Public Works Director

North American Transportation Management Institute; Omaha, Northern (NE, KY); Hybrid; USD 205,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

Health Savings Account

Pension plan

15 holidays

Vacation and sick leave

Job summary

The City of Omaha is seeking a visionary Public Works Director to lead 763 employees across 11 divisions and an $820 million operating budget. Reporting to the Mayor, this executive will shape infrastructure, transportation, and environmental investments for decades.

Responsibilities include long-range planning, capital program leadership, and emergency management, with a focus on mobility and regional partnerships.

Qualifications

• Ten years of administrative and management experience in public works.
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal infrastructure, transportation systems, and public budgeting.
• Proven success in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, crisis response, and leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen.
• Nebraska PE license required or ability to obtain.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Direct long-range infrastructure planning, policy development, and daily operations across the Transportation and Environment branches.
• Lead the City's Capital Improvement Program and oversee major annual capital spending.
• Guide roadway, bridge, adaptive traffic control, parking, and mobility improvements and support deployment of Omaha's modern streetcar system, OSCAR.
• Oversee regional wastewater treatment facilities serving approximately 800,000 residents, along with stormwater compliance, flood control, and long-term sewer plans.
• Direct fleet maintenance for City vehicles, facilities management, and department-wide administrative functions.
• Build productive relationships with elected officials, regional partners, business leaders, the media, and the public.
• Lead emergency management and continuity of operations during severe weather, flooding, and other events.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Political acumen

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Professional Engineer (Nebraska)

Job description

Public Works Director

Salary: $205,000–$220,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications

The City of Omaha seeks an innovative, strategic, and dedicated executive leader to serve as its next Public Works Director. Reporting directly to the Mayor, this key leadership role offers the opportunity to shape the infrastructure and essential services that will support Omaha for decades to come and to play a central role in advancing the city's transportation, mobility, and environmental investments.

The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership, administration, and operational oversight for all functions within the department. The executive leads the city's third-largest department, with 763 employees, 11 divisions, and an annual operating budget of more than $820 million.

Key Responsibilities

• Direct long-range infrastructure planning, policy development, and daily operations across the Transportation and Environment branches.
• Lead the City's Capital Improvement Program and oversee major annual capital spending.
• Guide roadway, bridge, adaptive traffic control, parking, and mobility improvements and support deployment of Omaha's modern streetcar system, OSCAR.
• Oversee regional wastewater treatment facilities serving approximately 800,000 residents, along with stormwater compliance, flood control, household hazardous waste, and long-term stream and combined sewer control plans.
• Direct fleet maintenance for City vehicles, facilities management, and department-wide administrative functions.
• Build productive relationships with elected officials, regional partners, business leaders, the media, and the public.
• Lead emergency management and continuity of operations during severe weather, flooding, and other critical events.

Desired Qualifications

• Ten years of extensive administrative and management experience in public works operations and engineering management serving a complex municipal organization.
• Comprehensive knowledge of municipal infrastructure, transportation systems, water and wastewater utilities, major capital projects, and public-sector budgeting.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, crisis response, continuous improvement, and team leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills and political acumen.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field required; master's degree preferred.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Nebraska, or the ability to obtain registration within the specified timeframe, required.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid driver's license.

Why Omaha

Omaha combines the economic strength and amenities of a thriving metropolitan area with the affordability, accessibility, and welcoming spirit of a mid-sized city. Nearly 500,000 residents call Omaha home, and the metro population exceeds 1 million. Residents enjoy short commutes, excellent schools, vibrant neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and ambitious civic investments supported by a strong tradition of public‑private collaboration.

The City offers comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage; City funding toward a Health Savings Account; a defined benefit pension; 15 paid holidays; and generous vacation and sick leave.

Benefits

• comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• City funding toward a Health Savings Account
• a defined benefit pension
• 15 paid holidays
• generous vacation and sick leave

Applications must be received by September 30, 2026

View the complete recruitment brochure: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QK19QU25YHJBcGrMvzbLXN-5vdVGYuG_/view?usp=sharing