Job Announcement – Public Works Director

• Position Title: Public Works Director
• Department: Public Works
• FLSA Status: Non Exempt
• Starting Pay: $60,000 to $75,000 (commensurate with experience)

Job Summary

The City of Emerson is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to serve as Public Works Director. Under the direction of the City Manager, this position is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and supervising all Public Works operations, including water distribution, sewer collection, streets, storm drainage, parks, vehicle maintenance, and building maintenance. The Public Works Director serves as a working supervisor, providing leadership to department personnel while ensuring the efficient delivery of public services, regulatory compliance, infrastructure maintenance, and capital improvement support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee all Public Works operations, including water and sewer utilities, streets, stormwater systems, parks, facilities, and rights-of-way.
• Establish departmental priorities and manage maintenance, construction, and infrastructure improvement projects.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and oversee required reporting and recordkeeping.
• Assist in developing and manage the department budget and oversee the procurement of equipment, materials, and services.
• Coordinate with engineers, consultants, contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies on public infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate Public Works personnel, including participation in hiring and disciplinary processes.
• Inspect public works projects and contracted work to ensure quality, safety, and compliance with City standards.
• Prepare reports and provide recommendations to the City Manager regarding departmental operations, projects, and budgets.
• Respond to emergency situations and coordinate departmental response and recovery efforts
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED, Associate’s degree in engineering or vocational or technical training in construction or related field with 3 years’ experience in public works activities or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience, which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position.
• A valid Georgia driver’s license is required.
• Strong knowledge of public works operations, including water, sewer, streets, stormwater, parks, and facility maintenance.
• Knowledge of budgeting, project management, and personnel supervision.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and general computer systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected officials, contractors, consultants, and the public.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and respond to emergency situations.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Additional Requirements

Must obtain within 24 months: Class F license, confined space certification, First Aid/CPR, and flagger certification. Position requires participation in on-call rotation and emergency response.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

Work is performed outdoors in all weather conditions and involves physical labor including lifting up to 75 pounds, working in trenches, and around equipment.

Benefits

• Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Long-Term Disability Insurance, and $15,000 Life Insurance for the employee
• Defined Retirement Plan – fully vested after 5 years
• Voluntary Deferred Compensation Plan (457B)
• Voluntary Life Insurance and AFLAC policies
• Generous Personal Time Off (PTO) policy
• 14 Paid Holidays per year

How to Apply

Applications are available online at www.cityofemerson.org/jobs or can be picked up in person at:

City of Emerson – City Hall

700 Highway 293

Emerson, GA 30137

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Completed applications may be emailed to cityhall@cityofemerson.org or delivered in person to City Hall.

Position will remain open until filled.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Emerson provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.