Public Works Director

City of Wasilla•Public Works Department, AK

About The Position

The Public Works Director is a confidential/manager at-will position with the City of Wasilla. The position oversees the planning, direction, and evaluation of a comprehensive Public Works program covering roads, buildings, parks, water supply, sewer treatment facilities, and municipal airport operations. The Director ensures delivery of essential services, supports public infrastructure and public safety, health, and welfare, and coordinates the effective operation of all Public Works divisions. The position leads departmental operations, staff, capital projects, budgets, planning, and regulatory compliance. It coordinates with City leadership, public agencies, consultants, vendors, community members, and other stakeholders, and serves as one of the City’s Emergency Management Coordinators. The role regularly reports to City Council and participates in City Council and Airport Advisory Commission meetings. It may require responding to emergencies outside business hours.

Requirements

At least eight years of professional work experience in public works or engineering, including four years of directly related, progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience; a combination of education and experience may be considered.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or a related field.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering in the State of Alaska.
Obtain a valid State of Alaska driver’s license by the time of hire.
Complete ICS-100 online within 15 days of hire; complete ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 online within 45 days of hire; complete ICS-300 and ICS-400 training as it becomes available.
Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices and methods for designing, constructing, and maintaining municipal facilities and projects.
Knowledge of budgeting, fiscal management, and project management principles and techniques.
Knowledge of City administrative policies and procedures, departmental operating requirements, and local, state, and federal regulations relevant to department programs and operations.
Knowledge of management and supervisory practices, including employment recommendations, performance evaluations, time-off management, and personnel records.
Knowledge of computer software, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, and position-specific applications.
Ability to research and understand complex written materials and maintain accurate internal records.
Strong organizational and time-management skills, including prioritizing duties and adapting to changing priorities.
Ability to develop departmental goals and objectives and apply strategic, long-range, and short-range planning principles.
Ability to direct subordinate activities, instruct and train others, assign and modify work, and reset priorities to meet deadlines.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies and regulations.
Ability to communicate detailed and sometimes sensitive information effectively and concisely, orally and in writing, and to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate, concise records and reports; maintain professionalism; and adapt communication style to the audience and purpose.
Ability to communicate courteously and tactfully with business representatives, elected officials, department heads, the public, and City employees, and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion consistent with applicable freedom-of-information provisions and other state and federal statutes and regulations.
Ability to work the allocated hours of the position and respond after hours if needed.
Applicants must complete the online application in its entirety and answer supplemental questions. Applicants using education to meet minimum qualifications must complete the Education section and provide transcripts; applicable applicants are also requested to provide three professional references, including two current or former supervisors.

Nice To Haves

Public Administration training is preferred.

Responsibilities

Define and implement departmental goals, objectives, work plans, and strategies, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and City policies.
Oversee departmental operations and ensure services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
Administer and ensure compliance with ordinances, engineering standards, City codes, policies, and applicable reporting requirements.
Respond to emergency situations outside business hours as needed and coordinate departmental resources.
Monitor projects and initiatives, ensure deadlines and objectives are met, and update City Council and leadership on progress.
Develop and update departmental GIS services and ensure compliance with FAA, state, and federal reporting requirements.
Oversee Emergency Management planning as a City Emergency Management Coordinator, including drills, preparedness, and response operations.
Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies and maintain related working relationships.
Direct and manage departmental staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, coaching, disciplinary actions, task assignments, and performance monitoring.
Identify staff training needs and provide development opportunities; participate in hiring panels and ensure timely completion of annual performance reviews.
Manage capital projects from design and bidding through construction and budget oversight.
Prepare and present short- and long-term Capital Improvement Plans and prioritize rehabilitation or replacement projects.
Coordinate development review, including annexations, zoning, construction plans, and permitting.
Conduct infrastructure inspections for compliance with regulations and ordinances.
Oversee external engineering consultants and vendors and ensure quality and contract compliance.
Review and approve permits, invoices, procurement documents, and legal agreements related to property, water rights, easements, and right-of-way encroachments.
Respond to citizen complaints, inquiries, and concerns about Public Works projects and department matters.
Develop and implement policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and safety; monitor compliance and identify process improvements.
Evaluate and implement technologies, systems, and procedures to improve departmental effectiveness.
Prepare annual departmental budgets, update the five-year CIP, and report on goals and initiatives to City Council.
Develop strategies for future operational needs, funding forecasts, capital improvements, and departmental growth.
Coordinate with the Mayor, Deputy Administrator, and Finance Director to align initiatives with City goals and secure funding or grants.
Represent the department in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, public agencies, and private organizations.
Attend City Council meetings to provide updates, seek approvals, and present reports or project updates.
Coordinate Airport Advisory Commission meetings, provide updates, seek approvals, and present reports; lead member trainings and facilitate agendas and meeting topics with the chair or vice chair.
Provide strategic advice and counsel to City leadership.
Write and review department reports, agendas, presentations, and grant management documents.
Oversee state and federal airport, water, and sewer grant reimbursement processes and ensure compliance and timely submission.
Approve park-use permits and other Public Works-related documents during peak seasons.
Review, edit, and approve legislation, including resolutions, ordinances, action memos, and informational memos, meeting biweekly deadlines.
Forecast, monitor, and manage the annual departmental budget and identify funding needs.
Review and approve procurement documents for compliance with City policies.
Lead meetings with staff, stakeholders, and governmental partners to align initiatives and secure approvals.
Manage administrative communications, including timely responses to phone calls, emails, and correspondence.
Perform additional duties as assigned to support departmental and City objectives.