Department of Public Works Director

Town of Cohasset•Cohasset, MA

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Cohasset seeks an experienced, collaborative, and highly qualified Department of Public Works Director to lead the Town’s public works operations. This full-time, non-union position reports to the Town Manager and plays a key leadership role in planning, managing, and overseeing the Town’s public infrastructure, public works operations, capital projects, and departmental staff. The Director leads the management, direction, and administration of all divisions within the Department of Public Works. The successful candidate will develop work programs, coordinate departmental operations, advise division supervisors, prepare and manage the departmental budget, oversee expenditures, maintain required records, and prepare reports for regulatory agencies, the Town Manager, the Select Board, and the Annual Town Report. The Director will also attend Sewer and Water Commission meetings and present updates to boards and committees as needed. The Director manages complex engineering studies, capital programs, construction projects, field investigations, surveys, plans, specifications, and cost estimates related to highways, sidewalks, water distribution systems, sewer systems, and other municipal infrastructure. The Director inspects and approves public works projects completed by the Town and private contractors, reviews subdivision plans and permit applications, and provides technical guidance to Town boards, committees, and departments. The Director also oversees procurement activities for departmental equipment, studies, service contracts, and construction contracts. This position prepares grant applications, develops and uses approved contract templates, negotiates agreements when needed, and ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, communication, analytical, budgeting, procurement, and project management skills. The Town seeks a Director who can set priorities, solve complex problems, support staff development, communicate effectively with residents and officials, and maintain a strong public service focus.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science Degree in civil engineering or a related field.
At least ten years of progressively responsible experience in municipal public works, construction, maintenance, and engineering.
At least five years in a supervisory capacity.
Valid Massachusetts Class D driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with water and wastewater operations and regulations.
Experience with public works and municipal capital project management.
Massachusetts Licensed Registered Professional Engineer designation.
Water and sewer licenses.

Responsibilities

Lead the management, direction, and administration of all divisions within the Department of Public Works.
Develop work programs, coordinate departmental operations, and advise division supervisors.
Prepare and manage the departmental budget and oversee expenditures.
Maintain required records and prepare reports for regulatory agencies, the Town Manager, the Select Board, and the Annual Town Report.
Attend Sewer and Water Commission meetings and present updates to boards and committees as needed.
Manage complex engineering studies, capital programs, construction projects, field investigations, surveys, plans, specifications, and cost estimates related to highways, sidewalks, water distribution systems, sewer systems, and other municipal infrastructure.
Inspect and approve public works projects completed by the Town and private contractors.
Review subdivision plans and permit applications.
Provide technical guidance to Town boards, committees, and departments.
Oversee procurement activities for departmental equipment, studies, service contracts, and construction contracts.
Prepare grant applications, develop and use approved contract templates, and negotiate agreements when needed.
Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Set priorities, solve complex problems, support staff development, communicate effectively with residents and officials, and maintain a strong public service focus.