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Public Works Director

Zebulon, NC
Zebulon, NC Full Time
POSTED ON 3/17/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/17/2025

Join Team Zebulon

The Town of Zebulon values the individual talents and innovative ideas each team member brings to our community. As the "Town of Friendly People," we're seeking dedicated professionals to help shape our growing community.

Comprehensive Benefits


  • Premium health, dental, and vision insurance
  • North Carolina state retirement benefits
  • Paid vacation, sick leave, and most state holidays
  • Support for continuing education and professional development
As one of the fastest-growing communities in the Triangle region, Zebulon offers unique opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Join our team where your contributions are valued, your growth is prioritized, and your work directly enhances the quality of life for our residents.

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE: $111,298 - $154,817

Detailed Work Activities

Under general direction of the Town Manager (or their designee), performs professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing the Town's comprehensive communications, public information, and community engagement programs. Develops and implements strategic communications, marketing initiatives, and public relations to promote Town services, programs, and activities to residents, businesses, visitors, and employees.

This is a department head position responsible for the leadership and management of all Public Works functions. The position exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in the administration of departmental operations and serves as a member of the Town's senior leadership team.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates all personnel, functions, and activities of the Public Works Department; develops and implements policies, procedures, and work methods.
  • Provides executive leadership and strategic planning for the department; develops long-range plans for infrastructure improvements, maintenance programs, and capital projects.
  • Prepares and administers the annual operating and capital improvement budgets for the department; monitors expenditures to ensure compliance with approved budgets.
  • Develops specifications for public works materials, equipment, and construction projects; oversees the bidding process and contract administration.
  • Directs the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of town infrastructure including streets, sidewalks, stormwater systems, and other public facilities.
  • Manages the town's solid waste collection services and yard waste center; ensures compliance with applicable permits and regulations.
  • Oversees fleet maintenance operations and develops vehicle/equipment replacement schedules; administers the disposal/surplus process.
  • Coordinates public works activities with other town departments, outside agencies, and private contractors; resolves complex problems and addresses citizen concerns.
  • Researches and writes grant applications for infrastructure and capital improvement projects; administers awarded grants according to applicable requirements.
  • Develops and implements preventive maintenance programs for town infrastructure and facilities to maximize service life and minimize repair costs.
  • Serves as town representative for construction and maintenance projects, including special facilities such as the Five County Stadium.
  • Ensures department compliance with federal, state, and local regulations including OSHA safety requirements, environmental regulations, and procurement laws.
  • Prepares and submits required reports to regulatory agencies regarding Yard Waste Center operations, solid waste, stormwater activities, and other public works functions.
  • Establishes and maintains effective emergency response protocols for public works operations during severe weather events and other emergencies.
  • Represents the department before the Town Council, various boards, commissions, and community groups; provides technical information and professional recommendations.
  • Supervises, trains, and evaluates department personnel; ensures staff receives proper training in equipment operation, safety procedures, and technical skills.
  • Manages the department's public communications including website content, public information materials, and community outreach efforts.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

(This listing is intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, construction management, or a closely related field.
  • Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
  • An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license and obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) within twelve months of employment.
  • Certification as a Public Works Professional through the American Public Works Association is highly desirable.
  • Must complete NIMS/ICS training as required for local government emergency management positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of public works administration, engineering, and construction.
  • Thorough knowledge of modern construction equipment, tools, and methodologies utilized in public works operations and maintenance.
  • Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards pertaining to public works, stormwater management, solid waste, and environmental compliance.
  • Thorough knowledge of public administration principles including budgeting, personnel management, and organizational leadership.
  • Strong knowledge of public procurement laws, bidding procedures, and contract administration.
  • Ability to plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the work of professional, technical, and operations staff.
  • Proficiency in developing and administering complex municipal budgets and monitoring financial performance.
  • Skill in preparing comprehensive plans, technical reports, and detailed specifications for public works projects.
  • Ability to analyze complex problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver clear and concise written and oral presentations.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, other department heads, employees, contractors, regulatory officials, and the general public.
  • Skill in using computer applications including project management software, GIS systems, spreadsheets, and word processing.

Salary : $111,298 - $154,817

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