The premier community to live, learn, work, and play in the northeast region of San Antonio, Texas. Incorporated in April 1960.
The Community:
A tight-knit community incorporated in 1960, the City of Live Oak has evolved from a rich farming and ranching tradition to a town of quality businesses, family-friendly amenities, and peaceful neighborhoods home to nearly 16,500 residents. The 5.5-square-mile city sits along the bustling, high-growth intersection of I-35 and Loop 1604 just 17 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, and features rolling hills, a serene lake, and scenic trails. It also shares borders with the cities of San Antonio, Selma, Universal City, and Converse — as well as a portion of unincorporated Bexar County — and residents enjoy a variety of shopping and dining destinations, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and easy access to the attractions of Texas’s third-largest metro area.
Known for its natural beauty and small-town charm, Live Oak features five developed parks totaling more than 100 acres. Along with a lake offering fishing and non-motorized boating, ball fields serving league sports, a skate park, a city swimming pool, a clubhouse, and adjacent recreation areas. The city features two professional disc golf courses designed by master designer John Houck.
The Department:
The Public Works Department provides a high level of service in areas such as streets, drainage, Parks and Recreation, Building Maintenance, Fleet, water, and sewer. In addition, this department provides the essential services for the residents of Live Oak. Public Works supports Live Oak’s many events and other departments.
The Position:
Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director of Public Works is responsible for overseeing the planning, development, operation and maintenance of the city’s public infrastructure including streets, utilities, drainage systems, parks and public buildings. This position ensures that all public works projects and services are delivered efficiently, safely, and in compliance with legal and regulatory standards. The Director of Public Works manages a team of professionals and staff, coordinates with other departments, and works closely with the City Manager and City Council to support the community’s infrastructure needs.
Job Responsibilities
Essential Functions: -- Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge, and skills. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Leadership and Management
- Provide leadership, direction, and oversight to all divisions within the Public Works Department, including streets, drainage, parks, and facilities.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate department staff, ensuring that they are properly trained, motivated, and performing to departmental standards.
- Develop and implement department goals, objectives, and policies to ensure alignment with the city’s overall vision and mission.
Infrastructure Planning and Development
- Oversee the planning, design, and construction of capital improvement projects related to streets, drainage, parks, and public buildings.
- Coordinate with engineers, contractors, and other city departments to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of infrastructure projects.
- Evaluate and prioritize infrastructure needs based on budget constraints, city priorities, and public input.
Budget and Financial Management
- Prepare and manage the Public Works Department’s annual budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources to meet operational and project needs.
- Monitor expenditures, track project costs, and provide reports as needed.
- Seek funding opportunities for public works projects, including grants and partnerships, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Operations and Maintenance Oversight
- Oversee the maintenance and repair of the city’s streets, stormwater drainage systems, parks, and municipal buildings to ensure they are safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
- Implement preventive maintenance programs to extend the life of public infrastructure and reduce repair costs.
- Ensure that services such as street sweeping, pothole repairs, and landscaping are completed on time and meet the city’s quality standards.
Compliance and Safety
- Ensure that all public works activities/accountabilities comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including environmental laws, safety standards, and building codes.
- Develop and enforce departmental safety policies to protect employees, contractors, and the public.
- Stay current on industry best practices, new technologies, and changes in regulatory requirements to keep the department in compliance and improve operations.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as the primary point of contact for public works-related issues within the community.
- Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders, ensuring timely resolution.
- Coordinate public meetings, outreach efforts, and public information campaigns to keep residents informed about public works projects and initiatives.
- Actively engage in monthly meetings, including but not limited to: Comal County luncheon, Comal Independent School District luncheon, San Antonio chapter American Public Works Association monthly meeting, select Chamber of Commerce breakfasts/luncheons, and other meetings as assigned and applicable.
Interdepartmental Collaboration
- Collaborate with other city departments, such as Planning, Engineering, and Finance, to ensure that public works projects are aligned with city goals and resources.
- Work closely with the City Manager and City Council to provide updates, recommendations, and reports on public works activities.
- Coordinate with outside agencies and organizations for the implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects or regional initiatives.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Job Requirements
Knowledge of –
- Administrative principles and practices related to public works management.
- Principles and Practices of Public work construction as applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of a wide variety of municipal public works facilities.
- Occupational hazards and proper safety precautions of public works construction and maintenance work.
- Principles and practices of leadership, supervision, organization, and public administration.
- Budget development and administration.
- Current literature, trends, and developments in the field of civil engineering and public works administration.
- Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations.
- Record keeping, report preparation, filing methods, and records.
- General office policies and procedures; computers and general office equipment.
Skill in –
- Strong knowledge of public works principles, practices, and technologies related to streets, utilities, drainage, parks, and facilities. Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in budgeting, financial management, and cost control.
- Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate long-term plans for infrastructure and public services.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to interact with the public, staff, and elected officials.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
- Familiarity with applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards in public works
- Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with other municipal, county and state officials, such as TXDOT, SARA, CCMA, CPS Energy, EAA, TCEQ, and private developers, contractors, and as otherwise necessitated by work assignments
- Remaining calm and sensible when confronted with people acting under stress or anger.
- Operating common office machines, including popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, file maintenance programs, and related software.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Management, or Engineering and ten (10) years of progressively responsible public works experience, which includes supervisory experience, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
The Ideal Candidate:
The City of Live Oak is seeking a community-focused, collaborative, innovative leader who understands the operations of Public Works. The ideal candidate must be analytical, think strategically, and make data-driven decisions. The city is looking for a leader with a hands-on approach who effectively builds consensus and loves public service. The individual must also possess excellent verbal and written communication skills to manage staff, write complex reports, and navigate challenging situations effectively.
Compensation and Benefits:
The City of Live Oak uses a competitive market process to determine the starting salary. The salary range for this position is $132,508 to $161,448 (depending on qualifications), plus an outstanding benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance; generous vacation and sick leave; 12 paid holidays; an employee assistance program; and longevity pay of $10 per month. The organization pays 100% of employees’ medical and dental premiums and 45% of premiums for covered dependents. The City participates in the Texas Municipal Retirement System, which pairs employees’ 7% contributions with a 2:1 employer match and offers a voluntary 457 deferred compensation plan. In addition to the above, the City of Live Oak offers a 4/10 work schedule and provides a city vehicle, enhancing both work-life balance and operational support.
Resources:
For more information on the Public Works Department, go to:
https://www.liveoaktx.net/departments/public-works
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should apply using the city’s website at https://www.liveoaktx.net/departments/human-resources/careers
*The deadline to receive applications will be February 13, 2026*
The City of Live Oak is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
