Public Works Manager

City of Lakeland, Tennessee; Lakeland (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lakeland, Tennessee, is seeking a working supervisor to assist the Public Works Director in supervising street maintenance, stormwater systems, signs, and related facilities.

This role requires a high school diploma and at least four years in supervising municipal maintenance crews, with experience operating equipment like backhoes, skid steers, and dump trucks. The position includes on-call duties, safety compliance, and coordination with residents.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; 4+ years supervising municipal maintenance crews.
• Must have safe work practices and strong communication skills.
• Experience with street maintenance, drainage, and public works equipment desirable.

Responsibilities

• Supervises daily/weekly work programs and staff.
• Coordinates maintenance of streets, curbs, gutters, drainage, and signs.
• Responds to calls and emergencies 24/7 when needed.
• Maintains equipment and oversees safety procedures.

Skills

Supervisory leadership

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Backhoe operation

Skid steer operation

Dump truck operation

Mini excavator operation

Job description

The position is responsible for assisting the Public Works Director in the Public Works Department which maintains and repairs streets, stormwater systems, curb, gutter, sidewalks and ADA ramps, street signs, vegetation along public rights of way, and the civil defense siren system. This is a working supervisor’s position that provides additional equipment operator staff support in the field as necessary when vacancies occur in the nonsupervisory ranks and during times of needed manpower.

Individual Duties and Responsibilities

Essential duties and responsibilities include those listed below and may be supplemented, as necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Supervises the daily and weekly work programs, services, and operations of the Public Works Employees.
• Works under the administrative supervision of the Public Works Director.
• Oversees maintenance and repair to the city’s road, curb, gutter, and sidewalks, street signs, and stormwater drainage system. May be asked to direct staff support in the upkeep of city grounds and facilities.
• Issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
• Responds to call outs and emergencies on 24/7 basis.
• Proficient in the use of power tools and equipment, including operating light and heavy equipment such as a backhoe, skid steer, and dump trucks.
• Regularly meets with and responds to phone calls from residents to answer questions, concerns and issues concerning streets, drainage, and signs.
• Performs administrative activities, including timekeeping, scheduling, daily work schedules and other reports.
• Administers outside service maintenance contracts related to provided services.
• Maintains knowledge of public works, including issues, practices, and regulatory changes.
• Improves work methods to accomplish assigned work
• Meets with the Public Works Director to discuss projects, schedules, progress or potential problems situations on work activities.
• Assures that tools and rolling stock equipment are properly maintained and kept in proper working condition.
• Coordinates operation and maintenance of Civil Defense sirens.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge and Training Required

High school diploma or equivalency and a minimum of four (4) years related experience in supervision of a construction crew involving municipal maintenance and repair of streets, storm sewer pipes, equipment, machinery, buildings, and facilities. General construction knowledge covering carpentry, painting, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing is desirable. Must be able to use hand and power tools and operate other equipment necessary for performance of the job. Position must have a commitment to safety in all aspects of the job. He/she must have TOSHA knowledge of safety precautions, practices, and procedures and be capable of conducting hazard assessments and apply the appropriate PPE. The applicant shall be an effective communicator in both oral and written skills and be able to handle the public in their day-to-day responsibilities.

A valid driver’s license from the state of Tennessee. Applicant must have computer skills to include word

processing and spreadsheets. Must have minimum knowledge of mathematics and writing skills to accomplish the work described above. Must have experience to operate the following pieces of equipment: Pickup truck, rubber-tired backhoe, mini excavator, skid steer loader, single and double-axle dump truck, mowing tractors, and other light weight public works equipment.

Environmental Conditions

• The following environmental conditions are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The majority of the work is performed outside under varying weather conditions and the remainder is performed inside under normal office conditions. Talking and hearing are necessary in communicating with others. Effective vision (near and far) is required. Physical activities include walking on varying terrains, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching, standing, pushing, pulling, stooping, and lifting (up to 90 pounds). There is potential for exposure to contact with raw sewage. Occasionally works near electrical circuits. Physical stamina is required. Physical strength is required to manipulate pipes, pumps, and other equipment