The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall administrative oversight, visioning, leadership, planning, coordinating, and control of the Public Works Department; to ensure essential services are provided to maintain the public infrastructure to provide for public safety, health, and welfare; and ensures effective operation of all divisions. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the Department. Department responsibilities consist of engineering, water and wastewater treatment, water distribution, sanitary sewer, stormwater, facilities, streets, and fleet.

Essential Functions

Directs the work of and manages the supervisory staff of the Department. Interview and select new employees. Provides coaching, counseling, and mentoring to allow for optimal performance. Assigns tasks, reviews work, and prepares performance evaluations. Recommends employee transfers, promotions, disciplinary action, and discharge.
Identifies training needs and opportunities for the department.
Defines and implements the goals and objectives for department operations.
Provides leadership and management to all assigned staff. Audits work to ensure adherence to pertinent regulations. Directs staff on complex work and interpreting the application of policy and procedure.
Researches, recommends, develops, and implements policy and procedures for operational effectiveness, sustainability, and safety. Monitors all operations for effective application of department policies, procedures, and standards.
Develops work plans and strategies to meet business needs, both short-term and long-term; Ensures clear direction, proper implementation, and City conforms to legal requirements.
Develops, recommends, and implements annual departmental budget; forecasts necessary funding for staff, equipment, material, and supplies. Monitors the budget throughout the year. Identifies and develops future capital improvement projects.
Works closely with the Department of Energy to plan, prioritize, and implement projects to meet the water needs of the City and National Security Complex.
Reviews and administers Industrial Permits to all City Industrial Users (Private and Federal (DOE)) that are protective of the City for compliance with the City’s NPDES Permitting.
Prepares short and long-term capital improvement plans associated with Public Works. Identifies capital projects/assets requiring rehabilitation or replacement and prioritizes so that critical projects/assets are addressed in a proactive manner. Prepares and administers the Department’s budget to control expenditures and maintain fiscal integrity.
Conducts special research and studies for the City Manager, preparing comprehensive reports and recommendations based on findings. Conducts and provides technical guidance to other Departmental heads and advisory boards on various public works issues.
Represents the Department and City on external matters when dealing with public and private agencies and organizations, the media, the general public, and state and federal agencies. Represents the Department on internal issues to the City Manager, City Council, and Boards and Commissions.

Responds to citizen complaints, concerns, or inquiries regarding the Department.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of and ability to effectively utilize the principles of strategic, long-range, and short-range planning.
Knowledge of management and supervisory practices & principles.
Skill in analyzing complex administrative information and issues, defining problems and evaluating alternatives, and recommending methods, procedures, and techniques for resolving issues.
Ability to research and analyze detailed information and make appropriate recommendations.
Ability to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate projects and programs.
Ability to maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with the public.
Ability to develop department goals and objectives.
Ability to take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
Ability to instruct and train in methods and procedures.
Ability to make final employment recommendations.
Ability to prepare performance evaluations and make recommendations regarding unsatisfactory employees.
Ability to assign work, add or delete; plan work, establish priorities.

Required Education, Experience, Licensing, and Certifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction or a closely related field and ten (10) years of experience.
Five (5) years of supervisory experience.
Registration as a Professional Engineer with the State of Tennessee or ability to obtain registration within one (1) year.
Possession of a valid Driver’s license.

To be considered for this position, please submit an application/resume online with the Personnel Department by 12:00 Noon, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. Please visit City of Oak Ridge employment link, https://www.oakridgetn.gov/386/Job-Openings.

City of Oak Ridge, TN

New Jobs

Public Works Director