Strategic Public Works Leader

Town of Zebulon; Zebulon (NC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The Town of Zebulon seeks a Public Works Director who combines technical foundation with executive leadership to guide enterprise operations and service standards. The successful candidate will manage capital planning, asset management, and fiscal responsibilities, while mentoring supervisory staff and fostering collaboration with the Town Manager, Board of Commissioners, and community.

The Director will oversee maintenance of town infrastructure—roadways, sidewalks, stormwater, solid waste,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in public works, infrastructure management, construction, or related municipal operations with at least 5 years in supervisory/management roles.
• Experience managing operating and capital budgets, procurement, safety and regulatory compliance; ability to collaborate with senior leaders, elected officials, and community members.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct departmental operations, personnel, service standards, and work programs.
• Coach managers and supervisors; promote employee voice and accountability.
• Build relationships across the full management team and with external partners.
• Direct planning, operation, and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, rights-of-way, stormwater systems, solid waste, fleet, and facilities.
• Develop asset management, preventive maintenance, and multi-year infrastructure plans.
• Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets; monitor expenditures and grants.
• Oversee project scopes, bidding, procurement, construction coordination, contracts, and change orders.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, stormwater, and records requirements; maintain emergency readiness.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning with development activity and other departments.

Skills

Executive leadership

Budgeting & finance

Procurement

Strategic planning

Communication & collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, or related field

Master’s degree (Preferred)

Tools

GIS technology

Asset management

Project management systems

Job description

The Town of Zebulon seeks a Public Works Director who combines technical foundation with executive leadership to guide enterprise operations and service standards. The successful candidate will manage capital planning, asset management, and fiscal responsibilities, while mentoring supervisory staff and fostering collaboration with the Town Manager, Board of Commissioners, and community.

The Director will oversee maintenance of town infrastructure—roadways, sidewalks, stormwater, solid waste,