Public Works Superintendent

The Public Works Superintendent oversees the operation and maintenance of municipal infrastructure including water, sewer, streets, stormwater systems and fleet services. This role supervises staff, manages budgets and resources, and ensures efficient service delivery, regulatory compliance, and alignment with the City’s operational programs and policies.

• Leadership, Supervision, and Coordination
  • Lead, supervise, and evaluate the performance of Public Works and Fleet
  • Provide leadership that fosters accountability, professional development, and effective teamwork
  • Coordinate work schedules, assignments, and priorities to ensure efficient and responsive operations across all divisions, including fleet services
  • Maintain a positive work environment through effective communication and collaboration with employees, internal departments, and external partners
• Operations and Fleet Oversight
  • Direct and oversee the maintenance and construction of municipal infrastructure, including water distribution systems, sewer systems, streets, signage, traffic signals, snow removal, and stormwater systems
  • Oversee fleet maintenance operations to ensure vehicles and equipment are properly maintained, safe, and operational
  • Ensure preventative maintenance programs are in place and effective for all city infrastructure, vehicles and equipment
• Fleet Management and Replacement Planning
  • Oversee the Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Program (VERP) 
  • Monitor fleet utilization and performance to ensure cost-effective and reliable operations
• Budgeting and Financial Management
  • Prepare and manage the annual budget for transportation, water, sewer, and fleet operations
  • Assist in forecasting long-term equipment and infrastructure needs
  • Review and approve expenditures for materials, parts, equipment, and services
• Procurement, Inventory, and Vendor Management
  • Oversee the procurement of materials, parts, tools, equipment, and supplies; participate in developing specifications and reviewing bids
  • Ensure proper inventory management practices are in place for supplies and equipment
  • Coordinate with vendors for outsourced maintenance and repair work; review bids, authorize services, and ensure quality and completion of contracted work
• Safety and Regulatory Compliance
  • Oversee and coordinate safe workplace practices, ensuring compliance with all safety standards and regulations
  • Ensure adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations, including reporting requirements
• Customer Service and Community Relations
  • Respond to public complaints and inquiries, providing resolution or directing appropriate action
  • Coordinate with internal departments and external stakeholders to support city operations and community needs
  • Promote positive community relations through responsive service and communication
• Strategic Planning and Organizational Support
  • Assist in identifying, planning, and scheduling capital improvement projects
  • Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and updates to the Community Development Director and other leadership
• Miscellaneous Responsibilities
  • Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall mission and effectiveness of the Public Works Division

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid State of Missouri Class A Commercial Driver's License required or the ability to obtain within 6 months
• Five (5) to seven (7) years’ experience in related field

Preferred Qualifications

• General facilities maintenance knowledge
• Pertinent water and sanitary certifications
• Associates degree in related field
• DS3 water operator's license or the ability to obtain within the minimum time required

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices related to the operation and maintenance of municipal infrastructure (water, sewer, streets, stormwater systems)
• Safety standards, regulatory requirements, and compliance
• Budgeting and financial management
• Capital improvement planning and project scheduling for public works

      Ability to:

• Respond to after-hours emergency calls within 30 minutes
• Communicate effectively with staff, the public, and other departments, both verbally and in writing
• Supervise, train, and evaluate staff performance, including managing disciplinary actions
• Adapt leadership approach to meet organizational and personnel needs while maintaining operational efficiency
• Analyze operational data and performance metrics to optimize work processes and outcomes

      Skills in:

• Operation and maintenance of public works equipment, including vehicles and specialized tools for infrastructure tasks
• Conflict resolution and effective customer service with both internal and external stakeholders
• Project management, including planning, implementing, and overseeing water, sewer, transportation and capital improvement projects

Supervision Received

• The work is performed under the supervision of the Community Development Director.

Supervision Exercised

• Responsible for supervising Public Works and Fleet

Work Environment

• Primary duties are performed outdoors and in a maintenance facility and may include work in confined spaces, adverse weather conditions, and hazardous environments involving power tools and heavy equipment, hazardous chemicals, and biohazardous materials
• Adverse outdoor working conditions including extreme heat and cold and inclement weather
• Exposure to dirt and dust

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of hearing, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions and alarm and warning systems, including backup alarms
• Sufficient visual acuity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions and work orders
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a variety of power and hand tools and to make adjustments to equipment
• Sufficient strength to lift objects over 50 pounds
• Sufficient body flexibility and balance to perform maintenance and repair operations which require climbing and working on ladders and power lifts