Public Works Director

Public Works Director

Salary

$67.75 - $90.13 Hourly

Location

Public Works Department, AK

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

FY2027-00032

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

10/26/2026

Closing Date

11/20/2026 5:00 PM Alaska

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Applications are Accepted Online Only

Employment opportunities with the City of Wasilla will be posted on our recruitment website. If you would like to apply for a position, you must do so through Neogov (a.k.a. Government Jobs).

Applicants will create a profile and complete an application online; you may attach items such as resumes, certifications or licenses. In addition, you are able to create job alerts for positions which will generate a system notification when a position is posted in your desired field or department.

If you do not have an account with Neogov, you will need to create one at NeoGov. You will also be directed to NeoGov to create or access your account when you click on "Apply" for a job posting. You will be required to have a valid email address, and select a Username and Password to start an account.

If additional assistance is needed, an Online Employment Guide can be found by clicking on Help & Support at the bottom of the Applicant Login page, by going to Online Employment Application Guide or by contacting Human Resources.

Job Summary

This is a confidential/manager at-will position with the City of Wasilla. This position oversees the planning, direction, and evaluation of a comprehensive Public Works program, encompassing roads, buildings, parks, water supply, sewer treatment facilities, and municipal airport operations. The role ensures the delivery of essential services to maintain public infrastructure and safeguard public safety, health, and welfare. Additionally, the position is responsible for ensuring the effective operation and coordination of all Public Works divisions.

Essential Duties

The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Defines and implements departmental goals and objectives, developing work plans and strategies to meet short- and long-term needs while ensuring compliance with legal requirements and City policies.
• Oversees and manages departmental operations, ensuring services are delivered efficiently and effectively.
• Administers and ensures compliance with ordinances, engineering standards, City codes and policies, keeping them aligned with City goals.
• Responds to emergency situations outside of business hours as needed, coordinating departmental resources to address urgent issues.
• Monitors department projects and initiatives, ensuring deadlines and objectives are met. Regularly updates City Council and leadership on progress.
• Develops and updates the departments GIS services and ensures compliance with FAA, state, and federal reporting requirements.
• Oversees Emergency Management planning as one of the City's Emergency Management Coordinators, participating in drills, preparedness activities, and emergency response operations.
• Maintains communication and collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, including organizations like the DOT&PF, MSB, MPO, FAA, DEC, DNR, AKOSH and fire marshal's office.
• Directs and manages departmental staff, including hiring, training, performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
• Identifies training needs and provides development opportunities for staff to enhance performance and operational effectiveness.
• Assigns tasks, monitors progress, and ensures performance aligns with department goals.
• Participates in hiring panels for Public Works and other City positions and ensures annual performance reviews for staff are completed on schedule.
• Coordinates with division supervisors to ensure timely and accurate completion of subordinate performance reviews.
• Manages capital projects, including design, bidding, construction, and budget oversight, ensuring timely and cost-effective implementation.
• Prepares and presents short- and long-term Capital Improvement Plans (CIP), prioritizing projects for rehabilitation or replacement.
• Coordinates the development review process, including annexations, zoning, construction plans, and permitting.
• Conducts infrastructure inspections to ensure compliance with regulations and ordinances.
• Oversees services provided by external engineering consultants and vendors, ensuring quality and compliance with contracts.
• Reviews and approves permits, invoices, procurement documents, and legal agreements, including property, water rights, easements, and right-of-way (ROW) encroachments.
• Responds to citizen complaints, inquiries, and concerns regarding public works projects and department matters.
• Researches, develops, recommends, and implements policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency, sustainability, and safety.
• Monitors adherence to departmental standards and ensures effective application of policies and procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and innovation within departmental operations.
• Evaluates and implements new technologies, systems, and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Produces annual department budgets, updates to the 5-year CIP, and reports on department goals and initiatives for City Council.
• Develops strategies to address future operational needs, including funding forecasts, capital improvement planning, and departmental growth.
• Coordinates with the Mayor, Deputy Administrator, and Finance Director to align departmental initiatives with City goals and secure funding or grants.
• Represents the department in meetings with internal and external stakeholders, public agencies, and private organizations.
• Regularly attends City Council meetings to provide updates, secure approvals, and present reports or project updates.
• Coordinates Airport Advisory Commission meetings to provide updates, secure approvals, and present reports or project updates.
• Leads trainings for Airport Advisory Commission members and facilitates the agenda and meeting topics with the chairman or vice chairman.
• Provides strategic advice and counsel to City leadership.
• Writes and reviews department reports, agendas, presentations, and grant management documents.
• Oversees grant reimbursement processes for state and federal airport, water, and sewer grants, ensuring compliance and timely submission.
• Approves park use permits and other public works-related documents daily during peak seasons.
• Reviews, edits, and approves legislation, including resolutions, ordinances, action memos, and informational memos, ensuring accuracy and adherence to bi-weekly deadlines.
• Prepares and manages the annual departmental budget, including forecasting, monitoring expenditures, and identifying funding needs.
• Reviews and approves procurement documents, ensuring compliance with City policies.
• Attends and leads meetings with staff, stakeholders, and governmental partners to align initiatives and secure approvals.
• Oversees administrative tasks such as returning phone calls, emails, and other correspondence promptly to maintain strong communication with internal and external contacts.
• Performs additional duties as assigned to support departmental and City objectives.

