Description

It’s an exciting time to work in West Lake Hills!

The City of West Lake Hills (Population 3,444) is nestled in the beautiful foothills located just minutes from downtown Austin in a unique, treed community with natural surroundings and access to varied recreational opportunities. We are seeking our next Public Works Director to join our team. 

City employees enjoy twelve (12) days each of paid vacation and sick leave, plus eleven (11) paid holidays each year. Excellent benefit and insurance options are available to our employees. The City also provides an attractive retirement plan where the City contributes a 2:1 match towards your retirement.

For a complete job description, visit the City's website at www.westlakehills.gov.

Annual Salary Range: $125,000 – $140,000 DOQ

To apply for this position, email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) references to citysec@westlakehills.gov. 

First resume review will be August 21, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Requirements

Job Title: Public Works Director
FLSA Classification: Exempt, Salary; Full-Time 
Reports to: City Administrator 
 

GENERAL PURPOSE

The Public Works Director oversees the planning, coordination, and management of the City’s general service operations, including facilities, streets, drainage, wastewater collection, and landscape maintenance. This position ensures reliable and efficient delivery of essential municipal infrastructure and public works functions, whether performed by city staff or through third-party contracts. The Public Works Director exercises considerable independent judgment, technical expertise, and administrative ability in supervising day-to-day operations and long-range maintenance programs to preserve the City’s assets and quality of life.

ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT

• Reports to: City Administrator
• Supervises: Public works staff and/or third-party contract personnel, and service vendors related to general services operations.
• Coordinates with: City Engineer, Building & Development Services, Communications and Emergency Management Coordinator, Police Department, and other city staff; utility providers; regulatory agencies and external contractors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities Management

• Directs the operation, maintenance, and repair of City Hall Complex, and other municipal buildings and infrastructure.
• Oversees custodial services, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and structural systems.
• Manages preventive maintenance schedules, capital improvement projects, and equipment replacement programs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable fire, safety, building, and ADA codes.
• Administers and monitors facility-related contracts for janitorial, pest control, elevator, security, and other services.
• Maintains asset inventory and supports facility space planning and emergency readiness.

Streets, Signs, and Markings

• Plans and oversees the maintenance and repair of city streets, curbs, and sidewalks through contractors or City staff.
• Conducts inspections and recommends resurfacing, reconstruction, or repair priorities.
• Manages installation and maintenance of traffic control signs and pavement markings in compliance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD).
• Coordinates right-of-way inspections and repairs related to utilities or private construction.
• Responds to citizen concerns and maintains records of maintenance activities.
• Develops annual and multi-year plans and budgets for street infrastructure.

Drainage and Rights-of-Way

• Oversees stormwater and drainage system maintenance, including culverts, ditches, inlets, and channels.
• Coordinates inspections, cleaning, and repairs to prevent flooding and erosion.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal stormwater management and floodplain regulations.
• Supervises mowing, tree trimming, and maintenance of rights-of-way and drainage easements.
• Works with engineering consultants on stormwater improvements and capital drainage projects.
• Responds to citizen reports of drainage issues and prepares maintenance recommendations.

Wastewater Collection System, Lift Stations, and Grinder Pumps

• Oversees operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater collection system, including lift stations and grinder pumps.
• Coordinates with licensed operators and contractors to ensure regulatory compliance with TCEQ and EPA requirements.
• Implements preventive maintenance programs and ensures accurate documentation of service calls and inspections.
• Responds to system alarms, overflows, and emergencies; coordinates timely repairs.
• Evaluates system performance and recommends capital improvements to enhance reliability.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and replacement parts for wastewater facilities.

Landscaping and Quality of Life Attributes

• Manages landscape maintenance of City-owned properties, trails, gateways, and public rights-of-way.
• Oversees contracts for mowing, irrigation, tree maintenance, and seasonal plantings.
• Promotes sustainable and water-efficient landscape practices.
• Coordinates beautification projects, public art installations, and other quality-of-life initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with tree protection and environmental management standards.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding aesthetics, landscaping, and maintenance concerns.

Emergency Management

• Participates in emergency response and disaster recovery operations as required.
• Informing supervisors and contract utility managers of utility hazards, public health issues, or problem areas within the municipality.
• Serves as a key member of the City’s Emergency Management team, coordinating Public Works and infrastructure response during emergencies and disasters.
• Assists in development, implementation, and maintenance of the City’s Emergency Management Plan in coordination with the Emergency Management Coordinator and regional partners.
• Coordinates with Travis County, neighboring jurisdictions, and utility providers to ensure effective response and continuity of operations.
• Oversees preparation and readiness of City facilities, vehicles, and equipment for emergency use.
• Participates in emergency operations center (EOC) activities, disaster recovery efforts, and post-incident damage assessments.
• Ensures compliance with applicable FEMA and State of Texas emergency management guidelines.
• Conducts or participates in training and tabletop exercises to maintain staff and contractor preparedness.

Administrative and Supervisory Duties

• Prepares and manages budgets for all general service divisions and contract activities.
• Manages procurement with the finance department and oversees contract administration for maintenance and Public Works services.
• Maintains asset management systems, service records, inspection reports for Public Works related activities, and regulatory documentation.
• Develops standard operating procedures and ensures adherence to safety and environmental practices.
• Provides reports and recommendations to the City Administrator and City Council.
• Supports citywide strategic and capital improvement planning.
• Making presentations to boards, commissions, city council, or community association meetings as requested.
• Working with internal and external technical staff to communicate utility-related issues to clients, council/board members, and outside consultants.
• Adhering to all state, federal, and city health and safety procedures as they relate to essential job functions.
• Working on other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School diploma with 10-15 years of progressively responsible utility maintenance supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree with 5-10 years of related utility management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• EPA / TCEQ certification in wastewater utility operations in Texas or an equivalent licensing in another State with the ability to successfully transfer certification to Texas, if necessary, is preferred.
• A valid driver’s license.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Public Works operations and maintenance best practices.
• Facilities, wastewater, stormwater (MS4), and right-of-way management principles.
• Applicable Texas regulatory requirements (TCEQ, TMUTCD, OSHA, etc.).
• Contract administration, budgeting, and project management.
• Preventive maintenance and asset management systems.
• Applicable computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Incode (accounting), MGO Connect (permits), ArcGIS/Online GIS, and appropriate AI tools.

With ability to:

• Plan, direct, and evaluate multiple public service programs simultaneously.
• Interpret and apply municipal policies, technical standards, and regulations.
• Prepare clear reports, budgets, and correspondence.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and operational challenges.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License required.
• TCEQ Wastewater Collection System Operator license preferred.
• Certification in project management, safety, or public works operations desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The ability to walk, stand, and sit.
• Exposure to the elements in hot or cold environments.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• The ability to travel to sites for work.

OTHER

• This job description is subject to change at any time.
• This is an at-will position without a definite duration or term of office.
• The City of West Lake Hills is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please contact the City Secretary at (512) 327-3628.
• The City of West Lake Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer.