Job Title:

Public Works Director Department:

Public Works Salary:

$92,000 - 106,000

FLSA Status:

Exempt Reports to:

City Manager Work Schedule:

Full-time; 40-hour workweek, with additional hours as required

Supervisory Responsibility:

Supervises Public Works divisions and assigned personnel Position Summary Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Public Works Director plans, organizes, directs, coordinates, and oversees the City's public works operations, infrastructure, facilities, personnel, and related administrative functions. The Director is responsible for the efficient, safe, and cost-effective construction, operation, maintenance, and improvement of municipal infrastructure and public facilities. The position oversees the Streets, Parks, Cemeteries, Airport, Water, Wastewater and Building Maintenance and ensures that services are delivered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, City policies, approved budgets, and established operational standards. The Public Works Director provides leadership and supervision to departmental employees, develops and administers operating and capital budgets, coordinates projects and services with other City departments and outside agencies, responds to citizen concerns, and advises the City Manager on departmental operations, infrastructure needs, long-range planning, and opportunities to improve municipal services. This position requires a combination of administrative leadership, technical knowledge, field oversight, public service, and emergency response. The Director must be available outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergencies, as necessary to maintain essential City services and respond to departmental needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. 1. Department Administration and Operations Plan, organize, direct, and oversee the daily operations of the Streets, Parks, Cemeteries, Airport, Water, Wastewater and Building Maintenance. Establish departmental goals, priorities, work plans, schedules, and performance standards consistent with the City's objectives and direction from the City Manager. Develop, implement, and maintain departmental policies, procedures, operational guidelines, and maintenance programs. Evaluate departmental operations, identify service deficiencies, and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, improve service delivery, and maximize available resources. Coordinate departmental activities with other City departments, contractors, consultants, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities. Ensure City facilities, infrastructure, equipment, and work sites are maintained in a safe, orderly, and operational condition. Provide technical and operational assistance in the field when necessary. 2. Streets, Drainage, Parks, Cemeteries, and Airport Oversee the maintenance, repair, construction, and improvement of City streets, alleys, sidewalks, drainage infrastructure, and related public rights-of-way. Direct street maintenance activities, including pavement repairs, signage, traffic-control devices, mowing, debris removal, and other related work. Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of City parks, public grounds, landscaping, recreational facilities, and associated equipment. Coordinate cemetery operations, including grounds maintenance, facility upkeep, and related services. Oversee maintenance and operational needs associated with City airport facilities, grounds, and infrastructure. Identify infrastructure deficiencies and develop recommendations for repairs, improvements, replacement, and long-range capital planning. Coordinate inspections, contractor activities, construction schedules, and project completion to ensure work meets approved specifications and applicable requirements. 3. Water and Wastewater Operations Oversee the operation, maintenance, repair, and improvement of the City's water distribution, water production, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment systems, as applicable to City operations all in accordance with TCEQ regulations. Ensure appropriate monitoring, testing, sampling, maintenance, documentation, and reporting are performed in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements. Monitor system performance and coordinate corrective action for equipment failures, service interruptions, leaks, backups, and other operational concerns. Ensure qualified personnel perform regulated activities requiring specific licenses, certifications, or technical qualifications. Maintain required operating records, laboratory results, inspection reports, permits, and regulatory documentation. Coordinate with the appropriate regulatory agencies regarding inspections, reporting, compliance matters, and corrective actions. Monitor system needs and capacity, and recommend improvements to maintain reliability, operational efficiency, and service continuity. 4. Personnel Management and Supervision Supervise, direct, and evaluate departmental employees and subordinate supervisors. Establish work assignments, schedules, priorities, and performance expectations. Maintain appropriate employee attendance, timekeeping, leave, training, and performance records. Participate in recruitment, interviewing, selection, onboarding, training, and employee development in accordance with City policies. Conduct performance evaluations and address performance deficiencies, misconduct, and workplace concerns in accordance with established City procedures. Recommend disciplinary action and administer discipline within delegated authority and applicable City policies. Promote accountability, teamwork, workplace safety, professionalism, and effective customer service. Ensure employees receive appropriate training in equipment operation, safety procedures, regulatory compliance, and assigned job duties. 