The Operations Administrator for the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPW) is responsible for the management, operational oversight, coordination, and performance of the department’s DPW facility and infrastructure systems, with a strong emphasis on day-to-day field operations and service delivery. This position ensures the efficient and effective maintenance and functioning of critical infrastructure, including roadways, Sidewalks and pathways, water and sewer systems, and other public assets. This position also ensures the efficient and responsive service for rubbish and recycling collection; fleet acquisition, maintenance and disposal; and parks and facilities grounds maintenance.
Focused on operations, the Operations Administrator leads efforts to plan, schedule, and manage routine and emergency maintenance activities, ensuring that work is performed safely, timely, and in compliance with applicable standards and regulations. This role collaborates closely with internal divisions, contractors, adjacent agencies, and utility partners to optimize workflows, allocate resources, and develop response strategies. The position also supports data-driven decision-making through the use of asset management systems and performance metrics. Position is also responsible for the Department’s 24/7 emergency response to infrastructure issues and weather events and staff managed by this position are frequently called on for response outside of normal business hours.
The Operations Administrator plays a key role in the department’s budget preparation, capital project coordination, and long-term operational planning, while identifying opportunities for process improvement, collaboration, and innovation. Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills are essential, as the Administrator is expected to mentor staff, resolve operational issues, and ensure exceptional public service delivery.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Supports the Director in the execution of public works operations, including the implementation of initiatives, the direction of operational activities, the coordination of major projects, and continuous quality improvement activities.
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Oversees the department's operations teams consisting of staff in the Parks Maintenance, Sanitation/Recycling, Sewer Collection System, Water Distribution System, Streets Maintenance, Meter Shop and Fleet divisions. Supervises the planning, staffing, equipping, budgeting, execution, and monitoring of all tasks to ensure they are completed in the safest, most cost-efficient manner possible.
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Develops and manages operations budgets across multiple city funds; prepares cost estimates for other departments; oversees fee schedules, inventory, purchase orders, and invoices.
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Serves as a part of the public works leadership team by reviewing site plans, RFPs, project plans, asset management plans, and emergency response plans; manages infrastructure contracts and presents to neighborhood groups, commissions and City Council.
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Serves as the City’s S-1 certified Water System Operator in Charge; leads EGLE audit coordination; attends Water System Advisory Council meetings; and attends regional water/sewer authority meetings.
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Manages the department's emergency response to watermain breaks, sewer backups, rain/flooding events, windstorms, snow/ice storms, sinkholes, missing/damaged street signs, police actions requiring temporary traffic control and many other issues.
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Oversees the coordination of Public Works service requests citywide, providing scope reviews, cost and schedule estimates, final billing, and technical support.
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Represents the department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies. Coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
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Performs related work as required.
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY?
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Competitive salary with annual cost of living increases
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Retirement programs including a hybrid pension (10% of salary) and 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
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$1,000 annual employer contribution to post-employment Health Care Savings Plan
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14 paid holidays
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25 days of paid time off
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30 calendar days of paid parental leave for the birth or adoption of a child
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Health coverage (or receive a $150 monthly buy-out if you have coverage from another source), family dental and vision plan premiums
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Life insurance of 2x annual salary w/optional supplemental coverage, and Long-Term Disability insurance
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Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to use pre-tax dollars for out-of-pocket health and daycare expenses
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An Employee Assistance Program, offering free counseling and support for employees and families
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Qualify for “Public Service Loan Forgiveness” which forgives eligible student loans for borrowers who work at least ten years in public service
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An ever-changing work environment! In the dynamic work of Public Works, each day presents new and exciting challenges that keep your work fresh, engaging and stimulating
LOCATION:
The Department of Public Works is located at 1800 E State Road in East Lansing. The DPW facility is located north of downtown, nestled between wooded lots and farm fields. The office is located near US-127 and I-69, and there is ample surface parking. The facility is also located near Granger Meadows Park and other walking trails, which staff often frequent on their breaks. Due to the nature of this work, remote work options are available but limited and based on the demands of the Department.
FSLA: Exempt
