The primary function of this position is to ensure that the City of Taft maintains an adequate, reliable, and sustainable water supply and wastewater system in compliance with all applicable federal and state regulations, while planning for the City's current and future infrastructure needs. The Director of Public Works is responsible for the overall administration, organization, management, and supervision of the City's Public Works operations. Areas of responsibility include water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, water and sewer maintenance and construction, street maintenance and construction, drainage, parks, and related municipal infrastructure. The Public Works Director provides leadership and direction to departmental personnel; establishes operational priorities; oversees the maintenance and improvement of City infrastructure; ensures compliance with applicable regulatory requirements; assists in planning and budgeting for capital improvements; and coordinates Public Works activities to ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable delivery of essential municipal services. Essential Duties and Responsbilities Implements directives, policies, and priorities established by the City Manager and ensures departmental operations are carried out in accordance with City policies and applicable laws and regulations. Advises and makes recommendations to the City Manager regarding improvements to the quality, efficiency, reliability, and availability of public services provided to the citizens of the City. Strategically plans for the City's current and future water supply, water distribution, wastewater collection, and wastewater treatment needs, including infrastructure improvements, system capacity, regulatory compliance, and long-term capital requirements. Supervises and directs water and sewer construction, repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation activities, including the installation and replacement of water and wastewater infrastructure. Supervises the operation and maintenance of the City's water production, storage, and distribution facilities and wastewater collection and treatment facilities, ensuring compliance with applicable Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requirements and other federal, state, and local regulations. Supervises street maintenance, repair, and construction activities, including drainage systems, rights-of-way, traffic control signs, pavement repairs, and related public infrastructure. Supervises the maintenance, repair, and proper operation of Public Works vehicles, heavy equipment, machinery, and other departmental equipment and assets. Directs and coordinates the Public Works Department's response to emergencies and major disasters and participates in the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when activated. Ensures Public Works personnel, equipment, and resources are prepared to support emergency response and recovery operations. Attends City Council meetings, workshops, staff meetings, and other meetings as required. Prepares and presents reports, recommendations, project updates, and other information to the City Manager, City Council, and other governmental or regulatory entities as necessary. Reports directly to the City Manager and assists the City Manager in the overall administration and operation of the City, particularly in matters involving public infrastructure, utilities, facilities, and municipal services. Assists in the preparation, development, and implementation of the City's annual operating budget and Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). Develops departmental budget recommendations, identifies capital and infrastructure needs, monitors departmental expenditures, and assists in establishing short- and long-term infrastructure priorities. Provides executive leadership and direction for the Public Works Department, including planning, organizing, assigning, supervising, and evaluating departmental operations and personnel. Coordinates with engineers, consultants, contractors, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other governmental entities regarding City infrastructure projects, regulatory requirements, and Public Works operations. Monitors the condition and capacity of City infrastructure and recommends preventative maintenance, rehabilitation, replacement, and capital improvement projects necessary to maintain reliable municipal services and accommodate future growth. Ensures appropriate records, reports, inspections, maintenance documentation, regulatory filings, and other departmental records are properly maintained. Performs other related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the City Manager.

Qualifications:

Three (3) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, water and wastewater utilities, infrastructure, or municipal operations, including three (3) to five (5) years of supervisory or management experience. Experience supervising personnel, municipal infrastructure maintenance, construction activities, and water and wastewater utility operations is preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Texas driver s license and an acceptable driving record.