Published date: July 28, 2025
Public Works Director
FLSA: Exempt
SALARY: DOQ
REPORTS TO: City Manager
Job Summary:
Responsible for administration of the City’s water distribution system, wastewater treatment plant, sanitation, wastewater collection, streets and drainage system, fleet maintenance, Public Works buildings, and other related areas. Provides technical advice and planning information to the City Manager and City Council, the City Planning and Zoning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustment, and the general public on all matters relating to the operation, management, and policy related to the department and these functions. Performs related work as required.
Supervision Received:
Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager.
Supervision Exercised:
Supervises the Water, Sewer, Drainage, Street, Sanitation and Fleet Maintenance.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Principal duty is administration of the Department of Public Works.
- Plans, organizes, assigns, coordinates, and directs departmental operations in the providing of services such as water and sewers, streets, health and sanitation, and fleet maintenance shop.
- Supervises the control of the expenditure of departmental appropriations and submits annual departmental budget estimates and description of needs.
- Must keep abreast of changing land use to ensure proper traffic flow through the entire City.
- Ensures compliance with master thoroughfare plan and subdivision ordinance.
- Responsible for completing and submitting all required regulatory reports, Permits and notices on times
- Ensures compliance with federal and state laws and regulations governing public works activities.
- Maintains favorable public relations and coordinates with other cities.
- Develops, maintains, and administers an adequate labor force and supervisory staff to meet the needs of the department. Responsible for employee relations within the Public Works Department.
- Negotiates and administers contracts for the City pertaining to all Public Works’ activities.
- Performs related work as required.
- Provides administrative assistance to the City Manager.
- Attendance is an essential function of this job.
- Exhibits the City of Harker Heights’ Core Values.
Minimum Qualifications:
Required Education, Degrees, Certificates and/or Licenses: Requires at least five (5) years experience in public works field and/or with two (2) plus years experience in management (Prefer Bachelor of Science Degree and/or equivalent experience), Texas Class B Water Distribution Certification, Texas Class B Wastewater Treatment Plant Certification and a Texas driver’s license, Class C. Driving record must be satisfactory according to City of Harker Heights and departmental rules and regulations.
Two (2) years progressively responsible experience in municipal administration, with a demonstrated ability to effectively coordinate and negotiate with elected and appointed officials and the general public. Skill in public speaking.
Knowledge:
Directs and evaluates the activities of the Assistant Director, superintendents, and supervisors, which includes planning, supervising and coordinating the design, construction, and maintenance of water, sewer, street, and fleet maintenance; manages the scheduling of the most efficient use of manpower and equipment; reviews work in progress and upon completion at various work sites; advises subordinates on work methods, policies and materials; prepares estimates on construction jobs and related improvements; coordinates work of the divisions of the department; prepares annual reports and budgets; develops policies, procedures and long range plans for implementation within the department; directs selection, training, and disciplining of personnel; prepares specifications and approves purchases of materials, supplies, and equipment; confers with City Manager on ordinances and policies. Develops special reports. Reviews, and maintains operational, production, financial, or technical records. Assists in project management and overseeing the successful completion of capital improvement projects in the City.
Responsible for economies in respective operations and activities through efficient and economical use and conservation of labor, material, and supplies as related to the entire department or for increased returns and revenues through specific operations and activities related to the department. General responsibility for proper use, operation, maintenance, major repairs and adjustments of machines, equipment, and facilities. Complete responsibility for initiating and enforcing rules and regulations on the compliance with standard safety measures by employees in various areas of the organization. Responsible for exercising care and compliance with standard safety measures to ensure personal safety.
Plans, organizes, and administers review of development proposals for conformance to City codes and ordinances including coordination with other City departments. Coordinates the Capital Improvement Program and recommends priorities for public works projects. Administers contracts in compliance with City and State requirements.
Skills:
Makes presentations both orally and in person, in private or public meetings. Effectively represents the position of the City to the public and media. Effectively represents the City in professional organizations and at outside activities as needed. Coordinates well with other department directors.
Abilities:
Effectively and courteously communicates with the public and other employees by telephone, in writing and in person. Sits for extended periods of time writing and reviewing reports, correspondence and compiling statistical data. Handles customer complaints.
Attends meetings of the City Council and as needed, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Adjustment. Communicates effectively and courteously in the English language and with the public and other employees in person, in writing, and by telephone. Distinguishes colors on slides, maps, plans, illustrations, and graphic representations, drives to visit project sites and attend meetings and conferences.
Ability to operate a copier, telephone, calculator, fax machine and other office equipment. Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisor, City personnel, City officials and general public.
Ability to make independent decisions and use good judgment and discretion in applying City policies, rules, and regulations. Ability to schedule daily activities and establish short- and long-term priorities in order to meet established goals. Ability to read, analyze, understand and apply complex information systems, financial and/or technical records, reports, ordinances, policies, etc.
Ability to work under considerable stress as a result of tight deadlines and balancing multiple projects. Ability to attend and remain at work regularly and adhere to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environments conditions. Tasks require sound and visual perception and discrimination, as well as oral communications ability.
Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above required knowledge, skills and abilities is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.
Physical Demands:
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently; and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze data and figures, perform accounting tasks, operate a computer terminal, do extensive reading, drive a motor vehicle, and be able to inspect work of others.
Selection Guidelines:
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required. The duties above are intended only as illustration of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
It is the policy of the City of Harker Heights to employ positive business and personnel practices designed to ensure the full realization of equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, disability (if otherwise qualified), or veteran’s status.
This is a safety sensitive position.
The employee is employed at will and may be dismissed with or without cause at any time during his/her employment.
Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/harkerheights/jobs/5021660/public-works-director