Assistant Public Works Director

General Overview

The Assistant Public Works Director plays a vital role supporting the Public Works Director in supervising and managing the city's public works services, including streets, storm drainage, solid waste, facility and grounds upkeep, cemetery functions, and fleet management.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in strategizing, organizing, and managing daily operations across various public works sectors.
• Lead and advise division supervisors and teams, set priorities, resolve complex issues, and oversee workflow.
• Participate actively in the recruitment, training, evaluation, and disciplinary processes in collaboration with Human Resources.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols, identify workplace hazards, and enforce corrective measures.
• Conduct on-site inspections to verify project quality, safety, compliance, and contractual alignment.
• Support budget preparation and monitoring for operational and capital expenditures; recommend resource utilization improvements.
• Assist in long-term capital planning, infrastructure assessments, contract management, and goal setting.
• Address citizen concerns promptly, coordinating appropriate responses and solutions.
• Coordinate with city departments, contractors, regulatory bodies, and community members for collaborative project execution.
• Review development plans providing expert advice on public works impacts.
• Recommend and implement improvements in processes, technologies, and operational methods to enhance service quality and cost efficiency.
• Participate in emergency preparedness and response efforts including snow removal and storm recovery, available for after-hours call-backs.
• Document and maintain detailed records, reports, and departmental data.
• Represent the department at meetings, effectively communicating initiatives and updates.
• Maintain ongoing communication with the Public Works Director about operational issues, personnel, risks, and priorities.

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of public works administration, including infrastructure maintenance, operations, and construction.
• Familiarity with materials, equipment, safety standards, and procedures in relevant public works areas.
• Sound knowledge of budgeting, contract oversight, personnel management, and capital improvement planning within government frameworks.
• Awareness of local, state, and federal regulations impacting public works functions.
• Proficiency with modern technologies and data management systems applicable to public works.
• Strong organizational skills to juggle multiple projects, teams, and contractors effectively.
• Leadership ability to mentor, evaluate, and motivate staff, fostering teamwork and accountability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to coordinate with diverse stakeholders including citizens and government officials.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills with record-keeping capability.

Education and Experience

• Minimum high school diploma or GED; associate degree in business administration, construction management, or related field preferred.
• Two to four years of increasing responsibility in supervising public works or infrastructure operations; comparable education and experience combination considered.

Supervisory Role

Provides both direct and indirect oversight to all department personnel.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Work environments include both indoors and outdoors, often exposing the employee to mechanical hazards, adverse weather, noise, dust, and potential injury at construction sites.
• Emergency call-back duties are required.
• Physical activities include climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Visual acuity and hearing are necessary for reading plans, operating vehicles, and communicating effectively.

Additional Requirements

• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License required.

Compensation Range

Salary ranges from $62,611 to $78,263 annually, with an hourly rate between $30.10 and $37.63.