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Public Works Director
City of Wilmer, Texas
Department: Public Works / Water & Wastewater
Status: Full-Time | Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
The Public Works Director provides executive-level leadership, management, and oversight of the City of Wilmer’s Public Works operations and infrastructure. The Director is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating the maintenance, operation, improvement, and long-range development of City infrastructure and public facilities, including streets, drainage, water and wastewater systems, facilities, fleet, rights-of-way, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and other assigned municipal services.
The Director oversees the maintenance and appearance of City. The city-owned properties, public rights-of-way, medians, landscaped areas, and other assigned public spaces. Responsibilities include coordinating mowing, landscaping, tree and vegetation maintenance, irrigation, litter and debris removal, beautification efforts, and related grounds-maintenance activities performed by City employees or contractors.
The Director serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team and works closely with the City Administrator, City Council, engineers, contractors, developers, regulatory agencies, and other City departments to ensure Public Works services are delivered safely, efficiently, responsibly, and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Directs the day-to-day operations of the Public Works Department and supervises assigned employees, supervisors, and contractors.
- Oversees City streets, drainage systems, water distribution, wastewater collection, rights-of-way, facilities, fleet, and other assigned infrastructure.
- Develops short- and long-range infrastructure maintenance and capital improvement plans.
- Identifies infrastructure deficiencies and recommends priorities, projects, funding strategies, and corrective actions to the City Administrator.
- Develops and administers the department's annual operating and capital budgets and monitors expenditures.
- Oversees contractors, engineers, consultants, and vendors performing Public Works and infrastructure projects.
- Reviews project scopes, plans, specifications, estimates, schedules, change orders, pay applications, and project closeout documentation.
- Conducts field inspections and ensures work performed by City employees and contractors meets City standards and contractual requirements.
- Coordinates water and wastewater operations and ensures compliance with applicable TCEQ requirements and other regulatory standards.
- Develops preventive maintenance programs for streets, drainage, utilities, equipment, vehicles, and City facilities.
- Oversees emergency response related to water main breaks, sewer issues, flooding, severe weather, roadway hazards, and other Public Works emergencies.
- Establishes departmental policies, procedures, work standards, safety practices, and performance expectations.
- Hires, trains, evaluates, disciplines, and develops Public Works personnel in coordination with Human Resources and the City Administrator.
- Responds to citizen concerns and service requests and ensures issues are appropriately investigated, documented, and resolved.
- Coordinates with Community Development, Police, Fire, Finance, Administration, and other departments on projects and operational matters.
- Assists with development review by evaluating infrastructure impacts, utility availability, drainage, streets, and other Public Works considerations.
- Prepares reports, recommendations, presentations, and agenda materials for the City Administrator and City Council.
- Attends City Council meetings, workshops, development meetings, and other meetings as required.
- Assists with procurement, bidding, contract administration, and compliance with City purchasing requirements.
- Maintains appropriate records concerning infrastructure, maintenance activities, projects, inspections, equipment, and departmental operations.
- Performs other duties as assigned by the City Administrator.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or GED and a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal utilities, infrastructure, construction, or a closely related field, including supervisory or management experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and relevant experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Municipal public works leadership experience.
- Experience managing water/wastewater systems, streets, drainage, facilities, fleet, and capital projects.
- Knowledge of Texas municipal operations and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements.
- Experience with municipal budgeting, procurement, construction contracts, and capital improvement program management.
- Relevant TCEQ water/wastewater licenses, Certified Public Manager credentials, APWA credentials, or professional engineering experience/licensure are preferred.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Strong knowledge of municipal infrastructure, construction, maintenance practices, and public works operations.
- Knowledge of water and wastewater operations, regulatory compliance, workplace safety, project management, budgeting, and procurement.
- Ability to lead, supervise, evaluate, and develop employees and establish clear performance expectations.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, operational priorities, contractors, and emergency situations simultaneously.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, City staff, residents, engineers, developers, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public.
- Ability to prepare clear reports, recommendations, budgets, presentations, and Council agenda materials.
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed in both an office and field environment. The position requires frequent site visits and may involve exposure to construction sites, moving traffic, heavy equipment, adverse weather, uneven terrain, water and wastewater facilities, noise, dust, and other Public Works environments. The Director may be required to respond outside normal business hours during emergencies, severe weather, utility failures, infrastructure incidents, or other critical events.
The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. Physical requirements may include sitting, standing, walking, climbing, bending, reaching, and inspecting infrastructure and work sites.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid Texas driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
- Must be able to respond to Public Works emergencies as necessary.
- Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of the City's required background and pre-employment screening.
- Must maintain any licenses or certifications required for assigned duties.
DISCLAIMER
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. The City of Wilmer reserves the right to revise or modify duties and responsibilities as necessary to meet operational needs. Employment with the City is subject to applicable City policies and Texas law.
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