The Assistant DPW Commissioner is a non-union management position located in the Office of the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Reports to the DPW Commissioner and is responsible for assisting in the administration, management and direction of the activities of all DPW divisions, as well as administration and management of contract operations of the wastewater treatment facility, regional sanitary landfill facility, solid waste collection and recycling collection.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position).

• Develops implements, manages, administers and coordinates DPW programs, projects and activities.
• Plans and monitors overall work schedules for timely implementation of programs and projects, and effectively manages any necessary coordination between individual DPW divisions.
• Advises DPW division heads on policy, procedure and standards for implementation of projects and programs.
• Develops, implements and monitors progress and achievement of department goals and objectives.
• Prepares departmental operating and capital budgets in consultation with division heads, presents and justifies budget(s) to Mayor, Municipal Council and the public.
• Regularly monitors the status of budget(s), making adjustments or recommendations to amend budget(s) as appropriate.
• Exercises procurement and purchasing authority in DPW consistent with City and state policies and procedures.
• Administers and approves all expenditures, including payroll, procurements and contracts for construction, facility operation, and other outside contracted services for DPW operations.
• Manages and administers outside operations contracts for wastewater treatment facility, regional sanitary landfill facility, solid waste collection, recyclables collection and other such contracts as directed.
• Works under the direction of the DPW Commissioner regarding ongoing, special and future department projects and programs.
• Attends and represents the City and/or the DPW at a variety of meetings, both within and outside the City, with City officials, other City departments and agencies, citizens and civic organizations, federal, state and local regulatory agencies and others as directed.
• Responds promptly, courteously and effectively to complaints, concerns and questions from the public, other City departments, City officials and other constituents.
• Maintains frequent and effective communications with federal, state and local regulatory agencies to ensure compliance with all laws, regulations and permits applicable to the operation of regulated City facilities, projects, programs and activities.
• Researches availability of, and prepares applications for, grants and/or loans for federal or state funding assistance for public works projects and programs.
• Researches and prepares specifications, plans and/or bid documents for a variety of public works projects, equipment, supplies and materials.
• Oversees management of DPW operations, personnel, including administration, labor relations, training, staffing and evaluation of employees, and responds appropriately to union grievances in accordance with local collective bargaining agreements.
• Ensures proper confidentiality and maintenance of department personnel records.
• Attends professional meetings and seminars in order to keep abreast of changes or trends in DPW and related fields and to remain familiar and current with Massachusetts laws and regulations concerning department operations.
• Maintains active membership in a variety of professional associations in order to take best advantage of networking opportunities with professional counterparts and of technical and managerial informational sources relating to DPW activities.
• Oversight of DPW projects that affect the City of Taunton infrastructure such as the highway and City bridge projects, water and waste water.
• Liaison between Mass DEP and DOT
• Responds to special requests as necessary.
• Performs similar or related duties as required, directed or as situations dictate.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Minimum qualifications for the Assistant DPW Commissioner position include a bachelor's degree in civil engineering (P.E. desirable, but not required) or a related discipline. At least five years of progressive experience in public works or closely related field, including three years of supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The incumbent shall possess strong computer, excellent oral/written communications and exceptional public relations skills, be experienced in personnel management, budget preparation/management and capital projects planning/management, and have a thorough understanding of the activities of a municipal public works department. The incumbent shall possess a valid and current Commonwealth of Massachusetts Driver's License.

Salary: $100,000 to $140,000, full time 40 hours per week, exempt

Complete job description available in the Human Resources Department. Must submit to a CORI background review.

Please submit a cover letter, application and resume, in confidence, to [redacted] or Human Resources, City of Taunton, 15 Summer Street, Taunton, MA 02780 by August 5, 2026

https://www.taunton-ma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4045/Application-Full-Time-Permanent-Part-Time-More-Than-20-Hours-PDF