Director of Public Works & Transportation

City of St. Joseph•St. Joseph, MO

14h

About The Position

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director of Public Works and Transportation manages and directs all public works and transportation activities and operations including, but not limited to, street and infrastructure maintenance and repair; wastewater utility; stormwater; landfill and solid waste; airport; transit (bus) system; and metropolitan planning organization. Plans for future public works department projects and oversees daily departmental operations and budget administration. Prepares preliminary and final budgets for all divisions within the Public Works and Transportation Department. Provides highly responsible, technical, and complex administrative support to the City Manager and other City departments. The Director is responsible for ensuring efficient service delivery, operational performance, and the long-term maintenance of City infrastructure systems. This position provides strategic leadership, establishes service expectations, and ensures alignment with City priorities.

Requirements

Experience working with the public to achieve multifaceted objectives. Skills in effective oral and written communications.
Ability to build collaborative relationships across departments and with external partners.
Knowledge of public works operations, infrastructure systems, and municipal service delivery.
Knowledge of budgeting, resource allocation, and operational planning.
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Five to seven years of experience managing a public works department or similarly related field.
Must develop a general knowledge of City Code of Ordinances, State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to general public works operations within six months from date of employment.
Knowledge of municipal budgeting procedures and personnel management.
Ability to organize, lead, and direct a large municipal department.
Valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in labor relations desirable.

Responsibilities

Oversees daily operations of the Public Works and Transportation Department, including development and administration of budgets.
Establishes departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities aligned with City strategic initiatives. Provides operational input into capital improvement planning to ensure maintenance and service impacts are considered Facilitates development through administration of ordinances and policies governing stormwater, public infrastructure, and right-of-way management.
Provide managerial direction in all hiring, training, and evaluations of personnel within each area of responsibility.
Ensures service levels meet community expectations across all divisions and service areas. Attends meetings of the City Council, staff meetings, board and commission meetings, meetings of organized citizen groups, and other community meeting at the local and state levels.
Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels;. Monitors and evaluates operational performance; implements performance metrics and continuous improvement strategies.
Oversees asset management and lifecycle planning for infrastructure systems, including streets, utilities, and facilities.
Reviews and responds to state and federal regulations impacting public works and transportation operations.
Participates and negotiates, as authorized, in resolving public works issues, claims, and lawsuits.
Reviews current and proposed state and federal regulations that affect Public Works and Transportation operations.
Provides staff assistance to the City Manager and, as assigned, other department directors; participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents technical reports and other necessary correspondence.
Effectively and courteously communicates with the public and employees, in person, on the telephone, and in writing.
Communicates on a proactive basis to resolve citizen complaints as they arise.