Public Works Operations Manager

We are recruiting for a collaborative, innovative, and creative member to join the leadership team of our Public Works Department. This position will work closely with the Public Works Director and provide operational oversight to the various department divisions to meet the changing community needs. The successful candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of municipal public works operations, previous progressively responsible supervisory experience, and the ability to both understand the City’s strategic direction and bring that direction into department operations.

Oakdale continues to grow with both new development and redevelopment investment, and we are committed to evolving our operations to provide top‑notch services to the community. The department is preparing to move into a new facility, is implementing new asset management technology, and will continue to invest in critical infrastructure and community amenities. This is a great opportunity to have a key role in preparing the department and its operations for high‑level, sustainable, and professional service delivery.

Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, this position provides leadership and operational direction within the Public Works Department, ensuring effective, professional, and high‑quality services are provided in the areas, including but not necessarily limited to streets, fleet, parks, recreation, forestry, and utilities. The position involves direct supervision of Public Works Superintendents to ensure that departmental organizational goals, strategic objectives, and operational targets are achieved.

• Work collaboratively with other staff to provide excellent and responsive public service
• Supervise the daily operations essential for the department’s core functions, such as but not limited to drinking water, sanitary sewer, storm water, street maintenance and construction, fleet management, parks, forestry, and light building upkeep
• Evaluate public works operations and formulate recommendations and plans to meet strategic objectives and department organizational goals while interpreting and applying departmental policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Assist and oversee the Superintendents in the exercise of all personnel functions; ensure labor agreements, safety rules/practices, and personnel policies are observed
• Provide input concerning risk management, safety, security, and emergency management to the Public Works Director while leading the department safety committee, ensuring compliance with all necessary and required safety programs and training
• Proactively review all public works policies, procedures, and construction standards, research new techniques/technologies, and recommend changes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the City’s public works functions
• Ability to review engineering drawings/plans, reports, and submittal information for conformance with engineering standards, regulatory requirements, and other City standards
• Conduct field inspections of public works projects and site improvements to ensure compliance with approved plans
• Assist with budget preparation and monitoring while using data to propose programs, initiatives, and capital improvement investments
• Respond to public inquiries and ensure appropriate follow‑up action in accordance with department policies and procedures
• Communicate effectively with other City Departments while coordinating activities/projects as directed
• Represent the city in a courteous, responsive, and professional manner in all interactions
• Able to communicate tactfully and professionally with a variety of stakeholders and interested parties
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions while communicating clearly, both verbally and in writing
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
• Perform other duties as assigned

Work requires many different processes and methods applied to an established professional or technical field.

Supervision

This position both (a) operates under minimal supervision based on overall objectives and available resources and (b) must make decisions based…