Deputy Director of Public Works Operations

Date:              April 2, 2025

Position:        Deputy Director of Operations

Department: Public Works

Reports to:    Director of Public Works

Salary:           $62,685.83 - $81,491.59 (DOQ) w/5% increase after successful 6mth. Probation, exempt position. Grade 73.

Hours:           7:00am-4:00pm

The Deputy Director of Operations is a critical leadership role that requires strategic planning, professional management and transformative leadership to actively oversee, optimize and control Public Works Department Operations. This position will be directly responsible for the following divisions:

·        Street Maintenance – Paving, Signs, Striping and Walkways

·        Solid Waste Collections and Disposal – Refuse, Recycling, Leaves, Bulk and Brush

·        Stormwater Maintenance and Construction – Drains, Culverts, Ditches, Ponds & MS4

·        Fleet Maintenance – State Inspections, Vehicle & Equipment PM, Inventory & Fuel

·        Facility Maintenance, Cemetery Management, and Grounds Maintenance

This role involves high-level decision-making, strategic goal setting, commitment to planning and scheduling, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across the department while ensuring collaboration and TEAM cohesiveness.

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

Operational Oversight & Scheduling:

·        Directly manages and optimizes weekly and monthly scheduling for all divisions within the Public Works Department to ensure the effective allocation of resources.

·        Analyzes department schedules and workloads, adjusting resources as necessary to maximize productivity and meet service delivery goals.

Workflow Management & Process Improvement:

·        Implement and manage workflow management software to streamline operations, enhance reporting, and improve overall efficiency.

·        Collaborate with operation superintendent and division supervisors to ensure projects are tracked, resource allocation is data-driven, performance metrics are met and reporting that conveys progress of plans, projects, operations and annual goals.

Safety Program Leadership:

·        Actively manages the department’s safety program, ensuring compliance with OSHA and other regulatory safety standards.

·        Coordinates with safety officers to ensure all job sites adhere to best practices, and staff members are properly trained and equipped.

Accountability & Team Development:

·        Holds subordinate managers, supervisors and employees accountable for performance, work quality, and adherence to departmental policies.

·        Provides coaching, training, and professional development to staff to enhance team performance.

·        Assists in recruitment, selection, and performance evaluations for department personnel.

Regulatory Compliance & Reporting:

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including industry standards.
• Develops and generates regular progress reports, tracking project timelines, workforce productivity, and budget utilization.
• Coordinates department activities with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure ongoing regulatory compliance.

Budget & Resource Management:

• Assists in the development and oversight of the department’s operating and capital project budgets.
• Estimates and bids paving, concrete, and drainage projects.
• Participates in procurement activities for materials, equipment, and services related to public works projects.
• Conducts field inspections to ensure projects are on track, meeting regulatory standards, and delivered within budget.

Public Engagement & Internal Coordination:

• Serves as a liaison between citizens and public works regarding service requests, work orders and service inquiries.
• Collaborates and serves as a liaison between public works and human resources to manage performance evaluations, career track, and certifications, recruitment, coaching, counseling and disciplinary actions.
• Collaborates and serves as a liaison between public works and developmental services for stormwater program requirements, inspections, code enforcement and other property issues.
• Addresses inquiries and concerns from citizens, staff, and other stakeholders, ensuring transparency and timely resolution of issues.

Technology & Asset Management:

• Leverage Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS), GIS applications, and other workflow tracking systems to optimize asset management, project performance, and sustainability initiatives.
• Supports technology adoption across divisions to improve decision-making and data-driven management.

Strategic Leadership & Problem-Solving:

• Collaborate with the Director of Public Works to make high-level decisions related to operational goals, project priorities, and department strategies.
• Identifies problems, develops solutions, and implements corrective actions to improve service delivery and department efficiency.

Progress Reporting & Accountability:

• Oversee the development of monthly progress reports and annual reports that highlight department achievements, sustainability outcomes, performance metrics, and regulatory compliance.
• Uses these reports to track progress toward annual goals, assess operational performance, and communicate key updates to the Director, Administration and Town Council.

The Town of Waynesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Town to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.