PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

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Job Function:

This is a highly responsible, professional, and technical position involving the oversight and coordination of employees, activities, and infrastructure projects within the Public Works Department. The role combines department-level leadership with hands-on project management responsibilities, requiring considerable independent judgment, discretion, and advanced technical expertise. Under the administrative direction of the City Manager and general guidance of the Public Works Director, the incumbent organizes and directs key operational areas including right-of-way, streets, building maintenance, sanitation, engineering services, and stormwater utility programs. Additionally, the position functions as the lead project manager for complex capital improvement projects across multiple divisions, including Transportation, Stormwater, and Parks. The role involves managing capital planning, project budgets, design and construction coordination, contractor performance, construction inspection, interdepartmental collaboration, and ensuring regulatory compliance. The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, strategic planning, and organizational skills to oversee both department operations and high-impact public infrastructure projects.

Essential Duties:

  1. Directs the development, administration, and review of departmental budgets; exercises control over expenditures and evaluates the need for staff, materials, and equipment.
  2. Reviews, recommends, and facilitates utility rates, grants, bonds, and loans to ensure sustainable public services and long-term financial planning.
  3. Leads and manages major capital improvement projects across public works, including project scoping, budgeting, design review, permitting, construction oversight, and closeout.
  4. Manages project budgets and schedules, ensuring all deliverables are completed on time, within scope, and in compliance with funding requirements.
  5. Plans, schedules, directs, and reviews the work of departmental staff through direct supervision, reports, and field observation.
  6. Coordinates and monitors the work of contractors, engineers, architects, and construction inspectors to ensure high-quality, cost-effective project delivery.
  7. Provides strategic input on long-term infrastructure planning, service delivery improvements, and departmental goals.
  8. Leads and participates in interdepartmental planning meetings to align project priorities, timelines, and resources with other City departments.
  9. Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints regarding services performed by the Public Services Department.
  10. Prepares and presents reports and project updates to City leadership, elected officials, advisory boards, and community stakeholders.
  11. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including environmental permitting and reporting requirements.
  12. Oversees the preparation, submission, and management of grant applications, funding reimbursements, and financial tracking for capital projects.
  13. Leads procurement activities including development of RFPs, vendor selection, contract negotiation, and coordination of material and service delivery with contractors and vendors.
  14. Prepares and submits periodic departmental and project-related reports, including updates on master service plans and financial program evaluations.
  15. Assists the City Manager with special capital projects and high-priority initiatives as needed.
  16. Represents the City on advisory boards, committees, and at public meetings.
  17. Performs other related duties as assigned to support department and City objectives.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Strong knowledge of civil engineering principles, public infrastructure systems, and construction methods.
  • Familiarity with engineering design, permitting, and operational practices for public improvement projects and developments.
  • Ability to prepare and review project cost estimates, bid specifications, technical reports, and contract documents.
  • Proficient in interpreting and drafting maps, aerial photographs, survey notes, and cartographic records.
  • Comprehensive understanding of applicable federal, state, and local codes, laws, and ordinances, including FDEP, SJRWMD, and FDOT regulations.
  • Knowledge of permitting processes and regulatory compliance related to public works and utility operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and manage high-value capital projects from concept through completion.
  • Proficiency in project management tools and software, including Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, and AutoCAD (preferred).
  • Experience in budgeting, public administration, inventory control, and customer rate structures.
  • Skilled in strategic planning, problem-solving, performance evaluation, and effective task delegation under tight deadlines.
  • Proven ability to manage, motivate, and evaluate professional staff, consultants, contractors, and field personnel.
  • Skilled in coordinating diverse Public Services operations with attention to ADA requirements and sustainable community principles.
  • Ability to foster a productive and respectful work environment for employees of varied backgrounds and skill levels.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to make effective public presentations and prepare clear, concise reports.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to work tactfully with employees, elected officials, consultants, regulatory agencies, media, and the general public.
  • Working knowledge of office procedures, clerical processes, and administrative support practices.

Required Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Business or Public Administration, or a closely related field is preferred.
  • Minimum of seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in Public Services, Public Works, or Utilities, including construction project management and infrastructure operations within a municipal or governmental setting.
  • At least five (5) years of supervisory or managerial experience overseeing professional staff, contractors, or operations within a division of Public Services or a related field.
  • Possess a Valid Florida Driver’s License.
  • Complete the required National Incident Management System (NIMS) training within 6 months of completion of probationary period.
  • A comparable combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Must be able to perform all essential duties of the position satisfactorily, demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Physical Skills:

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills in English, including the ability to speak clearly and understand spoken instructions.
  • Acceptable visual and auditory acuity, with or without corrective devices (e.g., glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids).
  • Physical ability to perform essential job functions, including sitting for extended periods, standing, kneeling, climbing ladders, and lifting up to 80 pounds.
  • Proficient in operating standard office and field equipment, including computer systems and components, multi-line telephones, two-way radios, reproduction equipment, light power tools, and automobiles.


Environmental Conditions:

  • Work performed both indoors and outdoors, in variable weather conditions.
  • Subject to fieldwork at construction sites and during emergency operations

(Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with existing ADA requirements for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.)

Note: Job Descriptions are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties

performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.


This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. E-Verify Works for Everyone For more information on E-Verify, or if you believe that your employer has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact DHS.

The City of Mount Dora is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Mount Dora will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

Mount Dora is a drug-free, smoke-free, EOE.

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