The City of Keene is seeking an experienced and proactive individual to lead our Public Works team, which is comprised of more than 70 individuals, as the City's Public Works Director! The City and community’s combined desire for innovation and sustainability, the community’s support and engagement and the collaborative work environment and opportunities to work on initiatives across the organization are among the many reasons they love their work here at the City!
Our Community
Come to Keene and settle in! Our community leads based on its values including environmental sustainability, health, wellness, and locally sourced food and products. We are the hub of environment, business, industry, culture, higher education, and recreation for the Monadnock Region and have been voted #7 in “America’s Ten Fittest Small Towns”, by The Active Times. Residents and visitors enjoy Keene’s walkable historic downtown, 27 miles of trails, and 16 City parks and our daytime population is nearly double with regional residents entering Keene to work, shop, eat, play, and learn!
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Provide leadership, long-range and strategic planning, direction, financial management, and oversight of the City’s Public Works Department and its divisions including Administration, Engineering, Highway, Water and Sewer Operations, Wastewater Treatment, Utilities Maintenance, Laboratory, Solid Waste Transfer and Recycling, and Fleet!
• Develops, manages, and implements operating and capital budgets involving General Fund, Sewer and Water Enterprise Funds, Equipment Internal Services Fund, and Solid Waste Special Revenue Fund.
• Confers with and advises the City Manager and others relative to key issues regarding capital investments, operations management, and policy matters related to managing and enhancing the City’s infrastructure.
• Works with other Department Heads and participates as a senior manager assisting with the development and implementation of City-wide projects, programs, and initiatives.
• During emergency activities, serves as the lead Public Works representative and on the City’s Emergency Management team.
• Ensures compliance with all federal, state, and local codes and regulations, as well as safety regulations and guidelines.
• Presents budgets, activity reports, and plans for future activities at public, City Council, and subcommittee meetings.
• Oversees and resolves department personnel issues and functions. Ensures fair and equitable processes for hiring and promotions and implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Selects, trains, develops, evaluates, and motivates department personnel. Provides and coordinates staff training and education programs.
About the City of Keene
A friendly and vibrant college town with over 23,000 residents, Keene is a vital part of this southern New Hampshire area. The Keene community places a high value on historic preservation. You’ll find the best characteristics of small city living here, with a thriving downtown area which offers shopping, restaurants, the arts, farmer’s markets, a growing food co-op, festivals, events, and live theaters. If you prefer to stay busy with outdoor recreation opportunities, there are many green areas, parks, ponds, and lakes in the area, as well as a vast trail system for biking, hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. With convenient access to Interstate 91, many popular ski areas are within close proximity as well. Keene is a welcoming area with something for everyone, including sports leagues for youth and adults (such as an adult softball league, rugby, and ice hockey). We even have our very own collegiate baseball team, the Keene Swamp Bats, which we welcome to the area every summer!

The City offers a variety of public and private education opportunities for students in kindergarten – grade 12. We are also home to Keene State College, which is ranked by U.S News and World Report as a top regional college, as well as River Valley Community College, and a private graduate school, Antioch University of New England. Your healthcare needs will be covered by Cheshire Medical Center, which is part of the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Health system. Cheshire is the area’s largest health care provider and a leading employer, with numerous satellite locations.

The City offers a diverse economy which includes a spectrum of everything from family-owned companies to global industry leaders. It is a great place to live, learn, work, and play for families and professionals!
Requirements include:
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field, Master’s degree preferred, plus seven to ten years of progressively responsible public sector management experience representative of the varying public works disciplines; a minimum of five years of experience at a manager and policy-making level; or equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the position.
Salary and Benefits include:
• This position offers a salary of $115,326- $143,717 annualized and will also receive an attractive benefits package which includes low deductible/low-cost health insurance, low-cost dental insurance, State of NH Group I retirement, and other benefits such as life, disability, and paid time off! 

• An environment where you can grow, be challenged, and learn from interesting and talented colleagues!
• The opportunity to make a real difference in our community.
Ready to apply?
As part of the application process, you are required to upload your resume and cover letter. Confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted and received will be sent via email.
This position will be open until filled with the first review of applicants beginning on Monday, April 15, 2024.
Job Description: Public Works Director.pdfTHE CITY OF KEENE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.