Public Works Director

Responsibilities

The Public Works Director oversees the development, maintenance, and enhancement of municipal infrastructure, including streets, drainage systems, traffic sign maintenance, and litter control. This role requires strategic planning, innovative problem-solving, and a programmatic approach to city services.

Key responsibilities include supervising all public works staff, budgeting, coordinating with city departments and government agencies, and overseeing third-party contractors to ensure high-quality public services. The Public Works Director also plays a critical role in emergency management, coordinating response plans for natural disasters, severe weather events, and other infrastructure emergencies. Ensuring the readiness and resilience of the city's infrastructure and working closely with emergency services to protect public safety are paramount.

Strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record in public works management, innovation, and emergency preparedness are essential for success in this role.

The Public Works Director shall direct and manage the following activities: 

• Supervise key projects; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Address and resolve complaints from homeowners, businesses, city staff, and city council.
• Coordinate Public Works Department activities for large city events and operations.
• Lead public work crews in assignments such as storm drain repair, drainage ditch maintenance, grass cutting, weed control, litter control, pothole repair, traffic sign maintenance, and street cleaning.
• Oversee new subdivision construction, including drainage and roadways.
• Supervise all contract construction work.
• Review and approve culvert permits and general utility permits.
• Serve as the contact for city municipal services after hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Implement and manage the work order system.
• Develop and manage the emergency preparedness plan.
• Coordinate emergency operations as required by contract and/or the city.
• Train and develop department staff.
• Conduct performance appraisals for department staff.
• Perform other activities as directed by management.

Personal Qualities

IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strong Work Ethic• Teachable/Continuous Learner• Reliable/Dependable• Collaborative/Team Contributor

Qualifications

• Registered civil engineer with at least two (2) years of related experience in a responsible managerial or administrative position or shall have at least five (5) years of related public works experience in a responsible managerial or administrative position.  Major coursework in civil engineering or a related field is highly desired.  
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Key Skills/Competencies:

Ability to:  

• Multi-task;
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for service in a fair, tactful, and firm manner; 
• Prepare accurate and detailed documentation of calls. Maintain complex logs, records, and files; 
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions; 
• Type and enter data accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Knowledge of: 

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive public works program.
• Management skills to analyze programs, policies and operational needs.
• Construction techniques involving streets and roads, drainage systems and flood control.
• Principles and practices of program management, development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Current Human Relation and employee labor law issues.
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.

Physical Demands

Environmental Conditions: 

• Office/field environment; may work in inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions: 

• Essential and marginal functions require maintaining the physical condition necessary for sitting, standing or walking for prolonged periods of time; and operating motorized vehicles.

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees. 

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!