5. Budgeting, Purchasing, and Financial Management Prepare and submit annual departmental operating and capital improvement budget requests to the City Manager. Monitor departmental expenditures, revenues, purchases, and budget performance throughout the fiscal year. Recommend adjustments and prioritize expenditures based on operational needs, available funding, and City priorities. Ensure purchases, contracts, equipment acquisitions, and expenditures comply with City purchasing procedures, budget authorization, and applicable procurement requirements. Maintain accurate records of equipment, tools, vehicles, materials, supplies, and departmental assets. Identify grant opportunities and assist with grant research, applications, administration, reporting, and compliance. Evaluate equipment replacement needs, maintenance costs, staffing requirements, and other factors affecting departmental budgets. Prepare cost estimates, project proposals, and supporting documentation for review by the City Manager. 6. Regulatory Compliance, Reporting, and Records Maintain current knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and requirements affecting departmental operations. Ensure required inspections, reports, notifications, permits, and other submissions are completed accurately and within established deadlines. Maintain complete and accurate departmental records, including maintenance logs, work orders, operating records, employee records, inventories, testing results, and project documentation. Monitor regulatory changes and recommend or implement operational adjustments as appropriate. Coordinate with state and federal agencies, consultants, contractors, and other officials regarding departmental compliance and operational matters. Prepare reports, correspondence, memoranda, cost analyses, and recommendations for the City Manager. Prepare City Council agenda memoranda and supporting materials for review by the City Manager, including background information, financial impacts, alternatives, and recommendations. Maintain records in accordance with applicable retention requirements and City procedures. 7. Infrastructure Planning and Capital Improvements Assess the condition and service needs of City infrastructure, facilities, equipment, and utility systems. Develop short-term and long-term maintenance plans, capital improvement recommendations, and infrastructure replacement priorities. Assist with the planning, design, budgeting, scheduling, and implementation of public works projects. Review plans, specifications, maps, blueprints, cost estimates, and construction documents relevant to departmental projects. Coordinate with engineers, architects, contractors, consultants, and other professionals as necessary. Monitor project progress, expenditures, schedules, and work quality. Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, extend the useful life of City assets, and improve services to the public. 8. Citizen Relations and Public Service Respond professionally and promptly to citizen complaints, service requests, inquiries, and concerns. Investigate complaints, determine appropriate corrective action, and follow through to resolution. Communicate departmental policies, service limitations, project schedules, and operational issues clearly to the public. Maintain professional working relationships with the City Manager, City Council, City employees, community members, contractors, and outside agencies. Provide factual information and operational recommendations to the City Manager and, when authorized, participate in City Council meetings and public presentations. Identify opportunities to improve responsiveness, public communication, and the quality of services provided to Rockdale residents and businesses. 9. Emergency Response and Safety Respond to emergencies affecting City infrastructure, facilities, utilities, and essential public services. Coordinate departmental personnel, equipment, and resources during severe weather, flooding, water or wastewater system failures, infrastructure damage, and other emergencies. Assist with emergency preparedness, response planning, recovery activities, and continuity of essential services. Maintain appropriate emergency response procedures and ensure employees understand their responsibilities during emergency situations. Promote compliance with applicable workplace safety requirements and the proper use of personal protective equipment. Identify unsafe conditions, investigate incidents as appropriate, and implement corrective measures. Remain available outside regular working hours when necessary to address emergencies and maintain essential services. 10. Equipment, Facilities, and Field Operations Ensure departmental vehicles, machinery, tools, equipment, and facilities receive appropriate inspections, maintenance, and repairs. Maintain accurate inventories and ensure supplies and materials are available to support departmental operations. Inspect work sites and facilities to assess work quality, operational conditions, housekeeping, safety, and compliance with established standards. Ensure work areas, plants, shops, storage facilities, and other departmental sites are maintained in a clean, organized, and safe condition. Operate vehicles and equipment and perform field duties when necessary and when properly trained and qualified. Perform other related duties as assigned by the City Manager. 11. Personnel Management and oversite Ensure departmental personnel are assigned tasks efficiently to maximize output and productivity based on personnel knowledge, experience, and capabilities Ensure proper and adequate training is made available to staff to ensure that they have sufficient knowledge and understanding to successfully carry out assigned tasks. Ensure workplace safety is maintained at all times. Hold staff accountable for actions and decisions through formal disciplinary action when necessary. Properly report all accidents, incidents, and injuries to appropriate department in relation to workers compensation or insurance claims processing.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

