Assistant Director of Public Works – Engineering & Capital Projects

City of Blue Springs • Blue Springs, MO

8d • $79,789 - $119,725 • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Blue Springs is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and motivated Assistant Director of Public Works to provide strategic leadership and professional oversight for public infrastructure, capital improvement, and engineering functions. This role supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of the City’s capital improvement program and development-related infrastructure. The Assistant Director ensures public projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget while building strong partnerships across City departments, consultants, contractors, and the community. This role is not a hands-on design engineering position; instead, it emphasizes project leadership, program management, and cross department coordination. At times, the Assistant Director may serve as the Acting Public Works Director in the Director’s absence.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field required.
• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public works, engineering, capital project management, or related municipal operations.
• Strong background managing infrastructure programs, development review, and consultant/contractor relationships.
• Proven leadership, team building, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public infrastructure systems, construction methods, and municipal operations.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, capital planning, regulatory compliance, and project management.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, make data-driven decisions, and develop long-term strategies.
• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred.
• PE license is not required, but it is beneficial.
• Familiarity with MUTCD and ITE standards preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with planning, budgeting, and managing the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
• Oversee design, construction, and inspection of street, stormwater, water, and sanitary sewer projects.
• Coordinate with consulting firms, contractors, utilities, and outside agencies.
• Manage contracts, bids, change orders, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Review development plans, public improvements, rights-of-way requests, and traffic studies.
• Support engineering design reviews and ensure compliance with City standards and professional best practices.
• Provide technical guidance to internal staff, consultants, and developers.
• Serve as liaison to Planning and attend Planning Commission meetings as needed.
• Supervise and support engineering, technical, and inspection staff.
• Present reports and recommendations to the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council.
• Attend City Council and Planning Commission meetings to provide technical input on infrastructure topics.
• Lead process improvements, innovation, and collaboration across departments.
• Serve as Acting Director in the Director’s absence.
• Coordinate with MoDOT, utility providers, MARC, and regional partners.
• Respond to citizen concerns, development inquiries, and service requests.
• Represent the City on regional committees and task forces.

Benefits

• Equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• Reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to employment opportunities and are able to perform the essential functions of their job.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level