Director of Public Works – Summary of Responsibilities
Position and Reporting Structure
-
Appointed by the Mayor with City Council approval, upon recommendation of the City Manager.
-
Directly supervises all Public Works Department employees.
-
Reports to the City Manager.
-
Serves as the primary point of contact for Public Works requests, communications, and recommendations.
-
Directs employees’ daily activities and determines how work is scheduled and completed.
-
Follows policies and priorities established by the Mayor and City Council.
Primary Responsibilities
- Department Operations: Oversee maintenance and operations of city streets, alleys, sidewalks, parkways, streetlights, public grounds, buildings, vehicles, and equipment.
- Water and Sewer Operations: Manage laboratory operations, testing, and contracted services.
- Employee Management: Supervise staff, maintain job classifications, conduct employee evaluations, and ensure appropriate staffing and utilization of personnel.
- Safety and Training: Ensure compliance with City and OSHA safety requirements and coordinate employee safety and training programs.
- Equipment and Asset Management: Oversee equipment maintenance, scheduling, utilization, replacement recommendations, and acquisition of new equipment.
- Planning and Improvements: Recommend operational improvements and measures that promote community health, safety, and welfare while improving departmental services.
- Budget and Financial Planning: Prepare or assist with the annual budgets for Public Works, including waterworks, streets, alleys, buildings, and grounds.
- Council Communication: Attend City Council and committee meetings as required by the City Manager and provide departmental updates and reports.
- Regulatory Compliance: Enforce applicable laws and ordinances related to areas under the department’s responsibility.
- Additional Duties: Perform other responsibilities assigned by the Mayor and City Council that are consistent with the City Code.
In Simple Terms
The Director of Public Works is responsible for running the City’s day-to-day Public Works operations, managing employees and equipment, maintaining infrastructure, overseeing water and sewer operations, managing departmental budgets, and ensuring services are delivered efficiently and safely.
The City Manager provides administrative oversight, while the Mayor and City Council establish the City’s policies and priorities.