What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Works Director position at City of Kingman?
CITY OF KINGMAN
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
PUBLIC WORKS
MUST PROVIDE RESUME AND COVER LETTER
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Relocation assistance and other allowances are readily available to support your seamless transition into this pivotal role. |
We're looking for a Public Works Director who will provide strategic oversight, policy direction, and fiscal stewardship, while ensuring excellence in service delivery, infrastructure resilience, and compliance with applicable regulatory standards. As a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, the Public Works Director leads, innovates, and manages a diverse portfolio of essential city services, including engineering, streets, water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, traffic control, fleet and facility maintenance, public transit, and airport operations.
This appointed position serves at the discretion of the City Manager and supports the City of Kingman’s commitment to operational transparency, organizational accountability, and long-term sustainability.
Knowledge of:
- Public works administration, transportation systems, and utility infrastructure.
- Civil and environmental engineering principles, construction practices, and sustainability frameworks.
- Municipal budgeting, CIP development, grant compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Local, state, and federal regulations governing public infrastructure, transit, and aviation.
Skills in:
- Executive leadership, strategic planning, and interdepartmental collaboration.
- Conflict resolution, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement.
- Data-driven decision-making, project management, and performance evaluation.
- Modern asset management systems, GIS, and digital service platforms.
Ability to:
- Inspire and lead a large, multidisciplinary team.
- Oversee the development and execution of long-range infrastructure plans.
- Engage effectively with elected officials, community members, and regional partners.
- Maintain transparency, accountability, and excellence in public service delivery.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Transportation Planning, Construction Management, or a closely related field
- Eight (8) years of progressively responsible public works or infrastructure leadership experience
- Five (5) years at the executive or senior management level
- Master’s degree in a related field or Professional Engineer (P.E.) license preferred but not required
- Registration as a Professional Engineer in Arizona preferred but not required
- Valid Arizona driver’s license or ability to obtain one within thirty (30) days of employment
Desired Attributes
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a high-performing workforce, including experience in organizational design, employee relations, and performance management
- Working knowledge of human resources principles, including employment practices, coaching and accountability, workplace investigations, and policy application
- Ability to partner effectively with Human Resources to support workforce planning, succession development, and organizational change initiatives
Strategic Leadership & Management (35%) - Directs the operations, planning, budgeting, and personnel across all divisions of the Public Works Department. Provides strategic vision and execution of multi-year Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) and infrastructure investments. Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and performance metrics aligned with citywide goals. Promotes a culture of safety, innovation, equity, and continuous improvement.
Infrastructure & Service Oversight (25%) - Leads and coordinates public transit planning and operations, ensuring alignment with funding requirements and community needs. Manages airport planning and operations in coordination with FAA regulations and economic development initiatives. Ensures engineering design standards and infrastructure planning are current, efficient, and sustainable.
Interdepartmental & Public Engagement (25%) - Collaborates with the Engineering and Development Services Departments on reviews related to new development and public infrastructure expansion. Communicates regularly with the City Council, boards, commissions, community groups, and residents regarding infrastructure plans and service delivery.
Fiscal and Risk Management (15%) - Prepares and manages department operating and capital budgets; monitors expenditures and ensures financial accountability. Identifies and mitigates operational risks; ensures regulatory compliance with OSHA, EPA, ADEQ, ADOT, FAA, and other authorities. Promotes grant funding opportunities and public-private partnerships to support departmental goals.
OVERVIEW
The City of Kingman is located in Mohave County approximately 100 miles southeast of Las Vegas and 195 miles northwest of Phoenix nestled between the beautiful Cerbat and Hualapai Mountain Ranges along historic Route 66. In 2019, Reader’s Digest named Kingman one of the “Nicest Places in Arizona” for its thoughtful residents and spirit of generosity. In addition to its small-town look and feel, the area also offers a wide range of recreational activities that include hiking, bike and ATV trails, camping, golf, beautiful parks, historical attractions, nearby lakes, and the Colorado River. With more than 400 full and part-time employees across 30 divisions, the City of Kingman provides exceptional public services to over 30,000 residents. Our focus on high-quality customer service, safety, and teamwork underpins our efforts to foster an atmosphere where citizens and businesses can thrive.
For more information about the City of Kingman, please see our Open Finance Portal, Choose Kingman Economic Development page, and our Go Kingman tourism page for more information.WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The work environment characteristics attached to the job description are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. See Physical Demands.
COMMITMENT TO SAFETY & WELLNESS
It is the policy of the City of Kingman to ensure a safe, healthful workplace for all its employees. It requires that every person in the organization assumes the responsibility of individual and organizational safety. Injury and illness losses from incidents are costly and preventable. The City of Kingman will employ an effective accident and illness prevention program and a comprehensive wellness program that involves all its employees in the effort to eliminate workplace hazards and promote employee health and wellness.
Management is accountable for preventing workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses. Management will provide top-level support of safety program and wellness initiatives. Management will consider all employee suggestions for achieving a safer, healthier workplace. Management also will keep informed about workplace safety and health hazards, and it will regularly review the company safety and wellness program.
DISCLAIMER
This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and duties but is subject to change based on organizational needs and evolving municipal priorities.
FIND YOUR REWARDING CAREER WITH US!
Personal Growth Opportunities ~ Meaningful and Challenging Work ~ Public Service
Community Spirit ~ Training and Development
Salary : $109,242 - $152,942