Assistant Public Works Director

Salary: $94,521.37 - $151,234.23 Annually
Location : City of Safety Harbor, FL
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt

General Description and Hiring Rate

Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, performs advanced supervisory and administrative work related to the City's water distribution, wastewater collection, streets, stormwater, fleet, parks, building maintenance, and sanitation divisions. Responsibilities include providing leadership, management, oversight, technical guidance, and operational support to Public Works staff. Work is performed with considerable independence and discretion within established policies and procedures.
Essential Job Functions

• Assists in the development and administration of the department's operating budget and related capital expenditures. Coordinates long and short-range planning initiatives.
• Supervises, trains, mentors, and evaluates assigned personnel; assigns duties and responsibilities; establishes priorities; and resolves workload, resource allocation, technical, and quality control issues.
• Recommends personnel actions, including selection, promotion, disciplinary action, and termination of assigned subordinate employees.
• Provides leadership and oversight for the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), ensuring projects comply with plans, specifications, applicable regulations, schedules, and budget requirements.
• Reviews and approves project or development designs, technical proposals, documentation, contracts, agreements, work papers, and reports of project activities; assures effective communication of capital improvement, permit, and other development project issues.
• Exercises independent judgment within policy guidelines; advises on specialized areas of technical expertise; assures the highest quality CIP projects is delivered on time and within budget.
• Oversees procurement activities, including requisitions for parts, materials, supplies, equipment, and services.
• Promotes positive relationships with residents, visitors, contractors, and City personnel through professional, courteous, and responsive service.
• Prepares and presents reports, recommendations, and project updates to the City Commission, contractors, consultants, regulatory agencies, and the public.
• Proactively identifies project challenges and operational concerns; develops recommendations and implements solutions to ensure timely resolution.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with representatives from other local, state and Federal agencies.
• Proactively evaluates disputes and issues; identifies concerns and recommends solutions; assures that all issues are addressed and resolved in a timely fashion.
• Responsible for evaluating and analyzing the current work environment for overall effectiveness.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will perform other job-related marginal duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to be flexible, proactive, and solution-oriented when addressing community concerns and operational challenges.
• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across all organizational levels.
• Thorough knowledge and skill in the principles, philosophies, and practices of public works programs and public works project management.
• Knowledge of principles of design, construction, management, and maintenance of public works projects, including planning, coordination, conceptual design, project scoping, engineering design, environmental assessment, and right-of-way.
• Ability to interpret and apply technical standards and procedures, Federal and state rules and regulations, and City policies and procedures governing engineering and architectural functions.
• Ability to assist in the development of long-term Public Works plans and programs.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public works projects, including contract and budget management.
• Must be able to maintain a CIP needs list of resulting from maintenance and deferred projects.
• Knowledge of principles of record keeping and records management both paper and electronic.
• Ability to write and present clear, concise reports, memorandum, directives, speeches, and presentations.
• Ability to operate a personal computer and tablet utilizing standard and specialized software including proficient use of Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of public sector management; including performance management, personnel rules, accounting, budgeting, procurement, and contract management.
• Skill in techniques and practices for efficient and cost-effective management of resources.
• Ability to manage staff, delegate tasks and authority, train and coach to improve staff performance.
• Knowledge of safety practices and safety equipment.
• Knowledge of the location, purpose, and operation of assigned structures, and facilities.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, architecture, construction management, engineering, or another closely related field; supplemented by five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in a division of Public Works, including at least three (3) years in a supervisory role within the public sector, or a closely-related private sector environment. An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.

Preferred and/or Required Certifications:

• FDOT Temporary Traffic Control Certification
• FDEP Erosion and Sediment Control Inspector Certification
• Florida Stormwater Association (FSA) Stormwater Operator II Certification
• FEMA NIMS Training for Executive-Level Management
• EPA Construction Inspection Training Certification
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License

Valid Florida Driver's License.
Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction).
• Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid).
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Reaching.
• Use of fingers, use of hands.
• Sitting.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Work is primarily performed in an office environment; however, periodic field inspections are required and may involve exposure to construction sites, dust, noise, varying weather conditions, and uneven terrain. Employees must be able to stand and walk for extended periods during inspections and project reviews.

The City of Safety Harbor offers an excellent, comprehensive benefits package to eligible full-time employees, which may include health, dental, and vision coverage; retirement and deferred compensation plans; flexible spending accounts; life insurance; long-term disability; 12 paid holidays; vacation and sick leave; and tuition reimbursement.

For complete details, please refer to the
01

Please describe your professional experience in public works including water, wastewater, streets, stormwater, fleet, parks, building maintenance, and sanitation.
Required Question