Department of Public Works Supervisor

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Supervisor is a working supervisory position responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the day-to-day operations of the Public Works Department. Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works, this position ensures the effective, safe, and compliant delivery of municipal services including streets, utilities, drainage systems, parks, facilities, fleet and equipment maintenance, and other public infrastructure.

The DPW Supervisor provides direct oversight of staff, coordinates with contractors and agencies, and serves as a key liaison with the public.

This position requires a commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in ongoing education, certifications, and training programs necessary to remain current with evolving laws, regulations, safety standards, technologies, and best practices in public works operations.

• Supervise and participate in daily public works activities, including street construction and maintenance, snow and ice control, drainage systems, parks, facilities maintenance, utilities support, and equipment operations.
• Assign, monitor, inspect, and evaluate work performed by DPW staff and contractors to ensure quality, efficiency, and timeliness.
• Develop, coordinate, and implement work plans and schedules for maintenance programs and projects.
• Respond to service requests, emergencies, and citizen inquiries or complaints related to public works operations.
• Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours, weekend, and emergency situations.

• Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate assigned DPW employees.
• Assist with hiring, discipline, performance management, and professional development.
• Advance teamwork, accountability, and a positive, safety-focused work environment.
• Coordinate staffing and activities with other departments, contractors, and outside agencies.

• Enforce safety policies, OSHA standards, and best practices in the workplace.
• Conduct safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and on-site safety inspections.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, environmental regulations, and utility standards.
• Maintain required certifications, permits, records, and operational documentation.

• Assist in preparing, monitoring, and managing departmental budgets.
• Track labor, materials, equipment usage, work orders, and inventory.
• Identify resource needs and opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures.
• Recommend changes to policies, procedures, standards, and capital improvement planning.
• Prepare clear and concise reports and documentation.

• Operate, oversee, and maintain a wide variety of public works equipment and tools including loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, aerial lifts, power tools, and related machinery.
• Recommend equipment purchases, repairs, and replacements.
• Ensure proper use, care, and storage of vehicles, tools, and facilities.
• Coordinate event setups, seasonal decorations, street banners, lighting installations, buoy maintenance, and irrigation systems.

• Communicate professionally with residents, contractors, vendors, utilities, engineers, and regulatory agencies.
• Represent the Public Works Department at meetings, public forums, and interdepartmental coordination efforts.

• Public works operations and municipal services
• Street construction, maintenance, and repair practices
• Drainage, stormwater, and utility-related systems
• OSHA standards, occupational safety, and environmental regulations
• Equipment operation, maintenance, and repair
• Basic budgeting, recordkeeping, and asset management

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational skills
• Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and manage multiple crews and projects
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications,…