Public Works Director

Public Works Director

POSITION TITLE:

Public Works Director

DEPARTMENT:
Administration-Public Works

RATE CLASS:
Exempt

REPORTS TO:

City Manager

SHIFT: 7:30AM-4:30 PM, M-F (May be changed at the discretion of the City of Freeport)

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field; or an equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible experience. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal operations, infrastructure management, or related field. At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience overseeing multiple operational divisions, crews, or functional areas.

Demonstrated experience developing and administering operating and capital budgets. Experience managing infrastructure or construction projects from planning through completion. Preferred:
Experience in a municipal government environment. Experience implementing process improvement initiatives or operational system modernization. Professional certifications such as APWA accreditation, Certified Public Manager (CPM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or related credentials.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Public Works Director serves as a strategic department head responsible for the planning, organization, administration, and continuous improvement of the City's public works operations, including streets, drainage, parks and grounds, beach and levee maintenance, fleet, facilities, the Public Works operations yard (Service Center), and the Recreation Center. This position focuses on establishing operational systems, performance standards, capital planning processes, and fiscal discipline to ensure efficient, accountable, and sustainable delivery of municipal infrastructure services.

The Director works collaboratively with division supervisors to modernize workflows, implement best practices, and align departmental operations with the City's long-range infrastructure and financial goals. The ideal candidate will bring demonstrated success modernizing municipal operations through process discipline, financial stewardship, and structured project delivery.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Process Improvement

• Design, implement, and evaluate operational systems to ensure efficient, accountable delivery of public works services.
• Develop and formalize standard operating procedures across all divisions.
• Establish measurable service levels and performance metrics.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, safety, and cost control.
• Provide regular performance and financial reporting to the City Manager to ensure transparency and accountability.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Develop, administer, and maintain full accountability for the department's operating and capital budgets.
• Prepare cost estimates, long-range infrastructure forecasts, and asset replacement plans.
• Ensure appropriate internal controls, fiscal accountability, and responsible expenditure of public funds.

Capital Planning & Project Management

• Develop and administer capital improvement projects for streets, drainage, facilities, parks, and related infrastructure.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with City policy and applicable state purchasing regulations.
• Oversee project planning, procurement, scheduling, contractor coordination, and cost tracking.
• Review construction documents, pay applications, and project performance to ensure quality and compliance.
• Coordinate infrastructure planning with other departments and external agencies as appropriate.

Operational Oversight

• Provide leadership through division supervisors overseeing streets, drainage, parks and grounds, beach and levee maintenance, fleet operations, facilities, the Public Works yard (Service Center), and the Recreation Center.
• Ensure proper maintenance of city infrastructure, equipment, and facilities.
• Establish preventive maintenance schedules and asset management systems.
• Establishes operational controls, safety standards, and inventory management systems at the Service Center to ensure equipment accountability,…