Public Works Director (Internal & External)

The Town of Taos is seeking qualified applicants for the following full-time positions which includes an excellent benefit package; 100% major medical premium paid for employee with a choice of State of New Mexico Blue Cross Blue Shield, Gold HMO & PPO, Presbyterian, Gold HMO & PPO, United Health Care, Gold HMO & PPO State of New Mexico Public Employee Retirement Association (PERA) Retirement, personal leave and holiday pay, employee development and training programs and much more!

VA#26-27-07

Job Title: Public Works Director

Public Works Department

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Salary: $90,168.00

Opening Date: September 9, 2026

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

GENERAL PURPOSE

Performs a variety of professional, administrative and managerial duties related to planning, organizing, coordinating, controlling, and directing all phases of town-wide public works operations, including contract engineering, mapping, water, wastewater, streets, storm sewer, fleet maintenance, capital improvements, and solid waste/landfill, and recycling department.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Town Manager and/or the Assistant Town Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Provides general guidance and direction to departmental employees through subordinate division superintendents and supervisors. Provides close to general supervision to administrative support staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Directs public works personnel and delegates assignments; evaluates employee performance and makes decisions affecting job retention, advancement and discipline; participates in the recruitment and selection of department staff; develops and conducts staff training; determines work procedures, prepares work schedules, and expedites workflow; studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations; issues written and oral instructions; assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures; monitors staff customer service efforts and generally directs staff activities to achieve effective customer relations.

Serves as administrative advisor and liaison to town council, committees, and boards as needed to inform and apprise on public works issues; provides technical insight and recommendations related to determining public works policies, goals and objectives; receives directives, formulates implementation options and strategies, directs research, converts strategies to action plans with timetables and deadlines; evaluates public works needs and formulates short and long range plans to meet needs in all areas of responsibility, including, street, water, sewer, drainage and light, maintenance.

Participates in public meetings and hearings as needed to solicit public response and apprise of policy and project options; educates the public through media, reports, public meetings and presentations.

Oversees the development or update of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan, Comprehensive Water Plan, the Capital Improvement Program, and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure; develops, organizes and facilitates comprehensive capital improvement program; allocates departmental resources to research, evaluation, analysis and implementation of project phases; participates with and cooperates in interagency, intergovernmental and private enterprise programs and projects which enhance the quality of life for town residents.

Meets with public, developers, entrepreneurs, and contractors; discusses capital improvement and public works issues; interprets information in town ordinances pertaining to department responsibilities; supervises the review of private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards, adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with approved plans.

Determines work priorities and delegates assignments to subcontractors; develops guidelines and deadlines, initiates studies; provides quality assurance review of work in progress; monitors and administers consultant service contracts; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; oversees assigned projects to ensure contractor compliance with time and budget parameters for the project; performs critical incident or emergency decision making related to town service systems and commits town resources.

Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the administration of the department including all aspects of the culinary water system, water purification, water distribution, street construction and maintenance, fleet maintenance, traffic engineering, storm drain, sewer, and recycling, etc.; implements town policy related to department functions; develops and recommends policy changes consistent with established master plans and goals; oversees contract sanitation collection and assures adherence to service agreement.

Provides guidance and enforcement to public works staff with regards to safety program as needed to comply with federal, state and town safety standards; monitors department safety practices.

Identifies sources for alternative funding related to special projects; may initiate grant application activities and coordinates with town grants administrator, assists to monitor grant compliance to assure effective working relationships with funding agencies.

Directs the preparation and development of departmental budgets and monitors fiscal controls to assure conformity with established financial constraints; develops bid specifications for projects and equipment acquisitions; oversees the preparation of engineering plans and specifications, bidding, competency of contractors and vendors, and the selection criteria for public contracts.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, civil engineering, or a related field; AND Five (5) years of experience in a comprehensive public works program; experience in the administration and management of materials and personnel necessary for the development and maintenance of public works systems of which two (2) years’ experience in a supervisory capacity is preferred; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of general civil engineering principles and practices; legal environment associated with public works projects, construction and maintenance; current methods, principles and practices of sewer, road and street construction; equipment and materials used in construction and maintenance operations; safety practices and principles involved in public works; current codes, standards, safety practices and principles involved in public works; principles of management and employee supervision.

Considerable skill in the art of diplomacy and cooperative problem solving.

Ability to plan, coordinate, direct and supervise personnel; interpret laws, ordinances and regulations common to public works operations; keep operating records and prepare reports; to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public. Effectively utilize personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database; motor vehicle; phone; radio; fax and copy machine.

Special Qualifications:

• Must possess a valid New Mexico Driver’s license. NM CDL is preferred.

• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the state of New Mexico is desirable.

• Required to obtain Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA) Certification within eighteen (18) months of hire date.

• Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Classes 100, 200, 300, 400 and 700 must be completed within six (6) months of hire.

Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position performs in a typical office setting with appropriate climate controls. Tasks require variety of physical activities, not generally involving muscular strain, related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, and reaching. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. Essential functions require talking, hearing and seeing. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity exist. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, emotional stability, discriminating thinking and creative problem solving. Occasional exposure to elevated or confined space work locations, mechanical hazards, loud noises, explosive, trench work, electrical hazards, fire hazards, toxic materials and chemicals, moving objects and airborne and bloodborne pathogens. Significant driving is required and may include the operation of heavy equipment, dump trucks, snowplows and mowing equipment.

APPLICATION STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS- If you feel you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and you have the necessary drive and ambition to be part of the Public Works Department for the Town of Taos, please submit a complete Town of Taos employment application to: Town of Taos Human Resources Department, 400 Camino de la Placita, Taos, NM 87571 or via e-mail: employment@taosnm.gov. Your application must be complete, clear, and include the correct job title and announcement number. Applications and any attachments become the official property of the Town of Taos and cannot be returned or reused after being submitted. Applications will be accepted until 5:00 P.M. on the closing date listed above.

Drug Free Workplace

EEO/ADA Compliance