Knowlege, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles and practices.
• Methods and techniques in the design, construction and maintenance of municipal facilities and projects.
• Principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.
• Administrative policies and procedures of the City.
• The City's and Department's operating requirements, policies, procedures, and practices; and local, state, and federal regulations related to department programs and operations.
• Management and supervisory practices & principles, including the ability to make final employment recommendations, preparing performance evaluations, managing time-off, and maintaining personnel records.
• Principles and practices of budgeting, fiscal management, project management principles and techniques.
• Computer software including word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and specialized software consistent for this position.

Skill in:

• Skill in researching and understanding complex written materials.
• Organizational and time management to prioritize duties while adapting to constant changes in priority.
• Researching and understanding complex written materials; maintaining accurate internal records.

Ability to:

• Develop department goals and objectives.
• Effectively utilize the principles of strategic and long and short-range planning.
• Adapt and take control of situations, dictating subordinate activities in a responsible manner.
• Instruct and train in methods and procedures.
• Organize, assign, and modify the work assignment of others, and (re)-establish priorities to meet deadlines.
• Apply sound judgment and discretion in performing duties, resolving problems, and interpreting policies and regulations.
• Communicate detailed and often sensitive information effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position.
• Prepare and maintain accurate and concise records and reports.
• Maintain professionalism at all times.
• Use appropriate language, style and methods depending on audience and the purpose of communication.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing with business representatives, elected officials, department heads, the public, and other City employees with courtesy and tact.
• Maintain effective working relationships with individuals within and outside the organization.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding business-related files, reports and conversations, within the provision of Freedom of Information Act and other applicable State and Federal statutes and regulations.
• Work the allocated hours of the position and responds after hours if needed.

Experience, Education Certificates, and Licenses

Minimum Experience: Eight (8) years of professional work experience in public works or engineering with four (4) years of directly related, progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience. A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Minimum Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or related field.

Minimum Certifications: Registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering in the State of Alaska.

Other Requirements:

• Public Administration training preferred.
• Must obtain a valid State of Alaska Drivers License by time of hire.
• Homeland Security orientation tests will be required as a term of employment; ICS-100 taken on-line with 15 days of date of hire; ICS-200, ICS-700, and ICS-800 tests to be taken on-line with 45 days of date of hire. Complete ICS-300 and ICS-400 training as it becomes available.

Please read the below information carefully. This applies to your application submission.

Attaching a resume or curriculum vitae is not an alternative to filling out the application in its entirety. Leaving sections of the application blank, noting "see resume or CV" or any similar response on any portion of your application may lead to a determination your application is incomplete and removal from consideration for this job posting.

At time of application, applicants are requested to submit if applicable:

• Copy of academic transcripts (unofficial are okay, please ensure that the institution name/URL is listed on the transcript) if using education to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Three (3) professional references, two of which must be from a current or former supervisor (not applicable for internal positions).
• Reference requests are automatically sent upon submission of your application for certain positions.

SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS

For your application to be evaluated you must answer the Supplemental Questions. Be sure to read each question carefully, answers cannot be changed once your application is submitted. Supplemental questions regarding certification, licenses or experience will be verified against information in your application and/or resume, failing to list required experience may cause your application to be denied.

