Public Works Director

Kennesaw-ga.gov•Kennesaw, GA

3d•$104,718 - $162,312•Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of this classification is to plan, direct, manage, and oversee operations and activities associated with public works for the city. This role involves supervising staff, managing departmental functions, ensuring compliance with regulations, developing budgets, and creating long-term strategic plans for infrastructure and services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Engineering with at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in Public Works, Engineering, or closely related fields; OR Master’s degree in a non-technical field combined with at least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in Public Works or Engineering.
Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position may be considered.
Ability to synthesize, hypothesize, and/or theorize concerning data involving modification of existing policies, strategies and/or methods to meet unique or unusual conditions.
Ability to function in a director capacity for a major organizational unit requiring significant internal and external interaction.
Ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.
Ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.
Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations involving basic algebraic principles and formulas, and basic geometric principles and calculations.
Ability to apply principles of logical or synthesis functions; to deal with several concrete and abstract variables; and to analyze major problems that require complex planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units.
Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving broader aspects of organizational programs and operations, moderately unstable situations, or the direction, control and planning of an entire program or set of programs.

Responsibilities

Supervise and evaluate assigned staff, managing daily personnel functions including workload distribution, coaching, conflict resolution, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions.
Serve as a primary liaison with the City Manager’s office, Mayor and Council, and community stakeholders, representing the Public Works Department in formal and informal settings.
Monitor all work in progress across the department, conducting field inspections to verify quality, regulatory compliance, and timely completion.
Ensure departmental compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes, and established policies, maintaining strict adherence to safety standards.
Consult regularly with the City Manager’s office and internal leadership teams to review departmental activities, address issues, receive direction, and propose improvements.
Manage, coordinate, and oversee operations in street repair and maintenance; landscaping and beautification; cemetery operations; fleet maintenance; engineering and traffic engineering; stormwater management; solid waste and sanitation services; Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects; and other essential public works functions.
Develop and administer the departmental budget, including operating, maintenance, and capital improvement components; monitor expenditures and revenues for compliance.
Lead the creation and implementation of long- and short-term departmental plans, objectives, and strategic goals; prepare long-range infrastructure and service delivery plans.
Conduct research and compile a variety of statistical, demographic, and operational data to support planning, forecasting, and policy development.
Develop and maintain departmental policies, procedures, and standards to ensure effective operations.
Meet with residents and community groups to address questions, concerns, or complaints; coordinate investigations of service issues across the department.
Communicate consistently with City officials, staff, outside agencies, consultants, contractors, residents, vendors, and other partners to coordinate activities, exchange information, resolve issues, and ensure collaborative project management.
Prepare or oversee preparation of a variety of departmental documents including operational reports, correspondence, logs, budget materials, SPLOST reports, weekly activity summaries, performance evaluations, project documentation, flow charts, and analytical summaries.
Review and analyze departmental records such as sanitation collection reports, project updates, fleet maintenance logs, fuel usage, engineering drawings, architectural plans, contracts, policies, and reference materials.
Attend meetings, serve on committees, and deliver presentations as required; represent the City’s interests in regional or intergovernmental forums related to public works, engineering, transportation, or infrastructure.
Maintain comprehensive knowledge of federal, state, and local regulations, industry trends, advances in public works technologies, and best practices.
Operate computers and general office equipment; utilize word processing, spreadsheet, database, GIS, asset management, or other specialized software to support departmental operations and reporting.
Perform other duties as assigned to support effective City operations and the mission of the Public Works Department.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA and FSA options (includes employer contribution to HSA plans)
Life and AD&D insurance for employee and dependent(s)
Employer paid short and long-term disability insurance for employee
Accrued vacation and sick leave (with option to sell back)
Tuition reimbursement program (employer pays 70%)
12 paid holidays
2 paid personal days
Longevity pay bonuses (after every 5 years)
1% employer contribution on first 2% of employee contribution toward a 457 deferred compensation plan
4% employee contribution toward a defined benefit pension plan (vested after 10 years)
Wellness benefits