Public Works Director

Public Works Director

Town of Cornelius, North Carolina

This job posting will remain open until April 30, 2026. We will review applications and may be in contact with applicants before the posting closes.

Shape Infrastructure in One of Lake Norman’s Most Desirable Communities

The Town of Cornelius (population 32,632) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Public Works Director to lead critical infrastructure, capital projects, and public services in the Lake Norman region.

Located just north of Charlotte along the shores of Lake Norman, Cornelius offers a unique blend of small-town character and strategic growth. This role is a rare opportunity to help guide that growth—ensuring infrastructure, services, and community assets keep pace with demand while maintaining the Town’s high quality of life.

What You’ll Do

Lead a High-Impact Department

• Provide strategic leadership for Public Works operations, including engineering coordination, field services, and maintenance teams
• Support and maintain a culture focused on accountability, safety, service excellence, and teamwork
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Town Manager, Department Heads, Mayor, and Town Board on infrastructure and operational priorities

Deliver Projects That Matter

• Plan and execute capital improvement projects that support strategic growth and mobility
• Oversee engineering design, permitting, and construction management
• Ensure development projects such as transportation and stormwater infrastructure meet Town standards through plan review, coordination, and inspection

Oversee Core Community Services

• Manage essential services that residents rely on every day:
  • Transportation systems (roads, sidewalks, intersections, and connectivity improvements)
  • Stormwater infrastructure and environmental stewardship initiatives
  • Solid waste and recycling services, including seasonal programs (leaf vacuuming)
  • Contracting with Town’s electric utility to provide line and service functions
  • Town facilities, property maintenance, and special projects
• Ensure timely, responsive service delivery to a growing community

Steward Resources Responsibly

• Develop and manage operating and capital budgets
• Lead procurement efforts, including major equipment and contracted services
• Pursue and administer grant funding to support infrastructure investment
• Manage Public Works fleet

Build Strong Regional Partnerships

• Serve as the Town’s liaison with NCDOT, utility providers, developers, and regional partners
• Collaborate across departments to align infrastructure with planning and development goals
• Represent Cornelius in public meetings, regional initiatives, and professional organizations

Support Emergency Preparedness

• Play a key leadership role in storm response and disaster recovery
• Help ensure continuity of essential public services during emergencies

What You Bring

Experience & Leadership

• 7 years of progressive experience in public works; preferably with the majority of time served in municipal/county/state infrastructure; experience including utilities is preferred
  • Applicants with previous time served in the roles of Assistant Public Works Director, Public Works Director, or any level of Town Manager role specifically overseeing Public Works will be given top consideration
• Demonstrated supervisory success leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering capital projects
• Strong knowledge of municipal operations, engineering coordination, and regulatory processes
• Strong, public-facing, customer service experience

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, public administration, or related field
• Master’s degree and/or Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset
• Strong communication skills, including public presentations and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build trust across diverse groups
• High integrity, accountability, and attention to detail
• Organized and results-driven with strong follow-through
• Self-starter and highly motivated

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $111,000 – $143,000, depending on qualifications and experience
• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance, with significant discounts for dependent coverage
• Employer-paid life insurance equal to 1x annual salary
• Participation in the North Carolina Local Government Retirement System (LGERS)
• 5% employer contribution to 401(k)
• Access to retiree benefits after 20 years of service with the Town of Cornelius
• Paid parental leave
• 13 paid holidays annually
• Vacation leave accrual based on total years of service within NC government

Why Cornelius?

• Lakeside community with a population of approximately 32,632 residents
• Prime location in the Charlotte metro area with access to Lake Norman amenities
• Strong sense of community with a commitment to high-quality public services
• Opportunity to lead impactful infrastructure initiatives that support strategic growth

A Strong & Supportive Organization

• Stable leadership with minimal turnover in the Manager’s Office and among Department Heads
• Town Manager with 23 years of service, including 15 years as Assistant Town Manager and 8 years as Town Manager
• The outgoing Public Works Director served the Town for 15 years, including 10 years as Director, and was promoted to Assistant Town Manager/Public Works Director 8 years ago—demonstrating strong internal growth opportunities
• Leadership that actively supports professional growth and career development
• A collaborative, high-performing leadership team committed to delivering exceptional service to the Cornelius community
• An outstanding group of experienced, professional peers

Additional Information

• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Reports To: Town Manager
• Requirements: Valid driver’s license

Special Note

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.