DPW Director

Position Summary

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Director is a key municipal leadership role, responsible for overseeing the daily operations, planning, and long-term management of the City’s public infrastructure. This includes city streets, water utilities, sewer utilities, storm water, parks, cemeteries, buildings and grounds. The DPW Director serves as the Project Manager for all City infrastructure projects, and reports directly to the City Administrator on departmental performance, capital projects, and regulatory compliance.

Additionally, the DPW Director will provide public events support. This position supervises all DPW employees including full‑time, part‑time, and seasonal staff.

• Leads, directs, and schedules all DPW staff and operations: including streets, parks, buildings, water/sewer, stormwater, and cemetery services
• Supervises full-time, part-time, and seasonal personnel
• Encourages a respectful, team‑oriented culture by promoting open communication, staff development, and fairness
• Conducts or supports hiring, training, evaluations, and disciplinary actions in collaboration with the City Administrator

• Serves as Project Manager for all municipal capital and infrastructure projects
• Coordinates with engineers on project planning, procurement, budgeting, scheduling, and reporting
• Oversees contract compliance and provides project updates and recommendations to the City Administrator

• Oversees the operation and maintenance of the city‑owned cemetery

• Serves as the City’s Compliance Officer for EGLE, MDOT, OSHA, and other regulatory bodies
• Manages wastewater testing and reporting, ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations
• Maintains required documentation for water/sewer systems, storm water permits, and employee licensure/certifications
• Ensures all DPW employees meet licensing and certification requirements and maintain updated records

• Coordinates DPW logistical support for city-sponsored events, parades, and public gatherings
• Responds to resident concerns, maintenance requests, or infrastructure emergencies with professionalism
• Represents the City in public meetings
• Participates in emergency response and after‑hours support (as needed)

• Develops and manages the DPW operating and capital budgets
• Participates in long‑range infrastructure planning and capital improvement scheduling
• Oversees procurement, vendor contracts, fleet maintenance, and department safety programs

• High school diploma or GED required, associate’s or bachelor’s degree in public administration, civil engineering, construction management, or related field preferred
• Minimum of 5 years progressively responsible experience in public works, infrastructure, or utilities
• Minimum of two years of direct supervisory experience, preferably within a municipal or unionized setting
• Experience as a Project Manager for infrastructure or utility‑related construction preferred
• Working knowledge of EGLE, MDOT, OSHA, and municipal cemetery operations required
• Valid Michigan Driver’s license; ability to pass pre‑employment background check and drug test

• $70K salaried position, non‑union
• Health, vision, dental, and life insurance
• Paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, and personal time
• MERS retirement plan (defined benefit pension)

Submit a cover letter and up‑to‑date application or resume to:

• Gladwin City Hall, 1000 W Cedar Ave, Gladwin, MI 48624
• ATTN:
  Alisha Harrison, Human Resources Director
• Email a cover letter and up‑to‑date resume to human resources