Public Works Superintendent

City of Cedarburg, WI; Cedarburg (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Cedarburg, WI is seeking a Public Works Superintendent to lead the Public Works Department with a focus on service quality, safety, and collaboration with city teams and community partners.

You will oversee daily operations, schedule work for eight full-time employees plus seasonal staff, manage repairs and maintenance of streets, and coordinate with the City Engineer on capital projects and major events.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, with extensive supervisory experience.
• High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required
• Strong communication, leadership and organizational skills

Responsibilities

• Plans daily work schedules for eight full-time employees as well as part-time/seasonal staff.
• Oversees field staff, manages contractor performance, and ensures regulatory compliance.
• Directs street maintenance tasks including patching, crack sealing, painting curbs and lines, and street sweeping.
• Coordinates with the City Engineer and other departments on major capital improvements and event logistics.
• Supervises snow removal and ice control operations; ensures safety regulations compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Public works knowledge

Education

High school diploma

Associate or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

CDL license

Job description

Are you a servant leader passionate about delivering exceptional city services? The City of Cedarburg is seeking a Public Works Superintendent who embodies our commitment to respect, collaboration, and community. We’re looking for someone who leads by example, inspires their team, and strives for continuous improvement in every aspect of public works.

Position Purpose

As Public Works Superintendent, you will oversee daily operations of the Public Works Department. You’ll lead planning, development, and management of road and street maintenance, direct and support field staff, manage contractor performance, and ensure regulatory compliance. You’ll report directly to the City Engineer/Public Works Director and collaborate with the Parks, Recreation, and Forestry staff when public works activities intersect with parks, pool, or forestry functions. The Superintendent also coordinates with various city organizations and community partners to support city-wide events and festivals, ensuring safe infrastructure and smooth operations during major community activities.

Essential Duties

Plans daily work schedules for eight (8) full time employees as well as part time/seasonal employees as required; maintains records of employee time, attendance and work performed; plans and directs employee training and safety programs; initiates or approves purchase requisitions, reviews and approves invoices; maintains fuel supplies, pumps and records for all City agencies; maintains inventory of material and supplies; inspects and completes reports on damage resulting from operations; supervises, directs and inspects the repair and maintenance of streets as to pavement patching, crack sealing, painting of curbs and traffic lines, traffic sign installation, street sweeping, maintenance of storm sewers and catch basins, and similar functions; confers with City Engineer as to scheduling major capital improvements involving streets. Manages set-up for annual festivals and events. Supervises all phases of snow removal/ice control operations. Attends meetings as required. Responsible for departmental compliance with all safety regulations.

Job Qualifications

• 7-10 years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, with extensive supervisory experience.
• High school diploma required; associate or bachelor's degree preferred
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required
• Strong communication, leadership and organizational skills

Who We're Looking For

• Servant Leadership: You put your team and residents first, fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace.
• Passion for Service: You are dedicated to providing high-quality city services and responding thoughtfully to resident needs.
• Collaboration: You work across departments, invite different perspectives, and ensure all voices are heard.
• Continuous Improvement: You welcome feedback, embrace new ideas, and seek creative solutions to better serve the community.
• Integrity & Accountability: You are honest, transparent, and responsible in all interactions and decisions.

Supplemental Information

Works in collaboration with the Fleet Manager on all aspects of vehicle and equipment oversight and the operation of the maintenance garage. Together, they oversee the servicing and maintenance of all vehicles and equipment, coordinate and manage daily garage operations, and jointly recommend major equipment purchases. The position also solicits and reviews proposals, confers with sales representatives, and initiates purchase requisitions. The position investigates citizen complaints and service requests and takes appropriate action to resolve issues whenever possible.

City Culture & Benefits

At Cedarburg, we treat each other with respect, work together with purpose, and support one another like family. We believe a positive, team-oriented workplace is the foundation for delivering exceptional public service and keeping Cedarburg a great place to work and live. As a salaried position, the city provides flexibility in working hours to support work-life balance and personal well-being.

• Full time employees are eligible for health and dental insurance.
• Also eligible for participation in Wisconsin Retirement System, life insurance, sick and vacation pay.