Public Works Director in Oakland, Florida at TOWN OF OAKLAND

Are you Inspired by Service? The Town of Oakland is seeking a Public Works Director that keeps our community moving!

The Public Works Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and long-term planning for the essential services that support daily life for the residents of the Town of Oakland. This role ensures safe, efficient, and reliable public infrastructure and water utility while guiding teams committed to excellence, accountability, and service.

Established in the 1850’s, Incorporated in 1887
Approximately 6,200 residents
2.5 Square Miles in Orange County, Florida
Town Administration, Oakland Police Department, Oakland Avenue Charter School, Healthy West Orange Arts & Heritage Center, Oakland Nature Preserve, Public Water Utility

- Public Works Enterprise Fund is $7.5, which includes a $3.2M Operating Budget
- Town General Fund is $11M, of which the Public Works Department accounts for approximately $1.3M Operating Budget
- 5-Year planned CIP planned budget is $27.205

WORK LOCATION AND SCHEDULE
50 E Gulley Ave, Oakland, FL 34760
Monday – Friday 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short term and long term disability, Paid Time Off, paid holidays, 401(a) Defined Contribution and 457(b) Defined Compensation plans, and Employee Assistance Program.

The Town of Oakland is a drug-free workplace.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE
A successful Public Works Director builds trusted relationships, improves service delivery, manages resources wisely, and helps create a community that is clean, safe, resilient, and well maintained.

This position reports to and serves at the pleasure of the Town Manager, having considerable autonomy regarding means and methods by which the Public Works Department achieves goals and objectives.

The Public Works Director works closely with the Town Manager to direct and oversee all Public Works and Utilities Department functions. Responsibilities include and are not limited to planning, organizing, and managing departmental operations and maintenance related to the Town of Oakland’s infrastructure, buildings, vehicles, and equipment. The Director provides administrative leadership and supervision to a team of skilled Public Works employees, delivers professional project management support, coordinates and manages construction activities, and exercises significant independent judgment and initiative. This position requires interaction with employees, general public, engineering and professional consultants, and elected officials with positive results.

MAJOR FUNCTION
The Public Works Director leads the planning, operation, and improvement of the Town's public works and utility services. This position is responsible for managing department staff, budgets, projects, and daily operations while ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable regulations. The Director works closely with Town officials, residents, contractors, developers, and regulatory agencies to support community needs and infrastructure goals. This role also serves as a key leader during emergency response and disaster recovery efforts, helping coordinate resources, restore services, and protect the health, safety, and well-being of the community.

KNOWLEDGE | SKILLS | ABILITIES
Knowledge of all pertinent federal, state and local laws, regulations, rules, and ordinances, and other regulatory standards applicable to public works operations.
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public works construction and maintenance; quality/performance measurement; budgeting; fiscal administration; property and inventory control; management; and long-range planning, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of proper operation of streets, water, wastewater, and traffic maintenance tools and equipment; preventive maintenance practices; occupational hazards; and safety practices applicable to public works maintenance operations.
Knowledge of project management principles (managing projects, defining scope, tracking achievements) and ability to manage multiple priorities and/or projects.
Strong planning and organizational skills, with an ability to outline initiatives and develop priorities in support of that vision.
Demonstrated computer skills, including proficiency in Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint).
Demonstrated proficiency in AutoCAD, GIS, and programs used in the administration of public works.
Strong analytical, problem solving, attention to detail, and consultancy skills; ability to think critically and creatively to identify, analyze, prevent, and develop solutions to problems.
Exemplary communication skills, both oral and written, with ability to present views in a clear and compelling manner; ability to adapt message/style to fit audience.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with all levels of management and employees; ability to gain credibility, provide effective customer service, and foster positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to communicate concepts to multiple audiences.
Ability to collaborate effectively with Town staff, contractors, vendors, and other stakeholders, and to lead cross-functional projects.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure and tight deadlines in a fast-paced team environment.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion to make non-routine choices within established guidelines, with minimal supervision.
Must exhibit confidence, positive outlook, expertise, and team spirit when appropriate.
Unquestioned integrity and ethics with a confident but well-grounded approach to doing work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Ability to work in an upright position for eight (8) or more hours per day, including standing, walking, and sitting.
Frequent mobility is required.
Occasional crouching or crawling, stooping, climbing or balancing, kneeling, bending or twisting of upper body and neck, reaching with hands and arms, tasting or smelling, pushing or pulling, and lifting.
Repetitive hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists to operate equipment.
Close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception, and peripheral vision required.
Occasional lifting, carrying (or otherwise moving) objects, including equipment, office supplies and laptop computer, with a maximum exertion of up to 50 pounds of force.
Ability to prepare and analyze written or computer data, access and use a variety of computer software, operate motor vehicles and equipment, and observe general surroundings and activities.
Ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand, with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Frequently interacts with others to obtain or relate information to diverse groups.
Works independently with little guidance or reliance on oral or written instructions and plans work schedules to meet goals; requires multiple periods of intense concentration.
Frequently exposed to outdoor weather conditions; occasionally requires working near moving mechanical parts, in high or precarious places, and generally in a very loud noise location.
Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic materials, vibration, and bloodborne pathogens; may be required to wear specialized personal protective equipment (PPE)
Performs a wide range of variable tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence.
Ability to perform under stress and multi-task.
Regular and consistent attendance; requires availability during times of emergency.

EDUCATION | EXPERIENCE | LICENSES | CERTIFICATION
Technical knowledge of utility systems must include comprehension of terminology, concepts, principles, and practices of civil/environmental engineering.

Education
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, construction management, business administration, public administration, or a related field, and
Five (5) years’ progressive responsible technical experience in public works maintenance operations with two (2) of those in a supervisory capacity.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and/or work experience equal or greater than the requirements listed above as determined by Human Resources.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida may substitute for one (1) year of the required experience.

Licenses | Certification
Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with a clean driving record acceptable by most automobile insurance companies.
The following licenses or certifications are desired:
o Water Treatment Operator, Level C and Wastewater Collections Certification, Level III, or equivalent, as required by Florida Department of Environmental Protection
o Stormwater, Erosion, and Sedimentation Control Inspector, Tier I and II
o Maintenance of Traffic (MOT)
o National Incident Management (NIMS) Certified

OTHER JOB CHARACTERISTICS
This position serves as after hours, non-police and fire, emergency contact for the Town.
May work extended hours including nights, weekends, and holidays.
This position is considered essential and will be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Orange County.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicants, including rehires, are required to complete a Level 2 background screening prior to employment.