DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Works Director oversees the daily operations and long-term planning of all Public Works divisions, including streets, stormwater, equipment maintenance, right of way, engineering, and capital improvement projects. This position manages departmental goals, policies, and personnel, ensuring the efficient and safe delivery of public services and infrastructure maintenance for the City. The Director will ensure that public works projects meet safety, regulatory, environmental, and budgetary requirements while improving the quality of life for residents and the local community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

- Supervise and coordinate the daily operations of all Public Works divisions through subordinate supervisors.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures, departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each service area. Support updates and amendments to codes, ordinances, Comprehensive Plan, operating budgets, and other guiding documents as needed.
- Assign projects and areas of responsibility; review work methods and procedures; meet regularly with staff to identify and resolve operational challenges.
- Directly supervise operational divisions; offer support in training initiatives; evaluate performance; and promote motivation and positive morale within the team.
- Create a positive learning environment by identifying the needs of individual employees and developing skills through training, coaching, mentoring, and counseling.
- Ensure public works projects comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental, safety, and building codes.
- Manage scope, schedule, and budget of capital improvement projects from planning through completion. Prepare, review, and implement long-term infrastructure plans, policies, and capital improvement programs.
- Possess comprehensive knowledge of public works functions, including engineering, road maintenance, snow and ice removal, stormwater operations, heavy equipment operation, and general construction methods.
- Identify areas for process improvement and potential implementation of innovative practices, recommending changes where appropriate.
- Lead public works’ emergency preparedness and response efforts during natural disasters, weather events, and other crises, ensuring the community's safety and the restoration of critical infrastructure.
- Prepare or oversee the preparation of statistical and narrative reports, correspondence, and technical documents; analyze proposals, plans, and specifications.
- Supervise consultants and coordinate with the City’s contract engineer on technical projects.
- Inspect work completed by contractors and vendors to ensure quality and compliance with specifications.
- Address public inquiries and complaints; investigate and resolve issues related to public works services; serve as the department's spokesperson during press conferences, interviews, and public briefings.
- Develop and administer the department’s annual budget; forecast needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budget adjustments as necessary.
- Collaborate with the City Engineer to review Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funded projects and associated budgets.
- Submit funding requests and draft resolutions for City Council approval.
- Represent the department in Committee of the Whole and City Council meetings.
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Mayor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

This position reports directly to the Mayor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field with a minimum of ten years of related experience. A valid driver’s license is required. The ideal candidate will also possess extensive knowledge of municipal public works operations and engineering principles and strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills. They should demonstrate the ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate various options, and implement effective, practical solutions. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and proficiency in preparing and reviewing technical reports and construction documents are essential. The candidate should also have experience in budgeting and financial oversight within a governmental setting and be able to work collaboratively and effectively with elected officials, staff, consultants, and members of the public. Good judge of talent and the ability to lead, monitor, and supervise employees to achieve goals that contribute to individual and citywide success.

Job Title: Public Works Director
Department: Public Works
Reports To: Mayor
Status: Full Time/Non-Union/Appointed
FLSA Status: Exempt/Salary

The City of Alton offers reasonable accommodation in the hiring and employment process for individuals with disabilities. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, you may request an accommodation at any time.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification in accordance with applicable state and federal laws, and employees may be required to comply with the changes.

City of Alton, IL

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