate records of division activities are maintained and analyze trends and work orders to support operational decision-making.

• Research and implement regulatory changes related to solid waste disposal, recycling, stormwater management, safety, and related public works issues.

• Plan, organize, and monitor contracted projects such as street resurfacing, sidewalk and drainage construction, cemetery development, and buildings and grounds maintenance.

• Coordinate project activities with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.

• Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a responsible management position within public works, utilities, or related municipal operations.

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements

• Possession of avalid North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Professional Engineering (PE) certification in the State of North Carolina is preferred.