Description
Job Title: Assistant Public Works Director
Department: Department of Public Works
Union Affiliation: Non-Union
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary: $ 85,000-$101,000
Position Description Summary:
The Assistant Director of Public Works supports the Director in planning, managing, and supervising the daily operations of the Public Works Department, including Water and Sewer, Facilities and Operations, Safety Path, Streetlight and Cemetery divisions. This role assists in the administration of departmental policies and procedures, supervises staff, coordinates capital projects, and helps ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. In the absence of the Director, the Assistant Director may act as the department head.
Essential Function(s) of the Position:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the level and/or class of this position.
Supports the DPW Director in overseeing the planning, administration, and operation of the Townships public infrastructure and services.
Assist in the direction of operations, employees, programs, projects, and activities within the Department of Public Works and make recommendations for the preparation and implementation of the department’s budgets, capital improvement plan and appropriate master plans consistent with standard operating procedures and department priorities.
Oversees major construction and maintenance projects, including the preparation of specifications, bids, and requests for proposals.
Helps develop and monitor the department's capital improvement plan (CIP)..
Support the development and implementation of long-term goals and strategic initiatives aligned with Township objectives.
Supervise personnel, support staff development, and participate in hiring, performance reviews, and disciplinary processes.
Coordinate with division supervisors to assess equipment, staffing, and operational needs; make recommendations for efficiency and service improvements.
Prepare and review departmental reports and correspondence; assist with presentations to the Township Board and community groups.
Support the development and administration of the department’s annual budget; monitor expenditures and assist with rate recommendations.
Help develop bid packages, requests for proposals (RFPs), and contracts for public works projects; review submissions and manage contractor performance.
Respond to citizen inquiries, complaints, and service requests professionally and in a timely manner.
Stay current on public works best practices, technologies, and regulatory changes through professional development.
Comply with all written Township policies and procedures.
Assist in managing emergency responses and maintaining up-to-date departmental procedures.
Education/Experience/ Licensing/Certifications:
Associate’s degree or higher in public administration, civil engineering or construction engineering. OR Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal Public Works administration, including two years of administrative and supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Excellent organizational and communication skills
Ability to work as a team player.
Must possess a valid Michigan’s Driver’s License at the time of employment.
Must possess Michigan S-2 & D-2 licensing at time of appointment or ability to obtain certifications within 24 months (failure to obtain required licensing within timeframe will result in termination of employment with the Township)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Working knowledge of public works operations, including drinking water treatment and distribution systems, sewer lift station and collection operations, streetlight maintenance, facilities maintenance, stormwater management, safety path and cemetery functions.
Knowledge of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) rules and regulations over water, sewer and stormwater operations
Understand the Michigan Safe Drinking Water Act (399), Federal EPA Drinking water regulations, Municipal codes, and safety regulations.
Knowledge of construction, maintenance, upgrade and improvement techniques for municipal water distribution and sewer collection systems.
Proficient in interpreting blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering specifications.
Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Effective verbal and written communication skills; capable of presenting information clearly to diverse audiences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and public sector software platforms such as SCADA and BS&A.
Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with staff, contractors, vendors, public officials, and residents.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that the employee must be able to successfully accomplish to be able to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Must have the mobility and stamina to conduct inspections on-site, which may involve standing or walking for extended periods over uneven terrain
Must be able to:
Reach, bend, stoop, and kneel to examine on-site features.
Use fine motor skills for tasks like typing and operating office and field equipment.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Primarily an office-based role with regular field visits to project and job sites.
Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for emergencies or public meetings.
Reporting Relationships:
This position reports to the DPW Director.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position supervises the field staff.
