Director Department of Public Works

The City of Lawrence is seeking to hire a Director for the Department of Public Works who has experience in performing functions and duties in a municipal environment.  The role is vital to managing, oversee and approve the construction of the city’s public works projects, such as roadways, small structures, storm water drainage, water and sewer systems, and public buildings. Work closely with city officials, stakeholders, and other engineering professionals to ensure projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within budgets.

• Develop and oversee infrastructure projects to meet the city's needs and improve the quality of life for residents.
• Conduct site visits, surveys, and inspections to assess project feasibility and identify potential challenges.
• Oversee and assist city engineers with designs, plans, and specifications for construction projects.
• Coordinate with contractors, architects, and other professionals to ensure projects are completed in accordance with city regulations and standards.
• Collaborate with city departments to address community concerns and optimize project outcomes.
• Monitor project progress, budget expenditures, and timelines to ensure timely completion.
• Stay current with industry trends, regulations, and best practices.
• Prepare drainage calculations and design storm water, sanitary sewer and potable water improvements for minor projects in the City.
• Assist with projects for all City capital improvements projects related to storm drainage, potable water, and sanitary sewer.
• Prepare and submit budgets for the DPW and Street Departments.                                                                                                                                                            

• Work with the Street Department Director in order to plan and schedule internal maintenance and repair activities.
• Review and approve right of way and drainage permits.
• Apply for various grant funding to supplement department budgets, such as Community Crossing Grants for roadway projects and other similar infrastructure grant opportunities.
• Attend Board of Public Works meetings regularly and City Council & Utility Service Board meetings.

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the organization and the community through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s Values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

• Judgment and Decision Making -Uses logic and reasoning to analyze, understand, and evaluate complex situations.  Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of alternative approaches or solutions to a situation.  Exercises appropriate judgment in establishing priorities.
• Interpersonal Relationships - Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees at all levels, representatives from various departments, and outside agencies. Effectively responds to and resolves complex inquiries and disputes.
• Computer Skills - Utilization of modern office technology, including but not limited to word processing, spreadsheet, and related software with reasonable speed and accuracy, as it is related to the position.
• Communication - Excellent ability to listen and understand information presented verbally and in writing.  Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and diplomacy and in a confidential manner.
• Coordination of Work - Ability to plan and organize a daily work routine and establish priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management.

·         The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Frequently standing, bending, stooping, and walking on uneven terrain.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field
• Must have and retain a valid Indiana driver’s license and have the ability to operate a City vehicle
•  Management or other experience in a municipal environment is desired but not mandatory

Requires a background investigation to include a local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry, and consumer report. Requires satisfactory results from pre-employment drug screening.

• Full-time, civilian, salary, exempt position.
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and other Voluntary policies.
• Paid holidays, earned vacation and sick time.

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Director for the Department of Public Works. The specific duties may vary based on the municipality's needs, structure, and existing processes.