Director of Public Works

Role Description

The Public Works Director is a senior executive responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability of the City’s Public Works Department. Reporting to the City Manager, the Director leads multiple divisions delivering essential public services and infrastructure critical to public health, safety, and quality of life. This results-oriented leader demonstrates strong project management, financial stewardship, and organizational leadership, with engineering experience considered an asset. The Director provides vision and strategic foresight while ensuring disciplined execution, accountability, and effective collaboration across departments and with external partners, all while modeling the City’s core values of integrity, accountability, courage, and service.

The Director oversees the restoration, stabilization, and optimization of public works systems, including capital improvement planning and delivery, regulatory compliance, and management of significant public assets and financial resources. This role also ensures the department is prepared for natural disasters and emergencies, develops high-performing teams, implements effective staffing models, and maintains a strong safety-first culture. Serving as a trusted advisor to the City Manager and supporting the City Council through professional communication, the Director drives operational reliability, fiscal responsibility, ethical leadership, and consistent delivery of high-quality public services to the community.

Core Values (Non-Negotiables):

The Public Works Director must model and uphold the following principles in all actions, decisions, and relationships:

• Service Before Self – Prioritize the needs of the community and department over personal interest.
• Excellence in All We Do – Pursue the highest standards in operations, project execution, and public service.
• Respect for Self and Others – Treat all colleagues, stakeholders, and citizens with dignity and professionalism.
• Vision – Demonstrate strategic foresight and innovative thinking in planning and decision-making.
• Ethical Behavior – Uphold integrity, transparency, and honesty in all professional actions.
• Accountability – Take ownership of decisions, actions, and departmental outcomes.
• Courage – Make difficult decisions with confidence, even under pressure or scrutiny.
• Teamwork – Foster collaboration and a cohesive, supportive work environment.

Education, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Finance, or related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education, professional certifications, and progressively responsible experience will be considered.
• Minimum of 9–10 years of related experience, including 5 years in management or supervisory roles.
• Demonstrated project management expertise in public infrastructure or capital projects.
• Proven financial management experience, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineering License (PE) or engineering experience.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) or project management experience
• Experience managing public works departments with multiple divisions and several employees.
• Experience in emergency response, disaster recovery, and safety-sensitive operations.

Benefits:

•  Retirement Fund with Agency Contributions
•  Competitive Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance Plans with Agency Contributions
•  Life Insurance
•  Flexible Spending Account Options
•  Sick Time
•  Vacation Time
•  Thirteen Paid holidays

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Visit our website to view the full job description and submit an online application. piedmont-ok.gov