Assistant Director of Public Works

The Assistant Director of Public Works will work closely with the Public Works Director to oversee and manage all activities for the Public Works Department, including planning, organizing, and maintaining the Town of Oakland’s infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. They will provide both administrative and hands-on supervision to a group of semi-skilled workers, offer project management support, coordinate construction activities, and make independent decisions under the Public Works Director’s supervision.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES The following are examples of key duties performed by positions in this classification. Management reserves the right to add, change, or remove assignments as needed.

• Assists with planning, prioritizing, directing, and evaluating Public Works functions, including policies, goals, and budget management. Administers and reviews departmental budget, controlling expenditures and contributing to budget development.
• Provides support, direction, and coaching to employees in hiring, training, problem resolution, and work assignments.
• Assists in developing and updating technical manuals, SOPs, policies, and operating reports.
• Prepares reports for Town Commission meetings and ensures timely coordination with contractors and vendors; supports special projects.
• Develops relationships with officials, residents, property owners, developers, contractors, and the public regarding public works.
• Plays a key role in disaster response and recovery, including coordination with FEMA, restoration, debris removal, and contract management.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints regarding Public Works services.
• Acts as liaison with various governmental agencies.
• Ensures operations promote public safety, health, and welfare, adhering to regulations.
• Participates in professional organizations to stay current on public works issues.
• Assist in Grant Writing and record keeping for Federal and State Funds.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs general administrative tasks, including answering calls, typing, making copies, and filing documents.
• Assists other departments as needed.
• Other duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and standards relevant to public works operations. Familiarity with public works construction, maintenance, budgeting, fiscal administration, and planning.
• Knowledge of tools, equipment, and preventive maintenance practices for public works operations.
• Proficiency in Office 365, AutoCAD, GIS, and public works management software.
• Strong problemsolving, attention to detail, and analytical skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to tailor messages to different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across all levels.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Independent judgment and discretion in decisionmaking.
• High integrity and ethical standards.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work in an upright position for extended periods, including standing, walking, and sitting.
• Frequent mobility required.
• Occasional physical activities such as bending, kneeling, climbing, or lifting objects up to 50 pounds.
• Visual abilities including close vision, depth perception, and color perception.
• Ability to use office and outdoor equipment, including vehicles and machinery.
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact with others.
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasional hazardous work environments.

EDUCATION | EXPERIENCE | LICENSES | CERTIFICATIONS Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field. At least five years of progressively responsible experience in public works, with two years in a supervisory role.

OR

• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Professional Engineer registration may substitute for one year of experience.

Licenses | Certification:

• Valid Florida Driver’s License and clean driving record.
• Desired certifications: Water Treatment/Wastewater Collection, Stormwater Inspector, Maintenance of Traffic (MOT), NIMS Certification.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Public Works Supervisor
• Utilities Supervisor and
• Supporting Staff

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Primarily officebased, with occasional outdoor work.
• Occasional weekend, holiday, and evening work required.
• Occasional travel may be necessary.

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS

• Fulltime position with occasional extended hours.
• Essential role during emergencies declared in Orange County.

The Town of Oakland provides equal opportunity employment and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Requests for accommodations can be directed to Human Resources.

About TOWN OF OAKLAND

A day spent in the Town of Oakland will take you back in time to the old, quaint Florida of yesterday - even as new residents begin to discover what just a few have known for generations. Due to growth in Orange County, maintaining Oakland’s small-town character as “Nestled Among the Oaks” has been one of its most difficult challenges – and greatest accomplishments. While new homes have been built in Oakland over the last several years, Oakland remains a quaint, unhurried community not unlike it was in 1887, when the town was incorporated. Tree-lined roads are nostalgic reminders of an era when life was simple, and everyone knew their neighbors.