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 the planning, administration, supervision, coordination, and overall management of the City of Opa-locka's Public Works Department. The Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight of 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 position manages departmental policies, personnel and financial resources, regulatory compliance, infrastructure improvement projects, and the effective delivery of public services. The Director is a member of the City's executive management team and exercises independent judgment and accountability while ensuring departmental operations align with the City Manager's directives, City Commission priorities, adopted budgets, and applicable laws and regulations. The Director reports to an administrative or professional superior, with work reviewed for adherence to applicable standards and guidelines. The role oversees all assigned departmental personnel and operations, including water and wastewater systems, roadways and stormwater infrastructure, facilities, grounds, fleet, capital projects, budgets, contracts, safety, emergency response, and public service requests. The Director prepares reports and recommendations for City leadership, coordinates with government agencies and community stakeholders, and serves as an essential employee during declared emergencies and other critical incidents.

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, preferably in municipal or county government.
Demonstrated experience in budget preparation, personnel supervision, infrastructure maintenance, capital improvement planning, and contract administration.
Valid Florida driver's license, or ability to obtain one within an established period following appointment.
Knowledge of municipal public works administration; water distribution and wastewater collection; stormwater drainage and roadway maintenance; municipal facilities, fleet, and grounds management; public infrastructure planning and preventive maintenance; government budgeting, procurement, and contract administration; applicable 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; assess infrastructure deficiencies and recommend cost-effective solutions; manage multiple projects and deadlines; analyze financial and operational data; prepare professional reports and presentations; communicate effectively with varied stakeholders; resolve operational and personnel problems; enforce policies; and work independently with limited supervision while responding to executive direction.
Ability to perform the position's physical functions, including regularly sitting, standing, walking, talking or hearing in person and by telephone, handling and feeling computers and standard business equipment, and reaching with hands and arms; close vision and ability to adjust focus are required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the Public Works Department's operations, programs, personnel, and activities.
Provide executive leadership and supervision to division managers, superintendents, supervisors, administrative 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 communication and operations among departmental divisions and other City departments; conduct staff meetings, operational assessments, and performance evaluations.
Ensure adequate staffing, supervision, equipment, and resources for continuous delivery of essential public services; address performance deficiencies and recommend corrective or disciplinary action.
Provide 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 main repairs, sewer lines, lift stations, hydrants, system flushing, and emergency response.
Coordinate water and wastewater services and infrastructure matters with Miami-Dade County and other governmental agencies, and ensure applicable utility and environmental compliance.
Direct maintenance and improvement of City streets, roadways, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, rights-of-way, and related infrastructure; establish preventive maintenance and inspection programs.
Coordinate stormwater drainage maintenance and develop drainage improvements to address flooding and recurring concerns.
Coordinate infrastructure work with Miami-Dade County, the Florida Department of Transportation, and other agencies; ensure traffic control, work-zone safety, and public notification.
Maintain municipal infrastructure inventories and condition assessments.
Oversee maintenance and repair of City-owned buildings, facilities, and assigned properties; establish preventive maintenance schedules.
Supervise grounds maintenance, landscaping, mowing, and beautification, including assigned parks and recreation facilities.
Direct fleet maintenance, vehicle utilization, equipment replacement planning, and operational controls; maintain facilities, vehicles, and equipment in safe, serviceable condition.
Assist in developing and implementing the Capital Improvement Program; identify infrastructure deficiencies and recommend improvement priorities.
Coordinate infrastructure projects with the Engineering Division, consultants, contractors, and agencies; monitor schedules, expenditures, construction progress, and contractor performance.
Review plans, specifications, cost estimates, and technical recommendations within the Director's qualifications and authority; ensure projects meet approved budgets and timelines.
Provide project progress reports, identify milestones and delays, recommend corrective actions, and assist in identifying grants and other external funding.
Support infrastructure asset management plans and long-range capital replacement strategies.
Prepare, administer, and monitor annual operating and capital budgets; maintain expenditures within approved appropriations and City 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 with Finance on procurement, payments, grants, and audits; maintain supporting documentation and take corrective action when needed.
Administer public works service, maintenance, construction, and infrastructure contracts; monitor contractor performance and compliance.
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 disputes.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, permits, regulations, procurement requirements, and contractual terms.
Coordinate with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Miami-Dade County regulatory agencies, and other authorities as appropriate.
Implement workplace safety programs, ensure required employee training, certifications, and safety equipment, and document and correct hazards and regulatory deficiencies.
Develop and maintain emergency response and continuity-of-operations procedures; coordinate preparations and response 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 professionally and promptly to resident complaints, service requests, and inquiries; establish systems for tracking, assignment, resolution, and documentation.
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 on infrastructure, utilities, transportation, and environmental matters, and maintain productive relationships with residents, businesses, elected officials, agencies, and community stakeholders.
Provide City leadership with timely, accurate information about significant operational concerns, public safety hazards, and service interruptions.
Exercise administrative and supervisory authority over assigned staff, including work assignments, scheduling, training, evaluations, hiring recommendations, and disciplinary recommendations; ensure management coverage and operational continuity.
Meet performance expectations for service efficiency, infrastructure maintenance, budget compliance, project delivery, regulatory compliance, employee management, customer service, emergency preparedness, executive communication, and strategic planning.