Come join the City of Appleton and thrive! Here at the City, you’ll have the opportunity to work in a forward-thinking, positive environment alongside other caring team members. You’ll be challenged by rewarding work that impacts the lives of community members each day. You’ll expand your skills and knowledge through training and growth opportunities. You’ll be respected and appreciated for sharing your ideas and bringing your authentic self to your work. And you can celebrate your successes with your loved ones because of the great flexible work arrangements the City offers. Come join our team—you belong here!

The City of Appleton is currently accepting applications for a vacancy in Public Works. Applicants should have experience in senior leadership and management oversight activities for the complex daily operations as head of the Public Works Department. They are responsible for delivering strategic direction in the department office, budget coordination and development, contract management, supply procurement and management, and preparation of various documents, presentations, and reports. Work is performed in collaboration with the City’s leadership team under the general direction of the Mayor.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Organizational Team Leadership

• Provides high-level professional expertise, assistance and advice to the Mayor, City leadership and Common Council on all Public Works Department areas of responsibility.
• Directs and aligns the various programs, activities, and staff of the Public Works Department, both directly and through supervisors across the organization.
• Acts as a voting member of Plan Commission.
• Represents the City on State-wide committees as appointed to recommend policy changes.
• Provides strategic support on Public Works best practices to City Leadership and staff.
• Develops and implements strategies in alignment with the Public Works Department and City of Appleton Mission Statements and Core Values.

• Provides leadership, employee development support and supervision to the Public Works Department team including Administration and Engineering, Parking Utility, Traffic Engineering, Sanitation and Recycling, Street and Sewer Maintenance, Forestry, Water Distribution, Central Equipment Agency, Stormwater Utility and Safety and Training functions.
• Evaluates the Public Works departmental structure and team plan to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the group as well as provide individuals with professional and personal growth opportunities.
• Prepares and manages the Public Works Department annual budget.
• Establishes departmental goals and objectives and sets priorities for completing various projects.
• Directs process improvement initiatives for department.
• Directs the preparation of work programs for department.

• Approves technical designs proposed by engineering staff or contractors.
• Secures the services of a wide range of consultants and coordinates these activities.
• Meets and negotiates with State and County agencies (DNR, DOT, USACE, etc.) on Public Works issues.
• Directs the preparation of long-range capital improvement plans.
• Approves purchasing requests and contracts.
• Approves the repair, replacement, or retirement of physical assets.

• Serves on the Mayor’s Leadership Team and advisory committees.
• Performs field observations of projects and departmental programs.
• Responds to media requests.

Typical Qualifications

This position requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering, Public Administration or related field, eight to nine years Public Works administrative experience, or equivalent combination of experience and training.

• Knowledge of Public Works operations and management.
• Knowledge of laws related to all aspects of public works.
• Knowledge of materials, methods, procedures, and equipment used to maintain city infrastructure.
• Ability to train, mentor and direct staff, review and evaluate their work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with people at various levels, both within and outside the organization.
• Ability to plan, organize and control a wide variety of programs, some of which are of a very technical nature.
• Ability to develop both short- and long-range strategies for implementing various programs.
• Ability to operate a personal computer.
• Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver's license.

Supplemental Information

COMPETENCIES

Communication

Visionary

Poliical Savvy

Strategic Skills

Decision Maker

To learn more about these competencies click here (Download PDF reader)

Click here for an informational brochure about the City of Appleton, the Public Works Department, and the Public Works Director position.