Director of Public Works

SALARY: $72.44 - $106.58, Hourly (DOE&Q) EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 02/17/2026
CLOSING DATE: 02/23/2026 (Open Externally Until Filled)

JOB SUMMARY
To manage, supervise, and coordinate the activities of the Public Works Department including Solid Waste, Landfill Operations, street construction and maintenance, drainage construction and maintenance, provide assistance to the Water Utilities Department, engineering services, traffic systems construction and maintenance, electrical and painting services and buildings maintenance; to coordinate Public Works activities with other City divisions and departments county, Drainage District, TxDOT; and to provide complex staff assistance to the City Manager.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Reports directly to and receives direction from the Director of Public Services.
Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES – Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Manage, supervise and coordinate goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures necessary to provide Public Works Department services; develop new or modified systems, policies and procedures.
• Manage, supervise and participate in the preparation, development and evaluation of technical studies, reports and analyses related to Public Works maintenance and construction services and activities; develop and implement technical methods and systems and analyze and evaluate results.
• Develop and administer the Department’s budget; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate staff; prepare and present employee performance reviews; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures; recommend employee promotions and terminations; approve time cards and expense reports.
• Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of street maintenance and repair work including such things as street resurfacing, repairing, patching and cleaning, and sidewalk and curb and gutter removal and replacement.
• Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of drainage maintenance and repair work including such things as storm drain and culvert maintenance, ditch cleaning and grading, maintenance of detention pods, and storm pump operations and maintenance.
• Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of streets, drainage, and engineering services to include surveying, drafting, sealed plans preparation, standards and specifications, bidding documents inspection, right-of-way work and other related tasks.
• Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of traffic system, electrical, paint and street lighting construction and maintenance and maintenance including such things as traffic signals and signs, street lights, street and curb painting, electrical and mechanical system.
• Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of building maintenance, including such things as roof, electrical and mechanical components, and all related components.
• Oversee the maintenance of time, material and equipment use records for all divisions; ensure proper requisition of supplies and materials.
• Approve the purchase of materials and purchase or rental of equipment and assist in the development of specifications for purchases or rentals.
• Approve progress payments to contractors providing services to the City.
• Monitor and supervise the investigation and response to citizen complaints.
• Insure the adherence to safe work practices by Public Works personnel.
• Coordinate the preparation of cost estimates and plans for street, traffic control and drainage system maintenance and repair activities.
• Take care of other tasks assigned by the direct supervisor and the City Managers.
• Motivate and inspire your team to be better leaders.
• Conduct annual review of work performance of your direct reports.
• Types and level of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in street, drainage, traffic, electrical and paint, building maintenance and parks and grounds maintenance.
• Occupational hazards of the activities supervised, and standard safety precautions necessary in the work. Create a safe work environment and implement/develop a traffic safety program.
• Principles of organization, administration and budget management.
• Will be housed at H.O. Mills office (Operations Center).
• Match working hours of various Public Works teams at the Operations Center.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:
Modern and highly complex principles and practices of Public Works operations and civil engineering.
Principles of personnel administration, supervision and training.
Materials, methods, practices and equipment used in Public Works services activities.

Ability to:
Plan, organize and implement a comprehensive program of maintenance and repair work for Public Works facilities.
Conduct studies, prepare comprehensive reports and determine cost-effective and efficient ways for providing Public Works services.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate professional, technical and clerical staff.
Interpret applicable State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
Prepare and analyze Public Works maintenance and services reports, statements and correspondence.
Develop and administer the Public Works Department’s budget.
Provide monthly productivity reports.
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
• making observations
• reading and writing
• evaluating equipment and vehicle malfunctions
• operating assigned equipment
• communicating with others.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of:
• making sound decisions
• evaluating various repair alternatives and making appropriate choices
• demonstrating intellectual capabilities.
Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities
which may include the following:
• walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• lifting, moving and operating heavy equipment and materials
• stooping, bending or crawling in order to make repairs
• repairing, inspecting and replacing vehicle parts and materials
• operating assigned equipment.

Recommend appoint of, train, motivate and evaluate staff, monitor employee performance, prepare and present employee performance reviews and coordinate or provide staff training.
Perform related duties as assigned by the City Manager.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES - Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be:

Experience:

• Seven years of increasingly responsible Public Works administration experience, working as an Assistant Director of Public Works or Director of Public Works, and Assistant Director or Director of Street Capital Program or an equivalent.

Training:

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, and additional training in public administration and related areas through college courses or continuing education courses.
• Coordinate street, storm drainage system, and maintenance activities with other City department, division, and sections and with outside agencies.

License:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate Texas driver’s license.
• Possession of a Texas Registered Professional Engineer’s license, or one from another state which is recognized by Texas and can be made reciprocal within 6 months of employment.

Emergence Management:
This position is deemed essential pursuant to the City of Port Arthur Emergency Management Plan.

Director of Public Works – Public Services. Posting #26-022.

CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer