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Director of Public Works

Village of Jackson WI
Jackson, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 2/13/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/11/2025

Salary : $97,000.00 - $117,000.00 Annually

Location : Jackson, WI

Job Type : Full-Time

Job Number : 2025-4

Department : Department of Public Works

Opening Date : 01 / 31 / 2025

Summary of Position

The Village of Jackson (pop. 7,926) is seeking candidates to fill the role of Director of Public Works. The current Director of Public Works and Village Engineer of 27 years has earned their moment to retire in April, and the Village is searching for the next passionate leader to fill the role! The Director of Public Works is a senior member of the Village Administrator's management team and per Village Code Section 2-82 the Director of Public Works position is appointed by the Village Board for an indefinite term. The Director of Public Works is responsible for directing, coordinating and expediting the activities of Public Works Department, the Jackson Sewer Utility, and the Jackson Water Utility. This role manages approximately $5,200,000 in annual expenses for operations of all three (3) departments. Additionally, the Director supervises 18 employees and guides them as necessary to ensure economical and efficient operation of each department, with direct supervision to the Utility Superintendent, Engineering Technician, Utility Clerk, Public Works Supervisor and others from time to time. This role also ensures Public Works and Utilities reporting and services meet local, state, and federal requirements. The successor Director will be responsible for completion of the first of three phased upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Plant in April and commencing construction on two local road reconstruction projects. The hiring range for the position is $97,000-$117,000 DOQ. The position is open until filled. Applications or questions about the role shall be directed to the attention of Administrator Jen Heidtke at

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Other duties or functions may be required from time to time, and thus the information below is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities for this role.

Public Works and Utility Services Oversight :

  • Directs Staff and manages work progress to assure conformance with instructions regarding Village and Utility standards.
  • Manages the supervisor of all phases of snow and ice control and snowing plowing operation of all streets and public property.
  • Manages the supervisor of park maintenance, yard waste operation, trash and recycling program, and building maintenance.
  • Manages Supervisor of the operation of the municipal garage with the repair and maintenance of Village owned vehicles and equipment.
  • Holds weekly staff meeting with Supervisors and directs employees regarding repairs needed to equipment, sewer collection system, water distribution system, and building and grounds.
  • Investigates citizen complaints and consults with Staff for resolution.
  • Maintains records and prepares reports as required by the Department of Natural Resources, Public Service Commission (PSC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). and Emergency Management Reports.
  • Procures necessary and approved equipment and material.
  • Attends approved special courses and workshops.
  • Oversees the management and maintenance of the Village owned Streetlighting System and Storm Sewer System.
  • Recommends equipment replacements and purchases to the Village Administrator.
  • Drafts and submits to the Village Administrator departmental budgets according to projected workforce, material and equipment needs.
  • Responsible for maintaining contracts for services including garbage and recycling, engineering, information technology, and SCADA System services.

Village Development and Public Project Oversight :

  • Reviews and develops reports, or coordinates contracted engineering firm review of Plan Commission development submittals for reconstruction or new construction projects.
  • Manages Engineering Technician or contract with engineering firm to perform construction inspections.
  • Prepares meeting materials for the Board of Public Works and works in concert with Village Clerk to schedule, notice, and attend monthly meeting.
  • Reviews connection request for sewer and water.
  • Manages Engineering contracts and works in concert with selected firms to design, bid, and manage public projects and contractors.
  • Attends annual budget meetings, monthly Village Board meetings, and others as requested by Village Administrator.
  • Assists Village Administrator with updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Sewer Service Area, Parks Planning, Impact and Connection Fee Study, and others as assigned.
  • Manages Water and Wastewater facility planning.

    • Supervise and Direct Employees in Public Works and Utility Offices :

  • Responsible for enforcement of work rules, work rule changes, executing progressive discipline as appropriate with subordinates, the utilization of personnel, and evaluating such personnel, as appropriate and in conformance with Village policies to date or as amended, and determines annual goals and objectives for employees.
  • Initiates and leads the selection of departmental employees including posting jobs, interviewing, recommending hiring, and requests to Administrator for additional head count for all permanent part-time or full-time employees.
  • Responsible for managing new employee accounts to ensure efficient access to necessary programs or Village account log-in credentials (i.e. email account, phone directory update) upon start of employment, distribute key fob or other keys as needed to office areas.
  • Prepares and / or conducts on the job training (i.e., work procedures, job functions, etc.) and perform reviews on an annual basis.
  • Responsible for the establishment of goals and procedures in meeting Director objectives and departmental objectives.
  • Approves timecards and vacation time for Utility Superintendent, Water Utility Supervisor, Sewer Utility Supervisor, Public Works Supervisor, and Engineering Technician. May approve timecards for all other DPW or Utilities employees from time to time.

    • Education and / or Experience Required

    EDUCATION AND PRIOR EXPERIENCE :

    The Village is seeking a candidate with three (3) or more years of progressively responsible experience in municipal Public Works operations with two (2) years of experience supervising or as lead operator of both a municipal water system and wastewater treatment system. A high school diploma or GED required. Experience managing public works and utilities construction and maintenance projects required. Experience managing lift stations, wastewater collection system, water systems, municipal wells, and water towers is essential.

    LICENSE / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS :

    A valid Wisconsin Driver's License is required. All required licenses or certificates by the issuing agency to operate the Department. A Professional Engineer license is preferred but not required. Certificate of completion of APWA Public Works Management Institute, or ability to complete within one (1) year of employment.

    Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

    A successful candidate must have general knowledge of the methods, materials and techniques used in maintaining municipal wastewater treatment plants, collection systems, municipal water systems and distribution systems. This role requires the ability to develop working plans and coordinate Village construction and maintenance projects in accordance with the 5-year Financial Management Plan and annual budget. A successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to direct the work of subordinate personnel, keep accurate records, communicate respectfully and clearly with members of the public and Staff. A successful candidate will also demonstrate the ability to maintain mental alertness and meet the physical needs of the position.

    Village of Jackson Benefit Package includes :

  • Health Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Income Continuation Insurance
  • Wisconsin Retirement System
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Paid Vacation
  • Deferred Compensation Program
  • Flex Spending
  • Community Center Fitness Center Access

    • Salary : $97,000 - $117,000

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