PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

City of Opa Locka•Opa-Locka, FL

About The Position

The Public Works Director is a senior-level executive management position responsible for planning, administering, supervising, coordinating, and managing the City of Opa-locka's Public Works Department. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for municipal infrastructure and essential public services, including streets and roadways, water distribution, wastewater collection, stormwater drainage, public facilities, grounds maintenance, fleet operations, and other assigned municipal services. The Director develops and implements departmental policies, manages personnel and financial resources, ensures regulatory compliance, oversees infrastructure improvement projects, and supports efficient, responsive delivery of public services. As a member of the City's executive management team, the Director exercises independent judgment and ensures departmental operations align with City Manager directives, City Commission priorities, adopted budgets, and applicable laws and regulations. The role oversees departmental operations and personnel, infrastructure maintenance and capital projects, budgets and contracts, regulatory compliance, safety, emergency preparedness, and public and intergovernmental relations. The Director reports significant operational issues, project progress, challenges, and accomplishments to the City Manager and prepares reports and materials for City leadership as directed. The position requires a bachelor's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and progressively responsible municipal public works experience. A minimum of seven years of relevant experience and at least five years of supervisory or management experience are required. A valid Florida driver's license is required or must be obtained within an established period following appointment.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of relevant education, professional training, certifications, and progressively responsible municipal public works experience may be considered.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal infrastructure, utilities, engineering operations, construction management, or a closely related field.
At least five years of supervisory or management experience; municipal or county government experience is preferred.
Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, personnel supervision, infrastructure maintenance, capital improvement planning, and contract administration.
Knowledge of municipal public works administration and management; water distribution and wastewater collection systems; stormwater drainage and roadway maintenance; facilities, fleet, and grounds management; infrastructure planning and preventive maintenance; government budgeting, procurement, and contract administration; relevant environmental and safety regulations; capital improvement planning and project management; emergency management and disaster recovery; and personnel administration and performance management.
Ability to lead a diverse workforce, develop operational plans and priorities, make decisions under pressure and during emergencies, evaluate infrastructure deficiencies, and recommend cost-effective solutions.
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and operational demands; analyze financial and operational data; and prepare professional reports, correspondence, and presentations.
Ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, executive leadership, employees, residents, and outside agencies; resolve complex operational and personnel matters; maintain accountability; and enforce policies.
Ability to work independently with limited supervision while remaining responsive to executive direction.
Valid Florida driver's license, or ability to obtain one within an established period following appointment.
Physical ability to sit, stand, and walk; talk or hear in person and by telephone; handle and feel computers and standard business equipment; reach with hands and arms; and meet close-vision and focus-adjustment requirements, with reasonable accommodation where applicable.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing multiple operational divisions and coordinating essential public services.
Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.
Certified Public Works Professional or another recognized public works management certification.
FEMA Incident Command System training, including ICS-100, ICS-200, IS-700, and IS-800; training may be required following appointment.
Applicable water or wastewater operator certifications when relevant to assigned responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate all operations, programs, personnel, and activities assigned to the Public Works Department.
Provide executive leadership and supervision to division managers, superintendents, supervisors, administrative personnel, technical personnel, and field employees.
Establish departmental goals, performance measures, operational standards, and strategic priorities consistent with City objectives.
Develop, implement, and enforce departmental policies, standard operating procedures, and internal controls.
Coordinate and communicate with departmental divisions and other City departments; conduct staff meetings, operational assessments, and performance evaluations.
Set expectations for employee productivity, attendance, professionalism, safety, and accountability; address performance deficiencies and recommend corrective or disciplinary action.
Ensure adequate staffing, supervision, equipment, and resources for continuous delivery of essential public services.
Provide timely reports to the City Manager on departmental activities, projects, challenges, and accomplishments.
Oversee operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including water mains, sewer lines, lift stations, and hydrants.
Coordinate with Miami-Dade County and other agencies on water and wastewater services, agreements, and infrastructure improvements; ensure utility and environmental regulatory compliance.
Monitor utility system deficiencies, develop corrective action plans, coordinate water quality monitoring and system maintenance, notify stakeholders of planned interruptions and significant repairs, and oversee emergency response to system failures.
Direct maintenance and improvement of City streets, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, rights-of-way, and related infrastructure; establish preventive maintenance and inspection programs.
Oversee roadway repairs, stormwater drainage maintenance, and drainage improvement planning; coordinate projects with county, state, and other agencies and ensure appropriate traffic control, work-zone safety, and public notification.
Maintain infrastructure inventories and condition assessments.
Oversee maintenance and repair of City buildings, public facilities, and assigned properties; establish preventive maintenance schedules for building systems and equipment.
Supervise grounds maintenance, landscaping, mowing, and beautification; coordinate maintenance at municipal parks and recreational facilities as assigned.
Direct fleet maintenance, equipment replacement planning, vehicle utilization, and operational controls; maintain facilities, vehicles, and equipment in safe and serviceable condition.
Assist in developing and implementing the City's public works Capital Improvement Program; identify infrastructure deficiencies and recommend improvement priorities.
Coordinate infrastructure projects with the Engineering Division, consultants, contractors, and agencies; review plans, specifications, estimates, and technical recommendations within the Director's qualifications and authority.
Monitor capital project schedules, expenditures, construction progress, contractor performance, and milestones; keep projects within approved budgets and timelines and report delays, financial impacts, and corrective actions.
Assist in identifying grants and external funding and support infrastructure asset management and long-range capital replacement strategies.
Prepare, administer, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets; ensure spending remains within appropriations and complies with purchasing policies.
Review and approve expenditures, purchase requests, invoices, and contractual obligations within delegated authority; monitor overtime, equipment, utility, and contracted-service costs.
Develop cost estimates, budget projections, and financial justifications; coordinate procurement, payments, grant expenditures, and audit requirements with Finance; maintain transaction documentation and correct budgetary or operational inefficiencies.
Administer public works service, maintenance, construction, and infrastructure contracts; monitor contractor compliance with contract terms, service standards, and specifications.
Coordinate scopes of work, technical specifications, and procurement recommendations; review invoices, deliverables, change orders, and project documentation; address contractor deficiencies and coordinate with Procurement and the City Attorney on contract matters.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, permits, regulations, procurement requirements, and contractual terms.
Implement workplace safety programs; ensure employees receive required training, certifications, and safety equipment; report and address hazards and regulatory deficiencies.
Develop and maintain emergency response and continuity procedures; coordinate preparations and responses for hurricanes, flooding, severe weather, utility failures, and other emergencies.
Direct emergency debris removal, roadway clearance, infrastructure restoration, and other recovery operations; serve as an essential employee during declared emergencies and critical incidents.
Respond to resident complaints, service requests, and inquiries; establish processes to track, assign, resolve, and document service requests.
Attend City Commission meetings, workshops, community meetings, and other official functions as directed; prepare reports, presentations, recommendations, and agenda materials.
Coordinate with county, state, and federal agencies and maintain productive relationships with residents, businesses, elected officials, regulators, and community stakeholders.
Provide City leadership with accurate and timely information about operational concerns, public safety hazards, and service interruptions.
Exercise administrative and supervisory authority, including hiring recommendations, evaluations, work assignments, scheduling, training, performance management, and disciplinary recommendations; ensure coverage and continuity during absences, emergencies, and increased demand.