Position Announcement

Public Works DIRECTOR

Asheville, NC

The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Works Director. The Public Works Director hired by and reporting to the City Manager (with day to day supervision by an Assistant City Manager), will lead the dedicated staff of the City’s Public Works Department as they continue to provide high-level service to the community. 

Our ideal candidate will not only have the technical aptitude required for this position, but will also: 

• Be forward thinking with demonstrated skills and experience in overseeing public works operations;

• Have strong leadership skills with the ability to empower, develop, and support staff at all levels within the department;

• Have a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with operational staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and members of the public;

• Be a visionary leader with the ability to strategically guide the department to provide both excellent and sustainable services;

• Exhibit a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through their leadership of the department; and

• Be a natural collaborator, have genuine empathy, and be a change agent.

Public Works (PW) has an operating budget of over $27.9 million, has 193 FTEs, and provides the following services through these Divisions: 

• Administration
• Sanitation
• Streets
• Stormwater
• Fleet Management
• Asset Management

 For more detailed information regarding this opportunity, see the Position Profile.

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field required; supplemented by ten years of progressively responsible experience in engineering and managing public works infrastructure programs and activities, to include lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Salary and Compensation

Hiring range: $113,590.79 to $170,386.18 DOQ, plus a very competitive fringe benefits package.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should apply by June 15, 2024 to be considered in the initial review of applications by completing an application to include a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references in confidence at:

AshevilleNC.gov/jobs

After June 15, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled or until a sufficient number of applications are received.

Asheville is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 

Women, and BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous and People of Color) candidates are encouraged to apply. 

If you have questions regarding this opportunity, or a recommendation of a colleague, please contact: 

J.D. Slater at JSlater@ashevillenc.gov or 828-412-2707