Assistant Public Works Director

Responsibilities

The Assistant Public Works Director supports the Director of Public Works in managing the city’s infrastructure, services, and maintenance needs. This position emphasizes operational efficiency, staff development, and collaboration to ensure effective service delivery. The Assistant Director plays a vital role in executing strategic initiatives, overseeing daily operations, and fostering innovation while maintaining a strong focus on community engagement and long-term sustainability.

Strategic Support and Implementation

• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to address infrastructure and maintenance needs, minimizing reactive responses to issues.
• Contribute to the execution of capital improvement plans for roadway and off-site drainage projects, ensuring alignment with city goals.
• Utilize data-driven insights and technology to enhance departmental processes and improve service delivery.

Operations and Maintenance Oversight

• Support the establishment and execution of maintenance schedules for city-owned assets, including streets, drainage systems, and equipment.
• Oversee daily operations related to the construction and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, bridges, drainage systems, and other municipal infrastructure.
• Manage and prioritize work orders to ensure efficient task completion and adherence to deadlines.

Employee Development, People Management, and Leadership

• Assist in cultivating a high-performing team through training programs, mentorship, and opportunities for professional growth.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide constructive feedback, and recognize employee achievements.
• Manage staff assignments and schedules to ensure adequate coverage and optimal efficiency.
• Foster an inclusive work environment that empowers employees and promotes collaboration.

Community Engagement and Collaboration

• Actively engage with residents, businesses, and local officials to address community needs and concerns.
• Assist in communicating department goals, plans, and updates through public forums and other communication channels.
• Collaborate with city departments, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure coordinated service delivery.

Technology and Innovation

• Support the integration of innovative technologies to improve workflows, resource management, and project planning accuracy.
• Assist in the implementation of digital tools for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and reporting.

Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Contribute to the development and management of emergency preparedness plans, ensuring the department is equipped to handle natural disasters and other emergencies.
• Assist the Public Works Director in coordinating emergency operations, prioritizing public safety and infrastructure resilience.
• Be available around the clock to respond to emergencies and provide leadership during critical situations.

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Support the Director in preparing the department’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with operational priorities and strategic goals.
• Assist in evaluating capital improvement projects and determining cost-benefit analyses of in-house versus contracted work.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field is preferred; however, a minimum of three (3) years of progressive leadership experience in public works or a related field may be substituted.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license. 

Key Competencies:

• Problem-Solving: Proactively addresses challenges and develops effective solutions.
• Operational Leadership: Ensures efficient day-to-day operations aligned with departmental goals.
• Technical Knowledge: Familiarity with public works operations, asset management, and infrastructure maintenance.
• Employee Empowerment: Supports staff development and fosters a collaborative team environment.
• Communication: Communicates effectively with diverse stakeholders and simplifies complex plans. 

Physical/Environmental Demands for this position, when such demands exist:

Environmental Conditions:

• Office/field environment; occasional exposure to inclement weather conditions.

Physical Conditions:

• Essential and marginal functions require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods and operating motorized vehicles.

Personal Qualities

IBTS places a high value on certain personal traits that work toward creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment, which is essential for working together and achieving success. We believe “how” you achieve your results is as important as what you achieve. The following highlights the personal traits key for success within the organization.

• Strategic/Innovative Thinking
• Interpersonal Skills
• Risk Evaluation/Management/Mitigation:
• Relationship Building

Company Overview

Bring your passion, expertise, and experience to IBTS, where we appreciate and are committed to our employees. We offer outstanding benefits, growth opportunities, and work hard to maintain a culture that values our employees. 

The Institute for Building Technology and Safety (IBTS) is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization established to provide unbiased professional building code compliance services, while enhancing the communities in which we work. At IBTS, our mission is to deliver quality services to meet the challenges of governance at all levels while enhancing public safety, economic development, and the general welfare of the community. Our services include Building and Community Development, Energy and Sustainability Services, Disaster Planning and Recovery, Quality Assurance, as well as Compliance and Risk Monitoring.

IBTS is headquartered in Ashburn, VA, with additional offices in Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Puerto Rico, and Washington, DC.

We are committed to building a community of experts with diverse backgrounds, disciplines, and perspectives who are passionate about our mission. IBTS is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer that maintains a diverse and inclusive workforce.  All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or sexual orientation. This opportunity is open to Section S3 Residents.  Veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Explore the opportunities!