EDUCATION

If post-secondary education is required to meet the minimum qualifications, you must fill in the Education section of the application. If you have not obtained a degree, please indicate the number of units completed. Copies of transcripts are required to verify educational credentials if used to meet the minimum qualifications for a position. Transcripts can be attached at the time of application or within 48 hours of the close of this recruitment to the contact person listed below.

EEO STATEMENT

The City of Wasilla complies with Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Individuals with disabilities, who require accommodation, auxiliary aides or services, or alternative communication formats, please call 1-907-373-9039. The City of Wasilla is an equal opportunity employer.

DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE POLICY

In compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988 the City of Wasilla prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use by an employee of a controlled substance as defined in Schedules I through V of Section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 USC 812), and as further defined by policy at 21 CFR 1308.11 - 1308.15 is prohibited in any workplace of the city.

Any individual who conducts business for the city, applies for a position or conducts business on the city's property is covered by the drug-free workplace policy. The policy includes, but is not limited to, all employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, and applicants.

NOTICE

If you choose to be contacted by email, please ensure your email address is correct on your application and that the spam filter will permit email from the 'govermentjobs.com' domains. For information on allowing emails from the 'governmentjobs.com' domains, visit the Lost Password Help page located at https://www.governmentjobs.com/OnlineApplication/User/ResetPassword/User/ResetPassword.

The City of Wasilla offers a robust benefit package for employees. In addition to retirement, health insurance, life insurance, and paid leave, employees may elect supplemental benefits through payroll deduction.

• Health insurance is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield. The City covers 100% of the monthly premiums for employees and dependents. This plan includes medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, disability benefits, and more for the employee and eligible dependents. Deductible for individual/family is $300/$600 and Out of Pocket maximum is $2300/$4600. Click here to see the summary plan description booklet: F12-02-SPD-2020-With-Inserts-as-of-08.23.23.pdf (engineerstrust.com).
• Important: There is a one-month gap between the month an employee becomes eligible and the month coverage begins. Health insurance coverage does not begin the month immediately following the employee's hire date.

For example, regardless of the date an employee is hired in July, health insurance coverage will begin September 1. An employee hired on July 1, July 15, or July 31 will have the same coverage effective date of September 1. Therefore, an employee hired in July will not have health insurance coverage beginning August 1.

• 24/7 Telemedicine via SwiftMD. These visits are covered in full and are not subject to the annual deductible or coinsurance provisions of the plan.

• Full time employees receive 11 paid holidays: New Years Day, President's Day, Seward's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Alaska Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and Christmas Day.

• Employees with 0-3 years of service with the City of Wasilla will accrue 144 hours/year (12 hours/month) of paid time off. After 3 years, they will qualify for 16 hours/month, and after 8 years of service, employees qualify for 20 hours of PTO per month. PTO may be cashed out twice per year.

• Retirement is provided through the State of Alaska PERS (Public Employees Retirement System). Participation in PERS is mandatory and the current contribution rate is 8% of gross wages. The City of Wasilla matches 5% of employee contributions for Tier IV employees. Employees will become fully vested after 5 years of PERS employment.

• State of Alaska Supplemental Benefit System (SBS) annuity plan is provided in lieu of Federal Social Security (deductions for Medicare will still be required). Participation in this program is mandatory. The current employee contribution is 6.13% of gross wages and is matched by the City. Information can be found online through the State of Alaska Division of Benefits and Retirement at http://doa.alaska.gov/drb.

• Life insurance is provided through Symetra Life Insurance Company at no cost to eligible employees. Employees receive $50,000 in life insurance coverage. Eligible dependents are also covered, with $2,000 in life insurance for an eligible spouse and $1,000 for each eligible child. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following 30 days of continuous employment. This is a portable policy, allowing employees to continue coverage after separation from employment by assuming responsibility for the premium payments.

• The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is free to employees and their entire household. The EAP includes valuable work/life balance tools ranging from fitness and nutrition, eight counseling sessions, and legal services. MagellanHealth.com/member 1-800-478-2812.

• Supplemental benefits are available through AFLAC, MetLife, Mission Square, New York Life, Colonial, and Symetra at a cost to employee.

01

Do you have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Engineering or related field?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have eight (8) years of professional work experience in public works or engineering with four (4) years of directly related, progressively responsible administrative and supervisory experience?

• Yes
• No

03

Are you registered as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering in the State of Alaska

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Wasilla

Address 290 E Herning Ave

Wasilla, Alaska, 99654

Phone 907-373-9035

Website http://www.cityofwasilla.gov