“Shape the infrastructure that serves our community every day.” Join the City of Superior as the next Public Works Director.
The salary range for the position is $119,267 - $149,074, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The City of Superior offers a comprehensive benefit package. See BENEFITS tab for more information!
Purpose & Overview
The Public Works Director plans, administers, and coordinates all activities of the Public Works Department. This position oversees various public works operations, including Administration; Building Inspection; Wastewater; Stormwater; Street Maintenance and Construction; Buildings and Grounds; Traffic Signals and Signs; Refuse and Garbage Collection; Solid Waste Disposal; Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; Historic Properties; Shop Operations; and the Airport. The Director ensures effective planning, budgeting, and implementation of public works projects and services.
This role is integral to maintaining the city's infrastructure and public services. The Public Works Director collaborates with department heads, city officials, and external partners to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and efficient public service delivery.
The salary range for the position is $119,267 - $149,074, depending on the qualifications and experience of the candidate. The City of Superior offers a comprehensive benefit package. See BENEFITS tab for more information!
Purpose & Overview
The Public Works Director plans, administers, and coordinates all activities of the Public Works Department. This position oversees various public works operations, including Administration; Building Inspection; Wastewater; Stormwater; Street Maintenance and Construction; Buildings and Grounds; Traffic Signals and Signs; Refuse and Garbage Collection; Solid Waste Disposal; Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; Historic Properties; Shop Operations; and the Airport. The Director ensures effective planning, budgeting, and implementation of public works projects and services.
This role is integral to maintaining the city's infrastructure and public services. The Public Works Director collaborates with department heads, city officials, and external partners to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and efficient public service delivery.
General Responsibilities
Knowledge
- Plan and direct all activities of the Public Works Department and its divisions.
- Oversee daily operations through divisional managers or contracted services, ensuring efficient operations.
- Prepare and manage the annual operating budgets and long-term capital budgets for the department.
- Plan and coordinate public works construction and maintenance projects.
- Provide supervision, support, and mentorship to subordinate leaders and colleagues on municipal projects.
- Manage the bidding process for public works projects and oversee consultants on state and federal projects.
- Approve consultant fees, contracts, grant applications, and grant disbursements.
- Advise the Mayor, Common Council, and various boards and commissions on public works matters.
- Attend and participate in Common Council meetings and committee sessions.
- Authorize purchases and requisitions for major supplies and equipment.
- Supervise, evaluate, and recommend hiring, disciplinary actions, and terminations of employees within the department.
- Negotiate agreements between the city and external agencies or municipalities.
- Supervise public works project designs, review engineering plans, and accept on behalf of the city.
- Address and resolve suggestions, complaints, questions, and concerns from the public, Mayor, and City Councilors regarding public works operations.
- Build positive relationships with the public. Maintain and advance reputation of the department through good and responsive service.
- Stay informed on industry developments through conferences, seminars, meetings, and technical literature.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Mayor and the Common Council.
Knowledge
- Modern principles and practices of public works administration, including working knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)..
- Civil engineering principles and their application to public works projects.
- State and local ordinances affecting public works and inspection activities.
- Budget preparation and fiscal management.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public officials, and the community.
- Initiative and resourcefulness in problem-solving public works challenges.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
- Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for public works operations.
- Utilize financial and engineering systems for project management and budgeting.
- Deliver high-quality public service to internal and external stakeholders.
Education & Experience Requirements
A candidate will qualify with a combination of training, experience, and skills that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to qualify includes:
Requires
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or provide suitable transportation as approved by the supervisor.
Must pass a post-offer medical examination for the occupational group and drug screen prior to hire.
Must pass a 12-month probationary period to demonstrate skills and abilities to perform the requirements of the position.
Must take an oath of office.
No residency requirement.
A candidate will qualify with a combination of training, experience, and skills that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to qualify includes:
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; and
- Ten years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, public works, or a related field.
- Licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin is preferred, but not required..
Requires
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or provide suitable transportation as approved by the supervisor.
Must pass a post-offer medical examination for the occupational group and drug screen prior to hire.
Must pass a 12-month probationary period to demonstrate skills and abilities to perform the requirements of the position.
Must take an oath of office.
No residency requirement.
The City of Superior Offers
Full-time employees are eligible for Wisconsin Retirement System, Health/Dental/Life Insurance, and Paid Time Off.
Exempt, not eligible for comp time or overtime.
Annual safety-toed boot allowance.
https://www.superiorwi.gov/183/Public-Works
https://www.superiorwi.gov/154/Union-Contracts-Non-Union-Benefits-Polic
Full-time employees are eligible for Wisconsin Retirement System, Health/Dental/Life Insurance, and Paid Time Off.
Exempt, not eligible for comp time or overtime.
Annual safety-toed boot allowance.
https://www.superiorwi.gov/183/Public-Works
https://www.superiorwi.gov/154/Union-Contracts-Non-Union-Benefits-Polic
