Public Works Director

American Water Works Association; Ormond Beach (FL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Ormond Beach is seeking a strategic Public Works Director to lead operations across Water, Wastewater, Reclaimed Water, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Streets and Fleet Maintenance. You will report to the City Manager and guide a senior leadership team toward reliable, customer-focused public service.

The ideal candidate has extensive municipal public works experience, senior management background, a Florida driver's license, and the vision to balance innovation with fiscal responsibility to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible municipal public works experience.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a senior management position.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operation, administration, and overall performance of the Public Works Department (Water, Wastewater Collections, Reclaimed Water, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Streets, and Fleet Maintenance).
• Direct reports include the Fleet Operations Manager, Utilities Manager, Operations Manager, Utilities Engineering, Waste Contract Manager, and an Office Manager.
• Engage staff, elected officials, and the public with excellent communication; balance innovation with fiscal responsibility; guide high-profile projects.

Skills

Senior management experience

Public works leadership

Florida Driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Public Administration

Master’s degree

Job description

Are you a strategic and service-driven public works leader who can oversee complex infrastructure systems, manage large-scale operations, and guide high-performing teams? If so, apply to be the City of Ormond Beach’s next Public Works Director!

We’re looking for an exceptional, forward-thinking leader who is:

• Experienced in municipal public works operations and infrastructure management
• Skilled in leading diverse teams and managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Adept at balancing fiscal responsibility with innovative, long-term solutions

Ormond Beach is a vibrant coastal community in Volusia County on Florida’s east coast. As part of the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach metropolitan area, with a population of 43,073, the city has maintained its distinctive small-town charm while benefiting from steady regional growth and economic development. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean and near major transportation corridors including Interstate 95 and Interstate 4, Ormond Beach offers convenient access to Orlando, Jacksonville, and Daytona Beach.

Working under the direction of the City Manager, the Public Works Director serves on the City’s senior leadership team, with primary responsibility for the operation, administration, and overall performance of the Public Works Department.

The Director must exercise considerable autonomy, independent judgment, and technical expertise in managing all aspects of the Department including Water, Wastewater Collections, Reclaimed Water, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Streets, and Fleet Maintenance.

Direct reports include the Fleet Operations Manager, Utilities Manager, Operations Manager, Utilities Engineering, Waste Contract Manager, and an Office Manager.

The ideal candidate will be an approachable, strong leader with a sense of vision for the Public Works Department. The new Public Works Director of Operations will promote an organizational culture that provides effective and efficient public service delivery with the highest level of customer service. They will demonstrate excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with staff, elected officials, and the public. This individual is a strategic thinker who can manage multiple complex, high-profile projects while maintaining attention to operational details. The successful candidate will balance innovation with fiscal responsibility and bring a forward-looking vision to support the City’s continued growth and service excellence.

Required qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration, or a closely related field
• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible municipal public works experience
• 3-5 years’ experience in a senior management position
• Valid Florida Driver’s License or the ability to obtain one
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered

Preferred qualifications include:

• Master’s degree
• Professional Engineer (PE) license
• Project management and capital planning experience

The anticipated salary range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000, depending on experience and qualifications, coupled with associated traditional municipal benefits.

For more information on this position, contact:

Doug Thomas, Executive Vice President – Recruitment & Leadership Development

[e-mail]

863-860-9314