Assistant Director of Public Works

BENEFITS IN 2026 :
Paid Holidays:                13 days
Paid Time Off :               0-4 years of service = 23 days (7.08 hours per pay  period)
Longevity Bonus:           Based on Years of Service
Merit Pay:                        Based on performance (Annual Salary increase and Bonus)

 Town Paid Benefits Include:

• Short and Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Basic Life Insurance (1x Salary or $50k minimum, $10k spouse, & $5k child)
• Retirement Match
• Education Reimbursement
• Free Wellness Programs and Free Gym Access

Description: 

The purpose of this classification is to provide consultation to the Public Works Director, Town Manager, and council members on new development activities, and to perform managerial and administrative work associated with engineering. The Assistant Director of Public Works is a working manager responsible for planning, organizing, coordinating, directing and supervising the work of the Public Works staff. This position performs highly complex program & project management that includes one or more functional areas such as design, transportation, development review, and construction, traffic studies, engineering & planning, surveying & mapping, and general civil engineering pertaining to roadways, drainage, bridges, and railway crossings. This position is also responsible for monitoring construction projects, making recommendations, supervising assigned employees, developing and administering the budget, maintaining records, and performing other functions as appropriate. Reports to Public Works Director.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Responsible for managing and overseeing new development projects triggered by applicants under development regulations such as zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, MUTCD, AASHTO, and the TDOT Road and Bridge Manual. (Note: Engineering services involving existing public facilities, roads, sidewalks, easements, and drainage systems are handled by the Public Works Director.)

• Manages and directs new development projects, ensuring compliance with all applicable codes, laws, and regulations.

• Plans, programs, and oversees all Town activities related to civil and traffic engineering, project management, construction, street lighting and traffic signal maintenance, drainage and water quality, floodplain management, and storm sewer systems.

• Coordinates daily operations, assigns and prioritizes work, monitors progress, and inspects completed projects. Provides technical guidance and resolves complex engineering issues.

• Supervises professional and technical staff in accordance with Town policies and applicable laws, including hiring, training, performance management, and corrective actions.

• Develops and administers operating and capital budgets; applies for and manages major grants and associated funding.

• Reviews and approves plats, construction plans, and contractor work for compliance with engineering standards and ordinances; authorizes payments or takes corrective action as needed.

• Coordinates closely with other Town departments and external agencies, including county, state, and federal entities, on major projects.

• Provides technical support to Town boards and assists with land acquisition negotiations for municipal projects.

• Ensures departmental compliance with safety regulations and Town policies; monitors worksites for OSHA compliance and takes corrective action when necessary.

• Prepares and updates design criteria, construction specifications, and standard drawings for public infrastructure projects; develops project cost estimates and quality control programs.

• Monitors contractor performance and ensures work meets technical and contractual requirements.

• Assists in implementing the Town’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan.

• Responds to public inquiries regarding ordinances, regulations, and procedures; researches and resolves issues as needed.

• Prepares and submits project status reports to the Public Works Director and Town Manager as required.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Provide coverage in the absence of the Public Works Director or other personnel.

• Participate in various Town teams to assist in the development and direction of the Town.

• Establish and participate in communication meetings.

• Continue professional growth through outside seminars, professional organizations and training classes.

• Represent the Town of Smyrna in community organizations when necessary.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited institution or closely related field and at least ten (10) years of progressive engineering experience including at least four (4) years of supervisory or lead experience.

• Must possess and maintain a valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) certification in the State of Tennessee. If P.E. is from out of state, must be able to obtain TN certification within 6 months of service.

• Must possess a valid Tennessee driver's license. Certification as a Floodplain Manager and as a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer in the state of Tennessee is preferred.

• A Master's Degree in Engineering or Administration is desirable.

• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Salary : $50,000 - $124,159