About the Role

The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Town’s Public Works Division, directing essential municipal services including sanitation, street maintenance and repair, equipment services, and buildings and grounds maintenance. This position ensures that public infrastructure and operational services are maintained using modern, safe, and efficient practices that support the needs of the community.

The Director plans, organizes, and manages the work of Public Works staff while coordinating activities with other Town departments and divisions. This role provides technical guidance and recommendations to Town leadership, including the Assistant Town Manager for Public Services and Operations, the Town Manager, and the Board of Commissioners, regarding infrastructure improvements and operational initiatives.

The Public Works Director also oversees budget development and administration, contract management, personnel management, and customer service issues related to Public Works operations. The position requires strong leadership, technical expertise, and the ability to represent the Town when working with citizens, contractors, developers, and other stakeholders. Work is performed under the direction of the Assistant Town Manager for Public Services and Operations.

Duties and Responsibilites

Plan, organize, and manage the activities of all Public Works Division staff and ensure coordination of work across divisions and departments.
Provide technical advice and recommendations to the Assistant Town Manager, Town Manager, and elected officials regarding public works projects and operational matters.
Participate in plan review processes to ensure proper design, construction, and maintenance of streets, drainage systems, and related infrastructure.
Research, recommend, and implement operational improvements and best practices for public works operations.
Supervise the hiring, promotion, training, counseling, discipline, and evaluation of division personnel.
Meet regularly with subordinate supervisors to resolve complex operational issues and establish priorities and deadlines.
Conduct field inspections of division projects to review progress and ensure quality standards are maintained.
Respond to citizen service requests and complaints, investigate concerns, and coordinate solutions with other departments when necessary.
Attend Board of Commissioners meetings when required to present or discuss public works agenda items.
Prepare and administer the division’s operating and capital budgets; monitor expenditures and approve spending as appropriate.
Ensure accurate records of division activities are maintained and analyze trends and work orders to support operational decision-making.
Research and implement regulatory changes related to solid waste disposal, recycling, stormwater management, safety, and related public works issues.
Plan, organize, and monitor contracted projects such as street resurfacing, sidewalk and drainage construction, cemetery development, and buildings and grounds maintenance.
Coordinate project activities with engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
Five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in a responsible management position within public works, utilities, or related municipal operations.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements

Possession of a valid North Carolina Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Professional Engineering (PE) certification in the State of North Carolina is preferred.

Town of Mooresville

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Public Works Director