Description

The City of Baytown is seeking a highly qualified individual responsible for the overall administration, development and direction of the Public Works Department that includes nearly 300 employees. The Public Works and Engineering Director reports to an Assistant City Manager and provides leadership and strategic direction for the operations and maintenance of the City’s streets, drainage, traffic, sanitation, municipal garage, engineering, water production and distribution, along with wastewater collection and treatment. It will be imperative for the next Director to lead the PWE team to address the infrastructure needs for anticipated growth, as well as the maintenance and replacement needs of existing, aging infrastructure.

Duties

• Lead and manage all Public Works & Engineering operations — set department goals, long-range plans, policies, and operating procedures for water, wastewater, streets, traffic, drainage, and solid waste services. Provide overall direction to ensure services are delivered effectively and align with City priorities.
• Oversee infrastructure planning, design, construction, and maintenance — direct capital improvement program studies and manage engineering contracts from RFQ/RFP through design, inspection, construction, and testing. Review and approve project scopes, plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Direct staffing, performance, and department work plans — select, train, motivate, and evaluate staff, ensuring professional development, retention, and succession planning. Assign projects, review work methods, and implement changes to improve efficiency and service levels.
• Manage budgets and resource allocation — develop and administer the department’s budget, including forecasting needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitor expenditures and make budgetary adjustments to use limited resources cost-effectively.
• Serve as the primary liaison and representative for Public Works & Engineering — coordinate with other City departments, boards, commissions, and outside agencies, and prepare and present reports to City leadership. Represent the department on sensitive and controversial issues, respond to citizen inquiries and complaints, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or a related field of study.
• 10 years of experience in a professional level in Public Works and Engineering with five of those years having progressive management and supervisory responsibilities.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record (must obtain TX driver’s license within 90 days).

OR

• An equivalent combination of education, experience, certification and/or licenses sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Public or Business Administration, Environmental Sciences, Civil Engineering, or a related field of study.
• Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of Texas.