Public Works Director - The City of Roeland Park, KS (pop. 6,700) located 5 miles from downtown Kansas City has an excellent leadership opportunity for those in the public works industry. The Public Works Director is responsible for the professional leadership and oversight of parks, streets/sidewalks & storm water services. Roeland Park is a vibrant, mature urban first tier community and the Public Works director is an essential member of the City’s management team. Requires supervisory, budget administration, infrastructure maintenance, equipment maintenance, project administration and capital planning abilities. Candidates with government service experience preferred. Must work effectively with the public, vendors, co-workers, elected officials and other partner agencies. High school diploma or GED required, associates or bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred. Three years supervisory experience and five years experience in delivering essential public works functions required. Excellent benefits and a competitive pay range of $108K to $161K provided, starting salary dependent upon qualifications and experience. Please send letter of interest, resume and 5 work related references to kmoody@roelandpark.org. First review of applicants will occur on 1/21/26. Position will be open until filled. Interested candidates can learn more about the opportunity and the community by visiting the City website www.roelandpark.net/Jobs.aspx. EOE/ADA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Class Title: Director of Public Works Reports to: City Administrator
Department:Public Works
Date:Last Updated 1/12/2021
Location:Public Works Building FLSA: Exempt
Salary Range: $108,000 to $161,000
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1) Administrative Related Activities 25% of Time
a) Prepares and presents comprehensive and detailed budgets to City Administrator and Finance Director.
b) Develops and administers standard operating procedures for the department. Makes changes to SOP’s as necessary.
c) Implements and manages the approved budget. Works to create updated spending projections mid-year based upon expected work to be complete.
d) Completes a 5-year capital improvement and maintenance plan and long-term equipment replacement schedule.
e) Establishes long term plans for variety of City projects and activities and presents them to the City Administrator and City Council.
f) Orders supplies, and equipment as needed, assuring that the Department is appropriately equipped to complete operations in a safe, efficient and timely manner.
g) Completes analysis of complex issues relating to Public Works, compiles results into articulate reports and presents findings as well as recommendations to supervisors, elected officials, the public and subordinates.
2) Supervisory Related Activities 20% of Time
a) Administers with support of the City Clerk and City Administrator the selection and termination of subordinate personnel, assuring for fairness and compliance with City policies and procedures
b) Provides coaching, training, evaluation/feedback and disciplinary action of subordinates, assuring for professionalism, development and effectiveness.
c) Establishes department goals and works with the Public Works Superintendent and Parks and Recreation Superintendent to assign duties to staff and establish work schedules, assuring for appropriate staffing levels. Provides quarterly updates as requested for work completed.
3) Community Development Activities 10% of Time
a) When approved project goes to construction, facilitates coordination and oversees contractor work in conjunction with City Engineer and Inspector.
b) Assists Administration in updating ordinances related to infrastructure and Public Works services as warranted.
c) Oversees the maintenance and improvements to all city owned streets, traffic signals, sidewalks, fleet, buildings and grounds, the City’s stormwater drainage system and all city-owned streetlights.
4) Capital Construction Project Management Related Activities 15% of Time
a) Develops scope of project and related cost estimates for Council approval.
b) Develops application for available outside funding opportunities in support of public infrastructure projects.
c) Oversees and participates in the selection of planning/engineering consultants for projects.
d) Manages construction administration and inspection throughout each project.
e) Ensures all permits and tax-exempt certificates are complete for contractors before a project is let.
5) Right of Way Administration and Management 15% of Time
a) Works with the Building Official in the review and approval/denial of right-of-way permits issued by the City. Inspections and administration are coordinated with staff at City Hall.
b) Coordinates with appropriate state officials on all Right-of-Way activities on state-maintained highways within the city limits.
c) Observes and monitors all Right-of-Way activities to ensure compliance with City rules and regulations.
d) Inspects job completion and insures restoration of all disturbed roads and landscaping.
6) Asset Management, Contract Management and Negotiation and Assist as a Working Supervisor 10% of Time
a) Manage the contracted skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled work in the maintenance of parks, publicly owned buildings and infrastructure, and forestry, as needed.
b) Negotiates services on City contracts, develop and issue Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Qualifications (RFQs).
c) Maintains City infrastructure inventories and condition ratings for the department.
d) Work with GIS mapping software and AIMS database to produce maps for illustrative and communication purposes.
e) Assist public works staff in a working supervisor capacity as needed.
BUSINESS EXPECTATIONS
• Follows applicable Federal, State and City rules, regulations, and policies.
• Attends work regularly and is punctual.
• Attends City Council Workshops, Council Meetings, Parks Committee Meetings and other meetings as required.
• Represent City on professional committees and subcommittees through CARS, SMAC, MARC, and APWA.
• Behaves professionally and presents a professional business appearance.
• Conducts self in such a way as it reflects positively on the City.
• Fosters positive working relationships and accepts new responsibilities.
• Learns and understands the safe practices for the job being performed and complies with the safe work practices and personal protective requirements for the job.
• Able to interpret plans and specifications for public works related projects.
• Proficient with basic computer programs (word processing, spreadsheets, geographic information systems, electronic calendars, email, electronic filling) and office equipment (laptop, personal computer, projector, fax, scanner, copier).
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying the position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by their supervisor; subject to reasonable accommodations
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Demonstrates ability to acquire knowledge and an understanding of the basic operation of equipment and hand tools.
• Always observe accepted safety and preventative maintenance procedures.
• Knowledge, understanding, and ability to follow the policies and practices.
• Must be able to work in various weather conditions and physically perform the basic job abilities required in Public Works.
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public, elected officials, community partners and fellow employees.
• Knowledge and ability to follow the policies and practices contained in the City Personnel Handbook.
• Maintains confidentiality and discretion as a rule.
• Must obtain a valid CDL Class A license before end of six-month probationary period.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• High School Diploma, GED required; a bachelor’s degree in a related field is preferred.
• 3 years of experience in a supervisory role and 5 years of experience performing the Essential Functions spelled out above.
• Ability to speak, write and understand English language, required.
• Must comply with City policy on use of City or privately-owned vehicles for City business.
• Must have valid Driver’s License.
• The applicant must pass a background check.
ADA REQUIREMENTS
Physical Requirements: Tasks involve frequent walking, standing; some lifting and carrying objects of heavy weight (75-100 lbs.); and the operation of vehicles, office equipment and hand tools in which manipulative skills and hand-eye coordination are important ingredients of safe and/or productive operations.
Environmental Requirements: Tasks may require frequent exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as inclement weather, heat, and extreme cold.
Sensory Requirements: Tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Task requires oral communications ability.
Reasonable Accommodation(s): Reasonable accommodation(s) if needed will be provided for the employee to perform the required job with adequate strength, dexterity, coordination and visual acuity and in a manner that does not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the employee or others in the workplace.
SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
