Description
REPORTS TO: City Manager
EMPLOYEE STATUS: Regular
SCHEDULE: Full-time
STANDARD HOURS PER WEEK: 40.00
OVERTIME STATUS: Exempt
PRIMARY LOCATION: Kenedy, TX, 78119
TRAVEL: Up to 10% of the time
STARTING SALARY RANGE: $85,000
Summary/Objective:
The Director of Public Works at the City of Kenedy oversees the planning, development, operation, and maintenance of the city's infrastructure, including streets, drainage, water and sewer services, transportation, and parks. This role ensures safe, functional, and sustainable infrastructure to meet community needs while providing strategic leadership in budget management, project coordination, and regulatory compliance. The Director fosters collaboration with internal departments and external agencies to support the city’s strategic goals, enhance public safety, and drive economic development. Engaging with residents, businesses, and stakeholders is essential to address concerns, promote public awareness, and maintain a high standard of service. Success in this role is measured through project execution, fiscal responsibility, compliance, and public satisfaction. This job description outlines key responsibilities but is not exhaustive. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned or required as necessary.
Supervisory Status:
The Director of Public Works at the City of Kenedy provides direct supervision to four department heads and indirect supervision to 26 employees across multiple divisions. Direct reports include the Water Superintendent, Wastewater Superintendent, Parks and Streets Superintendent, and Public Works Administrative Assistant, all under general supervision. Indirectly, the Director oversees staff in water, wastewater, parks, and streets divisions, ensuring operational efficiency and alignment with city objectives.
Essential Functions:
- Lead the inspection, maintenance, and improvement of city infrastructure—including streets, drainage systems, water and sewer facilities, and parks—ensuring functionality, safety, and adherence to local, state, and federal regulations.
- Develop and implement long-term infrastructure plans, oversee public works projects from conception to completion, and collaborate with city leadership to align operations with growth and sustainability goals.
- Manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and identify cost-saving measures and funding opportunities to support public works initiatives and capital improvement projects while ensuring fiscal responsibility.
- Engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders through public meetings, outreach programs, and timely responses to inquiries and concerns, fostering trust and promoting awareness of city projects and initiatives.
- Develop and implement emergency response plans in coordination with emergency services, ensuring the department is equipped to handle infrastructure-related incidents and natural disasters effectively.
- Provide strategic leadership and direction for the Public Works Department, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, optimizing resource allocation, and promoting a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Minimum Experience:
5-10 years of experience in public works, civil engineering, or another equivalent position or related field with 5 years of supervisory experience.
A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
TCEQ Class C Water and Wastewater License or higher
Must be able to upgrade Water and Wastewater license to Class B or higher within 18 months of employment.
Valid Class C Texas Driver’s License
Experience in reading and interpreting documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, engineering drawings, plans, and specifications.
Proficient leadership and management skills with the ability to manage, assign, and review work.
Experience in writing routine reports and correspondence.
Experience in effectively communicating verbally with employees.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
Ability to address and resolve problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
Preferred Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or a related field.
10+ years of experience in public works, civil engineering, or a related field with supervisory responsibilities.
Extensive experience in management and operation of Water & Wastewater Systems.
Proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects in water, wastewater, and street construction, renovation, and repair.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
o Principles and practices of public works administration, including infrastructure planning, operations, and maintenance across streets, drainage, water, wastewater, transportation, and parks.
o Applicable local, state, and federal regulations related to public infrastructure, environmental compliance, and safety standards.
o Budget development, financial management, and procurement processes for municipal operations.
o Engineering principles, construction practices, and project management methodologies related to public works projects.
o Emergency response planning and risk management related to public infrastructure and public safety.
o Effective community engagement strategies to foster public trust and address infrastructure concerns.
