Public Works Director

Salary: $120,769.73 - $145,000.00 Annually
Location : Asheville, NC
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2024-01501
Department: Public Works
Division: Administration - PW
Opening Date: 03/14/2025
Closing Date: 4/11/2025 5:00 PM Eastern

Summary
About the Opportunity
The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Works Director. The Public Works Director is hired by and reports to the City Manager (with day-to-day supervision by an Assistant City Manager) and will lead the dedicated staff of the Public Works Department as they continue to provide high-level service to the community. The Public Works Department is composed of six divisions. For more details, click here.
What you'll be doing:

• Work Organization and Prioritization: Plans, assigns, and monitors work, ensuring resource allocation and problem resolution.
• Strategic Planning and Implementation: Develops and implements long-term and short-term plans for public works operations, including streets, stormwater, and waste management.
• Policy and Procedure Development: Creates and updates departmental policies, procedures, and training programs.
• Budget Management: Develops, defends, and implements the department budget, monitoring expenditures and revenues.
• Executive Presence: Presents department activities and projects to the City Council, state and federal agencies, and elected officials providing reports and recommendations.
• Operational Oversight: Directs and coordinates public works divisions, ensuring compliance with regulations and effective project management.
• Staff Supervision and Development: Directs, evaluates, and trains staff, including hiring, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions.
• Contract and Project Management: Manages bid specifications, project development, and construction management.
• Emergency Response: Directs emergency response activities, including weather events and damage assessment.

Benefits:

• Hiring range: $120,769.73 to $144,106.00 DOQ, plus a very competitive fringe benefits package.
• 13 paid holidays, plus you will earn paid sick and vacation hours.
• Full access to the City of Asheville's benefit suite including Medical, Dental, and Life insurance options.
• Enrollment in the North Carolina State Pension Plan and NC State 401K with company matching funds.

About you:

We know your time is valuable. Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible experience in engineering and managing public works infrastructure programs, including five years of supervisory roles preferred. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Valid Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Our ideal candidate will possess the requisite technical skills for this position and will also demonstrate the ability to:

• Create and execute a clear vision, improve organizational efficiency, and empower staff to achieve goals.
• Exhibit genuine support and actively listen to employees, cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment.
• Maintain technological proficiency, comprehend the intricacies of municipal operations, and remain composed and engaged under pressure.
• Build strong relationships and communicate effectively across all city departments.
• Combine practical experience with the ability to earn and maintain the respect of their team.
• Effectively communicate with operational staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and members of the public.

Other things to know:

• Application must include resume and cover letter.
• Initial review of applications will occur on (two weeks from posting). This position will remain open until filled (or date if closing date listed) or until a sufficient number of applications are received.

About us:

The City of Asheville is dedicated to providing quality service for the residents and visitors of our beautiful city, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina. Asheville, NC is a thriving mountain city that has a culture enriched by its diversity.

The City of Asheville values and respects a diverse community, workforce and ideas, and is committed to promoting an equitable, fair, and just employment environment. Our organization seeks to create and provide access and opportunities to employees, residents and visitors to fulfill their potential through inclusive engagement practices, relationship building and an authentic sense of belonging. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status. The City of Asheville is proud to be a second chance employer.
The City of Asheville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
To view our comprehensive benefits package, click
01

Please select your level of education in regard to this role:

• High School/GED
• Associates Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in one of the following: Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in another field.
• Master's Degree in one of the following: Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Master's Degree in another field.
• Doctorate

02

Please list your years of experience managing leaders and their teams:

• I have no experience in Management or Supervision
• I have 1 to 5 years of experience.
• I have 5 to 10 years of experience.
• I have 10 to 15 years of experience.
• I over 15 years of experience.

03

Please list years of relevant experience do you have in this type of work?

• 1-5 Years
• 5-10 Years
• 10-15 Years
• 15 - 20 Years
• 20+ Years

04

Please describe three of your professional strengths and three opportunities you have for improvement.
05

Please describe your management style and how do you hold others accountable?
Required Question