The Public Works Sr. Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Town’s public infrastructure systems, including water distribution, wastewater collection, streets, drainage, parks, and municipal facilities. This position ensures the reliable delivery of essential public services while maintaining safe roadways, functional stormwater systems, and well-maintained Town facilities.
The Sr. Director plans, directs, and evaluates departmental operations; manages staff and resources; oversees capital improvement initiatives; and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. The role also serves as a key advisor to Town leadership on infrastructure planning, operational efficiency, and long-term asset management.
· Provide overall leadership and direction for Public Works and Utilities operations.
· Oversee the maintenance, repair, and operation of water distribution, wastewater collection, streets, storm drainage, parks, and municipal facilities.
· Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and operational strategies.
· Lead long‑range infrastructure planning, including capital improvement projects.
· Develop and manage the department’s annual operating budget and monitor expenditures.
· Coordinate infrastructure master planning for water, sewer, streets, and stormwater systems.
· Respond to citizen concerns and ensure timely resolution of service requests.
· Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing public works operations.
· Confers with state, federal, local representatives, regulatory agencies, contractors, and consulting engineers on programs involving the department, including regulatory requirements, grants, bids, etc.
· Supervise, mentor, and evaluate Public Works staff.
· Seven (7) to ten (10) years of extensive and progressively responsible experience in all phases of municipal public works operations
· Three (3) to five (5) years of experience in a senior management position over public works or utilities operations
· Knowledge of water distribution, wastewater systems, stormwater infrastructure, and street maintenance.
· Experience with capital improvement planning and infrastructure asset management.
· Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
· Ability to collaborate effectively with elected officials, staff, contractors, and the public.
· Experience in dealing with FDOT.
· Experience securing additional long-term water sources and developing capital improvement programs.
· Experience in effective Project Management from concept to completion.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Finance, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
· Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, infrastructure management, or municipal utilities, including supervisory experience. Knowledge of EPA, Florida Department of Environmental Regulation, Water Management Districts, and Health Department regulations as they pertain to water and wastewater systems.
· Class 2 Water Distribution License.
· Class A or B Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator License.
· Valid Florida Class C Driver's License.
Work is performed in both office and field environments. The position may require site inspections, field evaluations, and exposure to outdoor conditions, including heat, noise, dust, and moving mechanical equipment typical of public works operations.
The Town of Lake Placid is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Join us as we build resilient communities through innovative infrastructure solutions! This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead transformative projects that impact daily life while working within a collaborative environment committed to excellence in public service.
Pay: $36.05 - $55.29 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
Education:
Experience:
- Public Works Utilities: 10 years (Required)
- Personnel Management: 8 years (Required)
- Dural Operator Licenses: 10 years (Required)
- Commercial construction: 10 years (Required)
- Price Negotiation: 10 years (Required)
- Commercial Bids: 10 years (Required)
- Project management methodology: 10 years (Required)
- Computer literacy: 5 years (Required)
- Presentation skills: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- Class 2 Water Distribution (Required)
- Class A /B WWTP Operator (Required)
- Driver Licenses (Required)
Location:
- Lake Placid, FL 33852 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Lake Placid, FL 33852: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