Skills in:
o Strategic leadership and decision-making to align department goals with the city’s mission and long-term objectives.
o Project management, including planning, execution, monitoring, and completion within scope, budget, and timeline constraints.
o Financial analysis and budgeting to ensure responsible resource allocation and cost control.
o Effective communication, including public speaking, report writing, and presenting complex information to diverse audiences.
o Negotiation and conflict resolution to address stakeholder concerns and interdepartmental collaboration.
o Utilizing modern technology and software applications relevant to public works operations, including GIS, asset management, and project tracking systems.
Ability to:
o Develop and implement policies, procedures, and operational strategies to enhance public works efficiency and service delivery.
o Lead and supervise a diverse workforce, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment.
o Analyze infrastructure needs and develop solutions that align with the city’s growth and sustainability objectives.
o Build and maintain positive relationships with residents, businesses, elected officials, and regulatory agencies.
o Adapt to evolving challenges, including changing regulations, community expectations, and technological advancements.
o Prioritize multiple projects and tasks effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
o Respond to emergency situations promptly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to public services.
Work Schedule:
The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for evenings, weekends, and on-call duties as needed for meetings, events, and emergencies. This is an on-site position with no remote or hybrid work options.
Work Environment:
The Director of Public Works primarily works in an office environment (90%) with occasional duties in laboratories and outdoor settings (25%), which may involve exposure to varying weather conditions and remote locations. The position frequently encounters environmental elements such as dust, dirt, and moisture (40%), with minimal exposure to grease, fumes, and other airborne irritants (<10%). While the work environment is generally quiet (80%), occasional exposure to moderate noise and vibrations occurs during site visits (<10%). This role involves occasional exposure to workplace hazards, including heavy machinery, electrical risks, and hazardous materials (<15%), with work often conducted on slippery or uneven surfaces (50%) and in variable lighting conditions (20%). Regular screen-based work (80%) and high visual concentration are required, with adherence to safety protocols (90%) and occasional use of personal protective equipment (PPE) (<10%). Frequent travel and driving (80%) are essential for site visits and meetings, with limited opportunities for remote work (50%). The position may involve high-pressure deadlines, challenging interactions, and the need for sustained mental focus. Occasional long hours, overtime, and irregular scheduling may be required (<10%) to meet operational demands.
Physical Demands:
The Director of Public Works role combines administrative and fieldwork responsibilities, requiring prolonged sitting (80%) and repetitive motions such as typing and writing (80%) for administrative tasks and communications. Walking (20%) and standing (10%) are necessary for site inspections and staff interactions. The role occasionally requires lifting and carrying materials up to 50 pounds (<10%) and infrequently lifting heavier items (<10%). Physical activities such as climbing, pulling, pushing, kneeling, crouching, and bending occur as needed, typically comprising less than 20% of duties. Driving standard vehicles (90%) is a key aspect of the role for travel to project sites and meetings, with minimal use of specialized vehicles (<5%). Occasional work in confined spaces, at heights, and with safety equipment such as harnesses or protective gear (<5%) may be required. The role occasionally involves fine and gross motor skills, including handling and reaching at various levels (<5%). Strong visual acuity (80%) is essential for reviewing technical documents, and verbal communication (90%) is critical for engaging with stakeholders. Hearing capabilities (<5%) support effective interactions. The position demands physical adaptability and compliance with safety standards to ensure efficient operations.
Disclaimer:
The City of Kenedy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the City of Kenedy provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during all phases of employment. The City of Kenedy will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Applicants or employees requiring accommodations should contact the City of Kenedy at (830) 583-2230 or via email at applications@kenedytx.gov.
All employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment process, including a drug screening conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state laws, a job-related pre-employment physical examination consistent with ADA requirements, and a criminal history check conducted in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other applicable fair hiring practices and regulations. Pre-employment screenings, including drug testing and physical examinations, will be conducted in accordance with the ADA and other applicable regulations, ensuring they are job-related and consistent with business necessity. The City of Kenedy will provide applicants with the required notices and obtain written authorization prior to conducting any background check, in compliance with FCRA requirements. Employment with the City of Kenedy is at-will and may be terminated by either party at any time, with or without cause or notice. This policy may not be altered except by a written agreement signed by the City Manager.
