What are the responsibilities and job description for the PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR position at Miami Gardens?
General Description
Serves as a key member of the City’s executive management team and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, direction, and oversight of the Public Works Department. This is a high-level managerial position that oversees planning, budgeting, staffing, and operations across multiple divisions, including streets, stormwater, landscaping/beautification, and capital improvement projects. The Director ensures Departmental goals align with City objectives and works collaboratively with utility providers, regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and other City Departments to deliver high-quality public infrastructure and services within City limits.
Essential Job Functions
This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
Oversees and coordinates the activities of all divisions within the Public Works Department.
Coordinates departmental operations with other City departments and outside agencies.
Provides leadership and oversight of the Engineering Division.
Reviews and allocates personnel and equipment resources based on project priorities and budget constraints.
Assigns tasks and responsibilities in alignment with budget guidelines and organizational goals.
Prepares annual department budget estimates and monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal compliance.
Conducts department-related correspondence and communication.
Responds to public inquiries and provides information related to public works activities.
Develops, implements, and enforces departmental policies, procedures, and work standards.
Plans for and manages capital improvement projects and long-term infrastructure initiatives.
Provides general supervision and strategic direction to all departmental staff.
Performs field inspections and fulfills engineering inspection duties when necessary.
Collaborates with other departments to coordinate special projects and city events.
Attends meetings with outside agencies and stakeholders.
Designs minor public works projects and may conduct basic survey work, including elevation readings.
Resolves conflicts and coordinates efforts with regulatory and governmental agencies.
Prepares comprehensive reports and documentation on departmental activities.
Develops budget requests and funding proposals for various projects.
Researches and analyzes complex issues to support data-driven decision-making.
Performs other related duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Extensive knowledge of municipal budgeting, financial administration, and project funding. Knowledge of modern public works administration, including infrastructure design, maintenance, and operations. Familiarity with stormwater systems, road maintenance, and construction practices. Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with City officials, employees, citizens, contractors, and the media. Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate a wide range of services and personnel. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to deliver public presentations. Strong leadership and team-building skills to manage a diverse workforce.
Education & Experience Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related filed. Master’s degree preferred. Professional Engineer or General Contractor’s License required. Eight (8) to ten (10) years management experience in a public works or engineering environment. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license with a satisfactory driving history throughout employment.
Supplemental Information
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk; use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet. Work is performed in an office setting within a controlled environment and occasionally in the field.