Description
Plan, direct, and coordinate municipal public works operations and capital programs across multiple divisions (streets, water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, fleet, and facilities). Formulate policy; manage daily field and administrative activities; allocate materials, equipment, and staff; and ensure regulatory compliance, safety, and reliable service. Oversee divisions through subordinate managers and contractors, and lead budgeting, performance management, and long-range infrastructure planning.
- • Direct and coordinate street, water, wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, fleet, and facilities operations.
- • Develop and manage operating budgets, capital improvement plans, grants, and funding strategies.
- • Review KPIs, work orders, and financial reports to improve productivity, service quality, and costs.
- • Establish and enforce departmental policies, SOPs, and safety programs.
- • Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations and permits (e.g., EPA, NPDES).
- • Plan and schedule maintenance, construction, and emergency response; allocate staff, equipment, and materials.
- • Lead capital projects from scoping through design, bidding, construction, and closeout.
- • Procure goods and services; manage RFPs, contracts, and vendor performance.
- • Implement asset management and CMMS for inventories, condition assessments, and lifecycle planning.
- • Prepare staff schedules; recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor supervisors and crews.
- • Administer labor agreements and employee relations with HR.
- • Coordinate with other departments, utilities, and agencies on right-of-way, traffic control, and joint projects.
- • Engage the public and elected officials; present plans, budgets, and project updates; resolve service requests.
- • Implement sustainability and resilience initiatives, including recycling, energy efficiency, and green infrastructure.
- • Monitor suppliers to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery within budget.
- • Recommend sites and designs for new public works facilities; oversee renovations and upgrades.
- • Manage inventory, warehouses, and fleet readiness to support field operations.
- • Lead severe weather and disaster response, including snow and ice operations and debris removal.
Related specializations
Interview options
Interview options
Interviewee gender
Interviewee accent
Interview time
Source
Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
Learn more
Sources & Standards:
This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