Education Bachelors Degree required. TCEQ class B or higher licensing required for both Water and Wastewater or able to be obtained within 6 months of hire. Relevant technical training, continuing education, and professional development in municipal public works, water and wastewater operations, or infrastructure management preferred. Experience Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in public works, municipal operations, utilities, infrastructure maintenance, construction, or a related field with at least 3 years in a supervisory role. Demonstrated supervisory or management experience involving personnel, work assignments, operational planning, and departmental coordination. Experience with municipal budgets, purchasing, equipment management, regulatory reporting, and public service operations preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, certifications, and relevant experience may be considered, subject to applicable licensing and regulatory requirements.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record and eligibility for coverage under the City's vehicle insurance requirements. Appropriate Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) licenses for assigned water and wastewater responsibilities, as required by applicable regulations. Water and wastewater operator licenses appropriate to the City's facilities and the duties assigned to the position are preferred. Candidates who do not possess all preferred operator licenses at the time of appointment may be considered if they meet the City's requirements and can obtain the necessary licenses within an established timeframe. Additional certifications in workplace safety, equipment operation, emergency management, construction inspection, or related fields are preferred. Required licenses, classifications, and deadlines for obtaining credentials should be established based on the City's facilities, permit conditions, staffing structure, and applicable regulatory requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Technical and Operational Knowledge Knowledge of municipal public works administration, infrastructure maintenance, construction, and operational management. Understanding of street maintenance, drainage systems, parks, cemetery operations, airport facilities, and municipal water and wastewater systems. Knowledge of applicable regulatory requirements, safety procedures, environmental practices, and public works standards. Ability to interpret maps, blueprints, plans, specifications, equipment manuals, and technical reports. Ability to evaluate equipment and infrastructure needs and develop practical maintenance and improvement plans. Administrative and Financial Skills Ability to prepare budgets, monitor expenditures, analyze costs, and manage departmental resources responsibly. Ability to prepare reports, correspondence, specifications, grant applications, agenda memoranda, and project documentation. Ability to maintain accurate records and meet reporting deadlines. Ability to identify operational problems, evaluate alternatives, establish priorities, and recommend effective solutions. Ability to use computers, standard office software, electronic communication systems, and relevant departmental technology. Leadership and Supervisory Abilities Ability to direct and coordinate multiple divisions with different operational responsibilities. Ability to establish expectations, delegate work, evaluate employee performance, and address personnel matters consistently. Ability to promote teamwork, accountability, employee development, and workplace safety. Ability to make sound decisions within delegated authority and seek direction from the City Manager when appropriate. Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain service delivery with available personnel and resources. Communication and Interpersonal Skills Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing. Ability to explain technical and operational issues to employees, City officials, regulatory agencies, contractors, and members of the public. Ability to resolve citizen complaints and workplace concerns professionally. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, elected officials, and outside organizations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position requires a combination of office-based administrative work and field activities. Physical demands may include standing, walking, sitting, bending, twisting, kneeling, crouching, reaching, climbing, balancing, handling tools and equipment, and operating vehicles. The employee must possess sufficient visual and auditory ability to inspect facilities, read gauges and meters, review plans and reports, operate equipment safely, communicate effectively, and perform assigned duties. The position may require lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling materials and equipment of varying weights. Some items may require team lifting or mechanical assistance. Employees must follow established safety procedures and applicable lifting restrictions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments, including streets, parks, cemeteries, airport facilities, water and wastewater facilities, construction sites, maintenance shops, and other municipal work locations. The employee may be exposed to: Extreme heat, cold, rain, wind, humidity, and other weather conditions. Uneven terrain, mud, standing water, trenches, traffic, and construction hazards. Operating machinery, vehicles, pumps, power tools, and other equipment. Chemicals, treatment additives, wastewater, debris, and other potentially hazardous materials. Noise, vibration, dust, odors, insects, snakes, and other environmental hazards. The employee must follow applicable safety procedures and use required protective equipment, which may include hard hats, safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, protective footwear, and other task-specific equipment.

EQUIPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY

The position may require the use of computers, telephones, radios, tablets, office equipment, vehicles, heavy equipment, hand and power tools, pumps, valves, pressure gauges, testing equipment, laboratory equipment, and other machinery or instruments associated with municipal public works operations. The Director must ensure that equipment is used by appropriately trained and authorized personnel and that applicable inspection, maintenance, and safety requirements are followed.

WORK SCHEDULE AND NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The position is based on a 40-hour workweek but requires flexibility to accommodate departmental operations, emergencies, meetings, projects, and service demands. Additional work outside normal business hours may be necessary, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency callouts. The Director must be able to manage competing priorities, deadlines, interruptions, personnel matters, and time-sensitive operational issues.

FLSA CLASSIFICATION

The position is designated as exempt in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The City of Rockdale is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and City policies.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by the Public Works Director. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may be modified, expanded, or reassigned by the City as operational needs require, consistent with applicable law. The employee is expected to perform assigned duties in a professional, ethical, safe, and responsible manner and to comply with applicable City policies, procedures, and directives.