Director of Public Works

City of Neenah Mission: “We strengthen our community by building on the past, owning the present, and stewarding the future together.”

• Pursue Growth-Individual development positively influences the community.
• Encourage Innovation-Anticipate change. Embrace creativity and inspire ideas.
• Cultivate Collaborative Relationships-Succeed by fostering mutual respect as we grow and work together.
• Engage with Our Community-Acknowledge people. Hear people. Include people.

Reporting directly to the Mayor, this public administration position leads all public works operations, including engineering, streets, sanitary sewer and stormwater utilities, sanitation services, fleet and equipment maintenance, and city facilities. The Director serves as a key advisor to City leadership and plays a central role in shaping infrastructure investment, operational excellence, and long-term community sustainability

• Provide strategic direction and overall management of the Public Works Department.
• Lead, mentor, and develop department staff, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Mayor, Common Council, and City leadership on infrastructure and operational matters.
• Represent the City in interactions with residents, stakeholders, and partner agencies.

• Oversee all public works functions, including engineering, streets, utilities, sanitation, fleet, and facilities.
• Ensure efficient, high-quality delivery of services aligned with community expectations and regulatory standards.
• Respond to and resolve complex service issues and resident concerns.

• Evaluate infrastructure needs and develop recommendations for capital improvements.
• Lead planning, design, and execution of construction and maintenance projects.
• Oversee engineering review and approval of internal and external project designs.
• Coordinate with developers and assist with negotiating and administering development agreements.

• Monitor utility financial performance and recommend rate adjustments as appropriate.
• Review and approve major expenditures and contracts.
• Support long‑term financial sustainability through strategic planning and resource allocation.

• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations to the Common Council, Board of Public Works, and other committees.
• Facilitate clear, transparent communication on projects, policies, and priorities.
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and regional partners.

• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
• Continuously evaluate and improve departmental practices.

$120,000–$140,000 (DOQ)

• Competitive health and dental insurance programs with WRS contributions
• Free access to Employee Health Clinic provided by Theda Care at Work
• Generous sick and vacation program with 5-week level of vacation granted upon hire

The City of Neenah offers the following benefits to employees classified as Full‑Time or Permanent Part‑Time working 30 hours or more per week.

Benefit eligible employees (Those working 30 or more hours per week) have access to the City's employee clinic free of charge.

Dependents up to age 26 who are on the City's health plan may also use the employee clinic at no cost. Those dependents not on the City's health plan may access the clinic but are required to pay a $40 co‑pay.

The City offers medical insurance through UMR. To better understand the network, you can…