Department of Public Works Supervisor

Position Summary The Department of Public Works (DPW) Supervisor is a working supervisory position responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the day-to-day operations of the Public Works Department. Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works, this position ensures the effective, safe, and compliant delivery of municipal services including streets, utilities, drainage systems, parks, facilities, fleet and equipment maintenance, and other public infrastructure. The DPW Supervisor provides direct oversight of staff, coordinates with contractors and agencies, and serves as a key liaison with the public. This position requires a commitment to continuous professional development, including participation in ongoing education, certifications, and training programs necessary to remain current with evolving laws, regulations, safety standards, technologies, and best practices in public works operations. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Operational Oversight Supervise and participate in daily public works activities, including street construction and maintenance, snow and ice control, drainage systems, parks, facilities maintenance, utilities support, and equipment operations. Assign, monitor, inspect, and evaluate work performed by DPW staff and contractors to ensure quality, efficiency, and timeliness. Develop, coordinate, and implement work plans and schedules for maintenance programs and projects. Respond to service requests, emergencies, and citizen inquiries or complaints related to public works operations. Participate in on-call rotation and respond to after-hours, weekend, and emergency situations. Staff Supervision & Leadership Supervise, train, schedule, and evaluate assigned DPW employees. Assist with hiring, discipline, performance management, and professional development. Advance teamwork, accountability, and a positive, safety-focused work environment. Coordinate staffing and activities with other departments, contractors, and outside agencies. Safety & Regulatory Compliance Enforce safety policies, OSHA standards, and best practices in the workplace. Conduct safety meetings, job hazard analyses, and on-site safety inspections. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, environmental regulations, and utility standards. Maintain required certifications, permits, records, and operational documentation. Planning, Budgeting & Administration Assist in preparing, monitoring, and managing departmental budgets. Track labor, materials, equipment usage, work orders, and inventory. Identify resource needs and opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures. Recommend changes to policies, procedures, standards, and capital improvement planning. Prepare clear and concise reports and documentation. Equipment, Infrastructure & Facilities Operate, oversee, and maintain a wide variety of public works equipment and tools including loaders, backhoes, dump trucks, aerial lifts, power tools, and related machinery. Recommend equipment purchases, repairs, and replacements. Ensure proper use, care, and storage of vehicles, tools, and facilities. Coordinate event setups, seasonal decorations, street banners, lighting installations, buoy maintenance, and irrigation systems. Public Interaction & Coordination Communicate professionally with residents, contractors, vendors, utilities, engineers, and regulatory agencies. Represent the Public Works Department at meetings, public forums, and interdepartmental coordination efforts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge Of:

Public works operations and municipal services Street construction, maintenance, and repair practices Drainage, stormwater, and utility-related systems OSHA standards, occupational safety, and environmental regulations Equipment operation, maintenance, and repair Basic budgeting, recordkeeping, and asset management

Skills & Abilities:

Strong leadership, supervisory, and organizational skills Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, and manage multiple crews and projects Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities Strong written and verbal communication skills Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, contracts, safety rules, and technical documents Ability to train staff and promote safe work practices Proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office products, work order systems, and municipal software (e.g., BS&A); GIS knowledge preferred Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and respond effectively to emergency situations Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED (or equivalent general education competencies) Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities, construction, or a related field Two (2) or more years of supervisory or lead experience Valid State of Michigan Driver's License Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class B with air brake endorsement (required or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe) Preferred Qualifications Post-secondary education in public administration, civil engineering technology, construction management, or a related field Municipal or government public works experience State-issued water and/or wastewater operator certifications Knowledge of GIS data mapping and asset management systems Membership in the American Public Works Association (APWA) Physical Demands & Work Environment The physical demands and work environment described are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made in accordance with applicable laws. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including extreme cold, heat, and inclement weather Ability to stand, walk, sit, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, reach, and twist for extended periods Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull equipment and materials weighing up to 45-75 pounds Ability to climb ladders, maneuver rough terrain, work in confined spaces, and operate equipment safely Exposure to traffic, noise, hazardous materials, fumes, dust, and biological environments (with proper protective equipment) Occasional evening, weekend, holiday, and extended-hour work required Work Schedule Full-time position Flexible hours as required by operational needs On-call and emergency response duties required Seasonal operational demands (summer and winter activities)

Pay:

$52,000.00 - $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

public works: 5 years (Required)

Leadership:

2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

Michigan Drivers License (Required) CDL B (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Douglas, MI 49406 (Required)

Work Location:

In person