Director of Public Works

The Director of Public Works plays a critical role in orchestrating the efficient functioning of diverse public service divisions, ensuring compliance, fostering community engagement, and contributing significantly to the overall welfare of the City. The Director serves as a key staff person, working directly with an Assistant City Manager and is responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day-to-day management and operations of the various departmental divisions, which currently encompasses Street Maintenance, Traffic Controls, Buildings and Grounds, Refuse and Recycling and Vehicle Maintenance.

We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on leader with strong communication skills and willingness to coordinate and develop strong relationships with the City Manager, City Council, City employees, City elected and appointed individuals, and regional partners.  We are looking for an individual who clearly understands and tactfully explains the role of the Public Works Department in complex issues who is well-versed in use of technology and its current and future importance to the City and its operations. This individual must be service-oriented with excellent analytical skills who embraces ideas from outside sources and able to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of a highly competent staff. 

If you are an ambitious and creative professional with the ability to manage with confidence; courage to do what is right, even in the face of adversity, this is the opportunity for you.

The salary range for the position is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.  Excellent benefits package includes participation in the Virginia Retirement System, group life insurance, long term disability insurance, health/dental/vision insurance, professional dues and conference expenses, annual leave, sick leave, as well as additional discretionary leave hours replenished each fiscal year. Candidate must maintain residency within an acceptable distance as determined by the City Manager to ensure appropriate response time during emergencies. Relocation allowance is negotiable.

Central to this role is the oversight of capital improvement and maintenance projects. The Director ensures the meticulous execution of these initiatives in alignment with project terms, contract stipulations, and predetermined timelines. The commitment to adherence and compliance is a cornerstone of this responsibility.

Additionally, the Director holds the significant responsibility of managing all franchise agreements within the City. This involves effective administration, monitoring, and maintenance of these agreements to facilitate the best outcomes for the community and the City. The role further extends to the review, approval, and coordination of excavation permits. By meticulously overseeing these permits, the Director ensures that permit holders strictly adhere to the exacting standards and specifications mandated by the City, State, and Federal authorities.

Engagement with the public serves as a pivotal component of this role. The Director proactively interacts with the community to address their concerns, inquiries, and matters pertaining to Public Works and its divisions. This engagement fosters a transparent and effective dialogue that enhances the quality of services provided.

Seven years progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities or engineering operations and administration and Master’s degree in Public Administration, Project Management, Engineering field or equivalent; or any equivalent combination* of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must have successfully completed required courses and certification; may be required to possess additional certification(s) as deemed necessary by the City. Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license.
 
*The equivalent combination includes consideration for the following elevated years of progressively responsible experience supplemented by the relevant degree level:

• Nine years and a Bachelor’s Degree
• Eleven years and an Associate’s Degree
• Thirteen years and a High School Diploma/GED

Administrative Ability
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written. Ability to communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences in a clear, comprehensive and effective manner. Must be highly organized, have excellent follow-through without being prompted, and use collaborative approaches with staff to reach conclusions. Must have the ability to shift gears between projects by rapidly multitasking, and have extensive experience making analytical and reasoned judgments on issues of public sensibility. Must be proficient with personal computers and have the ability to coordinate technology applications pertinent to the Department’s operations and management systems.

Departmental/Council Relations
The position requires successful candidates to be adept at working in a complex and fast paced environment while possessing proven leadership skills with demonstrated abilities to build a strong and focused team of individuals. Competitive candidates shall have demonstrated the ability to provide strong and effective leadership and vision to staff, and will also establish clear objectives for the department that are tied to the City’s strategic goals. The candidate is expected to be a problem solver who is focused on positive outcomes, holding staff accountable for achieving positive results.

Management
Must have a demonstrated record or knowledge of planning, developing, organizing, implementing and coordinating budgets and financial activities of a municipal electric department. Competitive candidates shall have demonstrated the ability to interact effectively with citizens, the City Manager, other City department directors and elected officials. Candidates must possess strategic thinking skills and be able to make difficult recommendations on operational, financial and budgetary matters when necessary.

Governmental / Intergovernmental Relations
Our candidate will possess the ability to take time and interest in working with the Assistant City Manager and City Manager to keep them informed and to explain technical and sensitive concepts related to City issues. Must be able to work with elected officials on complex issues in a setting where different objectives and/or adversarial viewpoints may exist. Must have the ability to accept constructive criticism and to implement needed changes where identified. Candidate must be open and honest with the Assistant City Manager and able to use discretion in handling confidential information. Must stay current on trends and issues pertaining to the City. Must relate to and develop a good working relationship with other local, state, regional and federal agencies to advocate on behalf of the City.

To be considered, please submit a cover letter, résumé with salary history and five (5) professional references online by visiting the City of Manassas website at  www.manassascity.org/jobs.