What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Works Division Head position at St Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin - Tribal Government?
Position Title: Public Works Division Head
Department: Public Works
Location: St. Croix Tribal Government
Employment Type: FT, Salaried Exempt
Compensation: DOQ
Date Posted: 7/24/2026
Position Summary: The Public Works Division Head provides overall leadership, strategic direction, administration, and operational management of Tribal public works operations, including water and wastewater utilities, solid waste management, fleet services, roads and infrastructure, facilities maintenance, parks and recreation, and cemetery operations. The position ensures safe, reliable, and efficient public services aligned with Tribal priorities, regulatory requirements, environmental standards, and organizational goals while leading infrastructure planning, capital improvements, financial oversight, workforce development, and cross-divisional collaboration.
Organizational Restructuring Note: This position is part of the Tribe’s newly adopted organizational structure. Responsibilities may evolve as the new structure is implemented. The full job description is available upon request from Human Resources.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the division’s strategic and long-term planning and support Tribal-wide initiatives and organizational priorities.
- Oversee Public Works operations, including water and wastewater systems, solid waste and recycling, fleet, roads and transportation infrastructure, facilities, parks and recreation, and cemetery operations.
- Manage divisional budgets, forecasts, financial performance, resource allocation, grant applications, capital funding proposals, and infrastructure financing plans.
- Lead, mentor, and develop managers and staff while overseeing recruitment, training, certification, succession planning, and workforce safety.
- Ensure compliance with applicable Tribal, federal, state, environmental, health, safety, utility, and grant requirements, including regulatory reporting, inspections, audits, and emergency response planning.
- Monitor operational outcomes, project management, performance measures, service delivery, and continuous improvement efforts.
- Collaborate with Tribal leadership, regulatory agencies, contractors, engineers, community stakeholders, and governmental partners and communicate infrastructure projects and priorities.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Work is performed in both office and field settings across Tribal infrastructure sites and may include exposure to outdoor conditions, construction sites, and operational environments. The position requires flexibility for emergencies, after-hours needs, seasonal demands, and occasional travel for meetings, project oversight, trainings, and conferences.
What We’re Looking For (Minimum Qualifications)
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in public works, utilities, infrastructure management, or a related field.
- Experience overseeing water/wastewater systems, roads, facilities, or similar infrastructure services.
- Experience managing budgets, grants, contracts, regulatory compliance, complex operations, and capital improvement programs.
- Strong knowledge of public works systems, environmental and safety requirements, financial oversight, project management, and organizational leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or a related field preferred. Relevant education, training, certifications, and progressively responsible experience will also be considered.
- Experience working with Tribal governments, municipalities, or public-sector infrastructure systems preferred.
Supervision
- Reports to: Tribal Administrator
- Supervises: All Public Works Division Staff
Why Join St. Croix?
We offer meaningful work that supports our community, along with competitive benefits designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance. Please visit our Human Resources page to review our excellent benefits offered at https://stcroixojibwe-nsn.gov/government/human-resources/.
Additional Information
Native American preference applies in accordance with P.L. 93-638. Employment offers are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment requirements. All positions require a pre-employment drug screening. Additional requirements, such as background checks and driver’s record reviews, may apply depending on the position.
How to Apply
Apply online at: https://stcroixojibwe-nsn.gov/home/employment-opportunities/
Applications will be reviewed as received until the position is filled. Incomplete applications may not be considered. For any questions, please contact Human Resources at hr@stcroixojibwe-nsn.gov or (715) 349-2195 ext. 5196.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person