Public Works Director

Public Works Director

Town of La Grange, NC

Salary: DOQ (Dependent on Qualifications)

General Statement of Duties

The Public Works Director is responsible for overseeing and directing the operations, maintenance, and improvement of the Town’s public works infrastructure, including streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, water and sewer utilities, sanitation services, and fleet management. This position provides strategic leadership, supervises departmental staff, ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, and manages the department’s budget and resources effectively.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Public Works Director is a senior-level management position that requires a combination of technical expertise and administrative skills. The role involves planning, directing, and coordinating public works operations, managing capital improvement projects, overseeing maintenance programs, and ensuring efficient service delivery to the community. The Public Works Director reports directly to the Town Manager and collaborates with other Town departments, government agencies, and community stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Departmental Leadership & Operations Management

• Plans, organizes, and directs all aspects of the Public Works Department, including streets, sidewalks, drainage, water distribution, wastewater collection, and sanitation services.
• Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and work plans to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations.
• Supervises, trains, and evaluates departmental staff, ensuring proper delegation of responsibilities and professional development opportunities.
• Prepares and administers the department’s budget, including monitoring expenditures and securing funding for projects and equipment.

Infrastructure & Maintenance Oversight

• Oversees the maintenance, repair, and improvement of the Town’s streets, stormwater drainage systems, and public right-of-way infrastructure.
• Directs the operations and maintenance of the Town’s water and wastewater systems, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Manages solid waste collection and disposal services to ensure timely and effective operations.
• Coordinates and oversees capital improvement projects related to public works infrastructure.

Regulatory Compliance & Safety

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing water, wastewater, stormwater, and solid waste management.
• Implements and enforces safety procedures and training programs to maintain a safe working environment for employees and the public.
• Serves as the Town’s liaison with regulatory agencies, engineers, contractors, and utility providers regarding public works issues.

Emergency Response & Community Engagement

• Leads the department’s response to emergencies, including severe weather events, infrastructure failures, and natural disasters.
• Coordinates with emergency management agencies to develop and implement emergency preparedness plans.
• Communicates with residents, business owners, and public officials regarding infrastructure projects, service disruptions, and departmental initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of public works operations, including street maintenance, water and sewer systems, stormwater management, and solid waste collection.
• Strong leadership and organizational skills with the ability to manage personnel, budgets, and projects effectively.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements, permitting processes, and industry best practices.
• Proficiency in managing contracts, overseeing capital projects, and coordinating with external agencies.
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and make data-driven decisions to improve service delivery.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to interact with employees, the public, and elected officials.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, construction sites, and field operations.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Work may involve standing, walking, bending, climbing, and operating vehicles or heavy equipment as needed.
• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions and respond to emergencies outside of regular work hours.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, civil engineering, construction management, or a related field preferred; extensive relevant experience may substitute for education.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities, or municipal infrastructure management.
• At least three (3) years in a supervisory or management role.
• Experience with project management, budgeting, and regulatory compliance is strongly preferred.

Special Requirements

• Valid North Carolina driver’s license
• Possession of or ability to obtain appropriate certifications in water and wastewater operations within a designated timeframe.
• Must be available for on-call emergencies and after-hours response as needed.

Benefits Include:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Local Government Retirement System participation
• 401(k) contribution
• Health, dental, and life insurance

Application Process

Applicants should submit a Town of La Grange job application, which can be obtained:

• In person at La Grange Town Hall, 203 South Center Street, La Grange, NC (Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
• Online at www.lagrangenc.com

For questions about the position, please contact Shawn Condon, Town Manager at smcondon@lagrangenc.com or (252) 566-3186.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

The Town of La Grange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.77 - $18.23 per hour

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $18