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Assistant Public Works Director

City of Superior
City of Superior Salary
Superior, WI Full Time
POSTED ON 7/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/23/2026

Purpose and Overview
The Assistant Public Works Director works under the direction of the Public Works Director to assist with planning , administration, and coordination of all activities of the Public Works Department. This position aids in the oversight of various public works operations, including Administration; Building Inspection; Wastewater; Stormwater; Street Maintenance and Construction; Buildings and Grounds; Traffic Signals and Signs; Refuse and Garbage Collection; Solid Waste Disposal; Parks, Recreation, and Forestry; Historic Properties; Shop Operations; and the Airport. The Assistant Director helps ensure the effective planning, budgeting, and implementation of public works projects and services.

This role is integral to maintaining the city's infrastructure, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and promoting efficient public service delivery.

General Responsibilities

  • Assist with planning and directing activities of the Public Works.
  • Provide managerial supervision of daily operations through divisional managers.
  • Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for the Public Works Department.

Education & Experience Requirements
A combination of training, experience, and skills that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical way to qualify includes:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; and
  • Five years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, public works, or a related field.
  • Licensure as a Professional Engineer in the State of Wisconsin is preferred, but not required.

Requires
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license or provide suitable transportation as approved by the supervisor.
Must pass a post-offer medical examination for the occupational group and drug screen prior to hire.
Must pass a 12-month probationary period to demonstrate skills and abilities to perform the requirements of the position.
Must take an oath of office.
No residency requirement.

  • Collaborate with the Public Works Director on planning, budgeting, supervision, and coordination of public works construction and maintenance projects across all divisions.
  • Coordinate projects within Public Works and with City departments.
  • Coordinate, advise, and direct consulting engineers on city, state, and federal projects.
  • Approve consultant fees, contracts, grant applications, and grant disbursements.
  • Assist with preparation of annual operating and five-year capital budgets.
  • Assist with bidding process for public works projects and equipment.
  • Manage all phases of the grant process including research, application, and administration.
  • Attend meetings of the Common Council, Public Works Committee, and other committees as needed.
  • Review engineering plans and recommend approval to the Public Works Director.
  • Supervise and recommend hiring, training, evaluation, and discipline of subordinate employees.
  • Administer and coordinate traffic engineering activities and the sidewalk replacement and maintenance program.
  • Advise the Public Works Director on Public Works issues.
  • Resolve complaints, questions, and concerns from the public, Mayor or City Council.
  • Stay informed on engineering, planning, project management and supervision through professional education.
  • Assume managerial duties in the absence of the Public Works Director.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Knowledge

  • Modern principles and practices of public works administration, including working knowledge of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)..
  • Civil engineering principles and their application to public works projects.
  • State and local ordinances affecting public works and inspection activities.
  • Budget preparation and fiscal management.

Skills

  • Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, public officials, and the community.
  • Initiative and resourcefulness in problem-solving public works challenges.
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures.

Ability

  • Direct large-scale public works activities in a coordinated manner.
  • Plan, assign, and review the work of subordinate supervisors and employees.
  • Anticipate and plan for construction and maintenance requirements.

Pay: $48.42 - $60.53 per hour

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Retirement plan

Work Location: In person

Salary : $48 - $61

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