Public Works Director

Job Summary: The Public Works Director serves as a key member of the City’s executive leadership team and provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the Public Works Department. The Director plans, directs, and oversees all public works functions including Streets, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Grounds Maintenance, and Fleet Management.

This position is responsible for long-range infrastructure planning, capital improvement program (CIP) development, regulatory compliance, asset management, and delivery of high-quality services that support public safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable growth. The Director advises the City Manager and Mayor & Council on infrastructure policy, operational performance, and capital investment priorities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Executive & Strategic Leadership

• Develops and implements long-range infrastructure and operational plans aligned with City strategic goals.
• Leads development and administration of the City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
• Advises the City Manager and Mayor & Council on public works policy, infrastructure funding, and service delivery models.
• Establishes departmental goals, performance metrics, and service standards.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, safety, innovation, and customer service excellence.

Operational Management

• Directs and oversees Streets, Solid Waste, Stormwater, Grounds Maintenance, and Fleet operations.
• Ensures efficient deployment of personnel, equipment, and resources.
• Oversees preventative maintenance and asset lifecycle management programs.
• Implements technology solutions including asset management systems and data-driven decision-making tools.
• Evaluates service delivery methods to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Capital Projects & Infrastructure

• Oversees planning, design, and execution of infrastructure and roadway improvement projects.
• Coordinates with engineers, contractors, developers, and consultants.
• Ensures projects are delivered on time and within budget.
• Reviews and approves technical specifications and bid documents.
• Supports infrastructure planning related to growth and development.

Financial Management

• Prepares and administers departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Monitors expenditures and ensures fiscal responsibility.
• Identifies and pursues grant funding opportunities.
• Oversees procurement processes in accordance with City policy and state law.

Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local environmental and public works regulations.
• Oversees stormwater management programs and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Maintains compliance with OSHA and workplace safety standards.
• Coordinates disaster response, emergency operations, and FEMA documentation and reimbursement as needed.
• Implements risk management and safety training programs.

Leadership & Workforce Development

• Recruits, develops, supervises, and evaluates departmental staff.
• Implements succession planning and workforce development strategies.
• Ensures consistent application of City personnel policies and labor regulations.
• Fosters a positive and collaborative work environment.

Community & External Relations

• Serves as departmental representative at Council meetings, public forums, and community events.
• Responds to citizen concerns and service requests.
• Maintains effective working relationships with regulatory agencies, regional partners, contractors, and developers.
• Communicates complex infrastructure issues clearly to elected officials and the public.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by Position:

• Comprehensive knowledge of public works operations, infrastructure systems, and municipal service delivery.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to public works, environmental compliance, procurement, and safety.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting, capital financing, and asset management principles.
• Strong leadership and organizational management skills.
• Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans and technical specifications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with elected officials, staff, contractors, and the public.
• Proficiency in modern management systems, including asset management and infrastructure tracking tools.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Work involves a combination of office and field activities. The position requires the ability to attend meetings, conduct site inspections, and respond to emergency situations. Exposure to outdoor conditions, noise, dust, and operational environments may occur. Occasional after-hours availability is required during emergencies or significant weather events.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, Construction Management, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in public works or related municipal infrastructure management.
• Local Administered Project (LAP) - GDOT Certification, or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Valid driver’s license.

Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities may be considered.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Engineering, Public Administration, or related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible public works leadership experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience managing capital improvement programs.
• Experience with stormwater regulatory compliance programs.
• Emergency management experience.

 

The City of Villa Rica offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including healthcare, dental care, vision care, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), life insurance, long-term disability insurance, short term disability insurance, pension, 12 paid holidays, vacation, sick leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and a 457(b) retirement plan with a City match.

Background screenings are conducted prior to employment.

City of Villa Rica does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, religion, disability, age, political affiliation or belief, veteran status, or citizenship status (except in those special circumstances permitted or mandated by law).

Due to a high volume of applications received, we are unable to contact each applicant individually.