PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Public Works Director is responsible for the executive management of the department including developing and implementing department-wide strategic planning, staff supervision, project execution, RFP/bid processes, and budgeting. This role requires strong leadership, operational expertise, analytical thinking, extensive independent judgement, and a committment to public service.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement long-term plans for infrastructure improvements, including budgeting, project prioritization, and resource allocation. Responsible for the preparation of reports, studies, surveys, maps, plans, specifications and estimates for the City's public facilities and utilities.
• Budgeting: Develop and administer the department’s budget; direct the forecast of required funding for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensuring fiscal responsibility and cost-effective operations.
• Staff Leadership: Lead and supervise a diverse team of professionals and technical staff, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment; including hiring, training, monitoring performance, and disciplinary actions.
• Project Management: Oversee the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of all public works projects, including coordination with contractors, engineers, and permitting agencies; ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Monitor the condition of city infrastructure such as roads, sidewalks, bridges, sewer systems, and street lighting; identify repair needs, schedule maintenance activities, and allocate resources appropriately.
• Emergency Response: Coordinate public works response to weather events, natural disasters, and other emergencies, including managing equipment and personnel deployment.
• Compliance and Regulations: Ensure adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to public works operations, including environmental protection and safety standards.
• Community Engagement: Collaborate with residents, businesses, and community organizations to address public works concerns and prioritize projects based on community needs.
• Reporting and Analysis: Prepare reports on project status, budget updates, and operational performance for Administration and City Council.
• Administrative: Represent the department at public meetings, conferences, meetings with elected officials, the public, and representatives from other government agencies. Attend and provide testimony at public hearings.

This is an essential, full-time, salaried, appointed position.  Days and hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 7:00am - 3:30pm.  The candidate will be subject to respond during emergencies; will be required to work occasional evening, weekends, or holidays during special events, and attend evening City Council work sessions and regular meetings. 

**The City of New Carrollton is a Drug-Free Workplace. Pre-employment and random drug screenings are required to maintain a safe and drug-free work environment.

**All candidates considered for the position will be required to successfully pass a background investigation.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, or sanitary engineering, public administration, or business administration AND 5 years of progressively responsible experience related to public works; OR
• 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in public works, and at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity; AND
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills to manage a diverse workforce; AND
• Technical knowledge of construction methods, infrastructure systems, and relevant regulations; AND
• Ability to analyze organizational and administrative problems, recommend alternative courses of action, and provide leadership to others in implementing such actions; AND
• Ability to prepare and create clear and comprehensive written reports; AND
• Maintain strong relationships with city officials, employees, contractors, the general public, and representatives of other agencies; AND
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with stakeholders and address public concerns; AND
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and contract management; AND
• Commitment to providing excellent public service.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES

Must have and maintain a Commercial Driver’s License valid in the State of Maryland.

Must obtain and maintain MDE UST system Class A/B/C operator certification within 6 months of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.
Work is performed mostly in an office setting. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, and public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, and smell. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

UNAVOIDABLE HAZARDS (Work Environment)
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.
Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid and cold conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderate in the field.