Director of Public Works

The City of Blue Springs, a vibrant and diverse suburb of Kansas City, Missouri, is seeking a Director of Public Works.

The Director of Public Works is responsible for leading and managing the overall operations of the Public Works Department, which includes the planning, design and execution of public infrastructure projects. This position provides strategic leadership and ensures the efficient delivery of public services such as water, wastewater, stormwater management, transportation, and fleet management.

The Director plays a critical role in advising city officials, developing policies, and ensuring compliance with regional, state, and federal regulations. The Director manages a staff of 55 and oversees an annual budget of $17.9 million.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Departmental Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership across all Public Works divisions, including engineering, water, sewer, wastewater, streets, and fleet management. Foster an environment of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
2. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Management: Lead the development and execution of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, ensuring that all public infrastructure projects align with community needs and long-term strategic goals. Oversee project timelines, budgeting, and resource allocation.
3. Service Delivery Optimization: Continuously monitor and assess service delivery methods and operational procedures. Identify areas for improvement and implement changes to enhance service efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and responsiveness to community needs.
4. Budget and Financial Oversight: Manage department operations, including budget development, financial analysis, and expenditure tracking. Ensure compliance with City policies and procedures while optimizing resource use to achieve department goals.
5. Staff Supervision and Development: Directly supervise department staff, including professional engineers, technical personnel, and administrative support. Provide ongoing mentorship, training, and development opportunities to foster a high-performance work environment.
6. Project Oversight: Review and approve engineering designs, plans, and specifications for city construction projects. Provide expert guidance on complex engineering issues and ensure projects comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
7. Collaboration with External Stakeholders: Serve as the City’s representative on public works and engineering matters in discussions with other governmental jurisdictions, contractors, and the public. Negotiate and administer interagency agreements.
8. Community Engagement: Establish and maintain strong relationships with community members, local businesses, and stakeholders. Attend public meetings, present to City Council, and respond to citizen concerns related to public works.
9. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regional, state, and federal laws and regulations, particularly those related to environmental protection, water quality, and transportation. Stay informed of changes in the regulatory environment and adjust department operations accordingly.
10. Emergency Management: Lead the department’s response to emergencies, including severe weather, infrastructure failures, and other crises affecting public works services. Coordinate closely with other City departments and regional agencies.
11. Technological Integration: Promote the use of modern technology and data analytics to improve service delivery and enhance decision-making. Oversee the implementation of smart infrastructure solutions where applicable.
12.Sustainability Initiatives: Lead efforts to integrate sustainable practices into public works projects, focusing on environmental stewardship, green infrastructure, and energy efficiency.
13. Transportation Planning: Oversee the development of safe, efficient transportation systems, with attention to multimodal transportation options, including pedestrian, bicycle, and transit facilities.
14. Floodplain and Stormwater Management: Ensure effective stormwater management and flood mitigation strategies are in place, working closely with state and federal agencies on compliance and funding opportunities.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree and Professional Engineer (PE) certification are strongly preferred.

Experience: A minimum of 7-10 years of experience in civil engineering, public works management, or a related field, with at least five years in a leadership or supervisory role.

Skills:
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage large teams and multi-million-dollar budgets.
• Expertise in public works project management, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure planning.
• Proficiency with computer systems and software related to public works and engineering operations.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, staff, contractors, and the public.
Competencies:
• Analytical Thinking: The ability to analyze complex problems related to public infrastructure, environmental issues, and city planning. This includes identifying root causes, evaluating options and making data-driven decisions.
• Strategic Planning: Capability to develop long-term plans and strategies for Public Works projects while considering budget constraints, resource allocation, and community needs. This includes forecasting future requirements and anticipating challenges.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proficiency in addressing challenges related to infrastructure maintenance, public safety, and regulatory compliance. This includes resolving issues efficiently and effectively to minimize disruptions.
• Decision-Making: Aptitude for making timely and well-informed decisions based on thorough analysis and consultation with stakeholders. This includes balancing immediate needs with long-term objectives.Policy Development: Capability to contribute to the development of policies and regulations governing public infrastructure projects. This involves understanding legal and regulatory frameworks and ensuring compliance.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, priorities, and emerging technologies in the field of public works. This includes being open to new ideas and innovations.
• Project Management: Proficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously, from planning and budgeting through to implementation and evaluation. This involves ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Risk Management: Ability to assess risks associated with public works projects and develop mitigation strategies to minimize potential impacts. This includes understanding environmental, financial, and operational risks.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to work in both office and field environments. Ability to sit for extended periods, move between different project sites, and operate standard office equipment. Ability to move around construction sites, public infrastructure areas, and municipal facilities. This may involve walking on uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods. Ability to lift or move objects up to 25 pounds. While not a routine part of the job, there may be occasional tasks involving light lifting (e.g., files, documents, small equipment). Ability to operate a motor vehicle to travel between project sites, attend meetings, or respond to emergencies within the city or region. A valid driver’s license is required. Sharp vision for inspecting sites, reviewing detailed plans and documents, and observing work conditions. This includes near vision for reading reports and far vision for overseeing projects in the field. Ability to hear and understand verbal instructions, especially in noisy environments like construction sites. This also includes communicating with staff, contractors, and the public. Occasional exposure to outdoor elements such as weather (rain, heat, cold), dust, noise, and hazards on construction sites. Must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when necessary.