Public Works Director

City of Norton Shores; Norton Shores (MI); On-site; USD 98,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Vision & Dental

MERS Retirement

Paid Vacation and Sick Leave

Job summary

City of Norton Shores seeks an executive to lead the Public Works Department, directing Engineering, Water and Sewer, Streets and Drainage, Solid Waste, and Facilities. The role coordinates long-range policy and major capital programs with the City Administrator.

The position requires supervision of the City Engineer, contract oversight, and public communication on projects. A PE license and five years of progressive public works experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles for municipal public works.
• Strong understanding of construction methods for streets, sewers, water distribution.
• Ability to plan, supervise, inspect, and participate in diverse engineering activities.
• Ability to develop plans, programs and policy decisions.
• Ability to work with the public and other employees.
• Ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or Public Administration; PE license preferred.

Responsibilities

• Direct and supervise all divisions within the Public Works Department.
• Assist with design, plans, estimates, and inspection for streets and water systems.
• Oversee projects across water, streets, drainage, sanitation, and engineering.
• Prepare annual department budget and capital improvement plan.
• Manage contracts and supervise payments to private contractors.
• Maintain records showing street locations, utilities, and facilities.
• Coordinate with the public and other agencies on engineering matters.
• Represent the Department on boards and during public meetings.
• Communicate department programs and activities to stakeholders.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Public administration knowledge

Supervisory ability

Policy & complex engineering decisions

Public communication

Deadline management

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or Public Administration

Professional Engineer (PE) license (preferred)

Job description

Position Objectives

The position performs highly responsible administrative and engineering work in directing all activities of the Public Works Department. Work involves planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the several divisions comprising the Department of Public Works. These divisions include Engineering, Water and Sewer, Streets and Drainage, Solid Waste, and Facilities. Work includes responsibility for determining major departmental policies, for planning long-term programs, and for making difficult administrative and professional decisions. Considerable operational authority is delegated to subordinates, and the major emphasis is on overall administration. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinate supervisors in each division. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator and is reviewed through conferences and reports.

Date Posted

Friday, October 23, 2026

Department

Public Works Department

Compensation

$97,930 - $130,795

Hours

Full Time

Deadline

Friday, November 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Duties And Responsibilities

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.

• Manage the Divisions within the Department of Public Works.
• Supervise the City Engineer and assist with the design, plans and specifications, estimates of costs and inspection of construction for sidewalks, street improvements, pavements, sanitary and storm sewers, water mains and the water distribution system.
• Oversee the projects of the Public Works Department including water, streets, drainage, sanitation and engineering.
• Prepare and recommend annual department budget and capital improvement plan to the City Administrator.
• Arrange for contracts and specifications for the various projects undertaken by the City, and supervise, approve and recommend payments to various private contractors.
• Manage the maintenance of system of records showing the location of all streets, street improvements, sanitary and storm sewers, the water distribution system and its appurtenances, sidewalks and other improvements to the publicly owned property.
• Coordinate communication with the public on engineering matters and construction projects as required.
• Recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance and review subdivision plats as they relate to public facilities or services.
• Prepare and review correspondence, records, and reports.
• Participate in the selection of materials and equipment used by the Department of Public Works.
• Attend City Council and other public meetings in order to clarify and explain departmental programs and activities.
• Communicate and consult with local, state, or federal government agencies and officials.
• Coordinate the activities of the Public Works Department with other City departments.
• Serves as the City representative on the Water Authority Board, Wastewater Management Committee, local MPO and Street Administrator.
• Perform related work as required.

Minimum Requirements

All of the following functions, qualifications, skills, abilities (KSA’s) and duties are essential. An employee in this class, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following:

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional civil engineering, particularly as related to municipal public works and engineering activities.
• Thorough knowledge of construction methods, materials and equipment particularly as related to streets, sewer systems, municipal water and other public works construction and maintenance activities.
• Ability to plan, supervise, inspect and participate in a wide variety of engineering, planning, and maintenance activities.
• Ability to develop plans and programs and to make decisions on matters of policy and complex engineering problems.
• Ability to work effectively with the public and other employees.
• Ability to work effectively with stress and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Graduation from college or university of recognized standing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or equivalent.
• Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Michigan preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in public works administration and operations, municipal infrastructure, and supervision of staff
• A valid driver’s license.

Benefits

• Medical & Prescription coverage – Low deductible plan with current employee contribution only $25 per biweekly paycheck!
• Vision, Dental, Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance – Employer paid!
• MERS Retirement with employer contribution
• Paid Vacation, Sick & Personal Leave

Online Application

NonUnion Benefit Guide

Questions

Contact Jeanine in Human Resources at [phone] ext.1356 or via email at [e-mail]