Director of Public Works

The City of Middleton, Wisconsin, is seeking an innovative, strategic, and collaborative leader to serve as its next Director of Public Works. The ideal candidate has deep and broad experience in all facets of Public Works operations and strategic planning, with some experience and exposure to civil engineering work and concepts. They will work closely with their committees, the other departments, and the public, to provide comprehensive public infrastructure support and improvements. The Director is a key leader in the City's efforts to both deliver public works in real time and through fact based strategic planning for the future. You will be part of large and high performing teams both internal and external to the Public Works Department. If you are looking for a role where you can make a difference every day and grow personally and professionally, we can't wait to meet you!

The Director of Public Works oversees the planning, development, and administration of the City's public works programs and services. This role ensures the effective management and supervision of the Engineering Division, Water Utility Department, Storm Water Management, Streets Maintenance, and Administrative Staff. The Director is responsible for strategic planning, resource allocation, and coordination with the other City Departments, City Council, the Public Works Commission, and many other stakeholders to achieve the City's infrastructure goals. The Director of Public Works is a pivotal and critical member of the City's senior leadership team.

As a key member of the City's leadership team, the Director works under the long-range administrative direction of the City Administrator. The Director provides direct, personal, meaningful leadership and guidance to engineering, water utility operations, stormwater utility management, street maintenance, and administrative staff to deliver high-quality services to the community. As the senior leader of the department, they serve as the direct supervisor and primary professional development mentor for the City Engineer/Storm Water Utility Manager, Water Utility Manager, Operations Manager, and Public Works Office Manager. This role includes supervising departmental managers and staff, providing guidance on complex technical and operational matters, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The Director is also responsible for aligning departmental activities with the City's strategic goals, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and maintaining strong relationships with the community, City officials, and other departments.

Salary: $118,200 - $136,000.

Full benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, WRS, Deferred Compensation 475b program, generous PTO and more.

This position is:

• FLSA: Exempt
• Position Status: Regular, permanent full time
• Salary Grade: 18
• Schedule: Fulltime, 40 hours M-F, will require evening and weekend work to attend meetings and other requirements.
• Supervisory
• Non-represented

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge Thorough knowledge of public works operations, including engineering principles, water and wastewater systems, stormwater management, street maintenance, and infrastructure planning.
• Considerable knowledge of and proficiency in budgeting, resource allocation, and project management.
• Considerable knowledge of public works information systems and software to include CAD, GIS, and other relevant systems.

Skills

• Initiative and resourcefulness in handling general public works problems.
• Professional judgment, tact, and courtesy.
• Effective and skilled writer and public speaker.

Abilities

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, city officials, and the general public.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, direct and supervise public works activities in a coordinated manner.
• Ability to convey a professional and positive image of the department.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Education Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field required; a Master's degree is preferred.

Training

• Professional Engineer (PE) license and registration in the State of Wisconsin is highly preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in public works or municipal engineering, with at least three years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Minimum of three years experience in public works in the local government sector required, experience in municipality level operations highly preferred.
• Operational experience as a staff engineer and/or public works operations manager preferred.

Apply online at the City of Middleton website. Point of Contact: Brian Wolhaupter, HR Manager bwolhaupter@cityofmiddleton.us.

Application deadline is February 23, 2025.