Public Works Director

Salary: $93,983.00 - $150,373.00 Annually
Location : Osage Beach, MO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2025.17
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 04/04/2025
Description Summary

General
The Public Works Director is responsible for planning, leading and overseeing the day-to-day operation, repair and maintenance of the Transportation, Water and Sewer Departments. The Public Works Director is expected to utilize effective management practices in order to maintain public infrastructure and ensure essential services are available and operational for public use and safety. This position provides administrative, supervisory and technical assistance and support to staff, as well as technical support and advice to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen. As a representative of management, this position is expected to support the mission, vision, strategic plan and goals of the City.
Supervision Received
The Public Works Director is under the direct supervision of the City Administrator.
Supervision Exercised
The Public Works Director oversees the Transportation, Water and Sewer Foremen as well as the Department Secretary with indirect supervision of all Public Works Technicians.

Expectation of Job Duties

The following examples are meant to be illustrative only and are not intended to be all-inclusive:

• Evaluate, plan, organize, direct and inspect various programs and activities of Public Works field operations to ensure delivery of superior services to City residents, businesses and visitors through supervising, directly or through subordinate management, the technical, clerical and field staff.
• Prepare annual operating and capital budgets to ensure resource allocation aligns with community needs and priorities.
• Prepare, review and manage all financial transactions including personnel, operating and capital purchases, maintain expenditure control and ensure the most efficient use of allocated funds and employee resources.
• Review all ordinances and regulations governing departmental functions and recommend necessary changes as needed.
• Participate and advise in the filling of all vacant Public Works positions. This includes the review of applications and resumes to select skilled candidates, participation in the interview process, and the ability to recommend starting salary wage for new staff members within the department's allocated budget.
• Assist in the development, implementation and delegation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards within Public Works.
• Serve as principal point of contact for public inquiries regarding operational issues and the resolution of citizen problems pertaining to the City's public infrastructure.
• Conduct research to find and apply for various mechanisms, such as State and Federal grants, to help fund operations, maintenance and capital improvements.
• Provide continual development and implementation of capital improvement programs to ensure successful long-term planning and growth of our community including City and Regional transportation, water and sewer planning.
• Assist with evaluating annexation and utility connection requests for feasibility and to ensure adequate service availability.
• Serve as requested on various local, state and regional organizations as well as public entities to develop and maintain good community partnerships and engagement. Attend and present information at various meetings in a clear and concise manner.
• Monitor and oversee physical facilities, including but not limited to, Public Works buildings, water towers, lift stations, streets, sidewalks, etc. Perform a variety of skilled and technical work for the maintenance and operation of all public infrastructure.
• Safely operate specialized equipment as needed as well as provide training and direction to employees in the safe use of tools and specialized equipment.
• Supervise the administration of maintenance logs, inventories, asset condition reports, etc. Direct the maintenance of and prepare a variety of reports as needed to ensure sufficient documentation in accordance with City retention guidelines.
• Set priorities, develop preventative maintenance programs and ensure all assigned divisions are maintained at an optimum level with cost and staffing limitations.
• Assure all daily and weekly schedules are met in a timely and accurate manner as well as emergency response efforts related to public infrastructure. Must have the availability to work after hours, on weekends and holidays as needed.
• Utilize computer technology for work management, information management, communications, reporting and recordkeeping.
• Provide training and professional development opportunities, interpret for and ensure understanding of City policies and procedures, and boost morale and productivity for all personnel.
• Plan and schedule the proper utilization of personnel and equipment for both day-to-day operations as well as emergencies. Oversees fleet purchases, maintenance, operations and repairs.
• Provide corrective counseling and recommend or administer discipline of personnel as necessary, up to and including delivering termination notices.
• Coordinate with and provide technical assistance and open lines of communication to members of other City departments on various maintenance matters.
• Conduct or direct studies in regard to Public Works procedures and operations, develop and review reports of findings, alternatives and recommendations.
• Coordinate and assist Engineering with design, bidding, administration of contracts and project management for the maintenance of facilities, equipment and capital improvement projects.
• Maintain safety logs, coordinate safety meetings, schedule safety training, investigate departmental accidents and make remediation recommendations to improve safety throughout the organization. Ensure all staff is educated in proper accident reporting procedures, partnering with the HR Director as necessary to provide all required information in a thorough and timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with all Federal, State and Local regulations, standards & reporting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of principles, practices, methods and materials for municipal maintenance projects and activities.
• Thorough knowledge of the City's ordinances pertaining to transportation, water, sewer, financial policies, bidding procedures and personnel policies.
• Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and methods, including goal setting, budget preparation and administration, interpersonal management and employee supervision.
• Ability to select, train, motivate and evaluate assigned staff, develop implement and interpret policies, procedures, goals, objectives and work standards.
• Thorough knowledge of hazards and safety practices common in Public Works as well as Federal and State regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of work planning, prioritizing, organization and scheduled techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of construction equipment, materials and methods used during transportation, water and sewer operations.
• Thorough knowledge of environmental regulations as well as State, City and County transportation laws regarding fleet vehicle usage.
• Thorough knowledge of operational and maintenance needs of a wide variety of automotive and mechanical equipment.
• Ability to plan, organize, assign, direct, review, problem-solve and evaluate comprehensive municipal maintenance activities.
• Ability to obtain certifications and attend trainings as determined by the City Administrator. (APWA Certified Public Works Professional - Supervision and Management, etc.)
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives and make creative recommendations.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, guidelines and ordinances.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work and represent the City effectively in meetings with others.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and prepare clear and concise reports and correspondence.
• Ability to schedule and coordinate numerous divisional work assignments in an effective and efficient manner.
• Ability to utilize computer applications such as email, word processing, spreadsheets and asset management software.
• Ability to produce written documents and oral presentations with clearly organized thoughts.
• Ability to attend and represent Public Works at various after-hours meetings including but not limited to Board of Aldermen meetings, Joint Sewer Board, etc.
• Ability to act with maturity, integrity and discretion and manage time efficiently.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a related field.
• High School graduate with college level course work in water/wastewater/civil engineering or construction; or completion of a vocational training program related to the construction field.
• Three years progressive experience as a Public Works supervisor with experience in street, water, sanitary and storm sewers.

OR

• Any combination of education, training, and/or experience which would qualify for the position as determined by the City Administrator.