Director of Public Works

We are looking for a strategic leader who is skilled in project management. The Public Works Director position was created to oversee all functions of Engineering, Highway Maintenance and our Landfill operations, including supervision of department staff, strategic planning and finance management.

Steele County

Job Description

Job Title: Director of Public Works

Division: Public Works

Immediate Supervisor: County Administrator

FLSA Status: Exempt

DBM Rating: E83

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the County Administrator, the Public Works Director is responsible for providing the vision, strategic planning and direction in overseeing the overall operations, plans, projects and staff of the engineering, highway and landfill departments directly or through designated supervisory personnel, engaged in the planning, design and/or maintenance of roads, bridges, ditches, landfill, buildings, county-owned parking lots and fairgrounds in the County. The Director of Public Works coordinates with each department regarding the planning, design and implementation of capital improvements to the County's road and bridge infrastructure and/or fairgrounds in accordance with state, federal and other agency standards, guidelines, rules and safety requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversees the operations, priorities and activities of the division of Public Works.

o Work with directors/supervisors to establish work plans, criteria, priorities and goals.

o Work with directors/supervisors to establish, review and/or approve department budget and expenditures.

• Directs, manages and oversees the activities of all division personnel directly or through designated supervisory personnel.

o Assigns works duties and responsibilities.

o Monitors and reviews work assignments.

o Evaluates the performance of staff.

o Assists in training in new personnel.

o Controlling and defining job responsibilities and functions within the department.

o Interviews, recruits, hires and selects of department personnel.

o Determines the need to discipline or discharge department staff.

• Develops the strategic and long-range plans for the County's public works infrastructure and landfill in conjunction with directors/supervisors.
• Oversees and directs the preparation, administration, and reporting of grants, reports and contracts. Solicits project funding to state or federal agencies. Writes grants to receive project funding; applies for project funding through state aid, federal aid or other grants.
• Performs and conducts a variety of public relations activities and responsibilities.

o Serves as the primary contact and spokesperson for the County and the County Board on public works matters.

o Conducts public meetings with County Engineer and Department Heads to discuss and explain project activities and needs.

o Coordinates projects with Department Heads, cities and townships, as needed.

o Provides advice to County Engineer and County Board on public works issues. Directs the development, revision and evaluation of ordinances, policies and procedures in conjunction with Department Heads.

o Confers with the County Administrator and HR Director on policies and procedures that affect the operation of the department.

o Advises and makes recommendations to the County Board concerning changes required in department plans, operations, procedures or activities resulting from changing laws, rules, or regulations.

• Performs other duties of a comparable level or type, as required.

o Keeps abreast of changing trends, policies, best practices and developments in areas of responsibility.

o Attends conferences, seminars, regional meetings and participates in various professional organizations, as appropriate.

o Assumes special projects at the direction of the County Administrator or County Board.

Essential Knowledge

• Fundamentals of management and supervision.
• County administrative policies and procedures (e.g. HR policies, purchasing, accounting, records retention, etc.).
• Knowledge of contract administration, project planning, development and management practices and requirements.
• Knowledge of public employment law, local practices, OSHA and safety requirements pertaining to general office, construction and maintenance activities.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to activities of the department (e.g. safety, construction standards, contracts, labor laws, drainage, permitting, wetland and environmental).
• Fundamentals of accounting, budget planning and strategic planning for county infrastructure.
• Computer operation and operation of specialized software.

Essential Skills

• Oral and written communications.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with city representatives, elected officials, landowners, contractors and the public over projects concerns, questions, compliance issues, land acquisition or maintenance needs/concerns.
• Planning, developing, presenting and administering the approved department budget.
• Planning, developing and establishing short and long-range plans, goals and objectives.
• Supervising, managing and directing the work activities and functions of the department directly or through designated supervisory personnel.
• Project management, organizational and administrative skills.
• Planning and designing civil engineering projects requiring engineering principles and practices; engineering mathematical skills; and surveying skills.
• Interpretation and application of policies, laws, rules and standards impacting all division functions.
• Public relations and conflict resolution.
• Operating personal computer and specialized software programs (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, presentation programs, etc.).
• Communicating and enforcing departmental and county policies, procedures and practices.
• Preparing and presenting reports.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Transportation Planning, Urban Studies, Public Administration, Business Administration or closely related field with 10 years of experience in relevant work that includes a minimum of 3 years of management/supervisory experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid Driver's License
• Ability to pass a standard background check

Working Conditions

Work duties involve irregular and unpredicted hours. A substantial portion of this position is engaged in administrative/management activities, but while in the field, the incumbent(s) may be exposure to disagreeable outside weather and related conditions (e.g. cold, heat, dust, wet, steep terrain, woods, etc.), or dealing with angry customers, citizens, landowners contractors, etc.

This description is intended to describe the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty being performed by people assigned to this classification. The list of responsibilities is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

Full-Time, Exempt Opportunity that is Benefit & Pension Eligible

We are looking for a strategic leader who is skilled in project management. The Public Works Director position was created to oversee all functions of Engineering, Highway Maintenance and our Landfill operations, including supervision of department staff, strategic planning and finance management.

This position will remain open until filled; first review of applications will take place on Wednesday, July 8th, 2026 after that we will review applications as we receive them.

Equal Opportunity Employer