Deputy Director of Public Works

Salary: $113,588.80 - $128,481.60 Annually
Location : 6 Baboosic Lake Road, Merrimack
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works Department
Division: Public Works Administration
Opening Date: 10/07/2026
Closing Date: 10/23/2026 4:30 PM Eastern
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Normal Work Days:: Monday - Friday
Hours of Work:: 8am - 4pm

Job Summary
Performs professional engineering work of an administrative, supervisory and technical nature within the Department of Public Works including design, layout, construction management and mapping of municipal projects. Provides technical assistance to other departments, boards and committees as requested. The nature of the work performed requires the employee to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the Council, committees, outside contractors and consultants and the public. Participates in the planning and implementation of the Town's Capital Improvement Program. Performs as the department head in the absence of the Public Works Director.

Examples of Duties

1. Meets with and plans major capital projects with the Public Works Director. Assists the Director in setting project priorities. Plans work priorities and technical aspects of carrying out major capital projects with the Director and Department Supervisors.
2. Works with NHDES, NHDOT on project related activities and compliance with Federal and State regulations and procedures.
3. Works with the Director to prepare the annual budget for all of the divisions, analyzing costs of previous years and anticipating future manpower and equipment costs.
4. Oversees through subordinates technical aspects of work projects and as needed inspects work on-site.
5. Oversees all infrastructure maintenance, repair and Public Works construction including streets, sidewalks, sewers, bridges, buildings, traffic signals, traffic signage and special projects as requested.
6. Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
7. Conducts studies and investigations of Department operations and citizen complaints.
8. Participates in the preparation of the Department's Capital Improvement Plan.
9. Performs special projects for the Public Works Director as requested.
10. Sets schedules and target dates for all infrastructure projects.
11. Reviews plans for site developments to the extent that they impact the Town's infrastructure and regulatory permits; provides technical assistance to Community Development Department and Planning Board
12. Responds to emergencies such as weather related crisis or system malfunctions.
13. Prepares for and participates in public presentations for the Council, and Town Meeting, etc.
14. Supervises all GIS improvements and adjustments to the town wide system.
15. Represents the Department on and provides technical advice to the Highway Safety Committee and other committees as assigned.
16. Educates and provides public outreach and response to inquiries from citizens, community and elected officials and other governmental agencies; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints; investigates potential environmental issues and other customer complaints; recommends and implements corrective action.
17. Works in conjunction with the DPW Director on the EPA Stormwater Permit (MS-4) and related required activities; prepares meetings plans, permits and reports for MS-4
18. Represents the Town on the Regional Stormwater Coalition; participates in a variety of advisory and technical committees; attends and participates in meetings of professional organizations.
19. Responsible for identifying auditing priorities and delegating auditing responsibilities. Generates reports and communicates the findings to senior management, then coordinates corrective/preventative action planning.
20. Represents the department with regard to permitting and issues concerning water, wastewater, MS-4 stormwater, industrial pretreatment, cross-connection control programs, Sanitary Sewer Management Program elements, and any other water/air/wastewater quality initiatives implemented by the department.
21. Performs other related duties as assigned by the Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
A candidate for this position should have a strong knowledge of design, construction and maintenance related to municipal infrastructure, including buildings, roads, sidewalk, storm water systems, bridges, cemeteries, and athletic fields; and be familiar with operations of municipal wastewater collections and treatment systems. Thorough knowledge of the methods, tools, equipment, and materials used in construction, maintenance and repair of municipal infrastructure; knowledge of engineering principles as related to street and highway construction, knowledge of highway construction and maintenance equipment; ability to plan, schedule and coordinate large scale work programs; ability to read and interpret engineering plans and specifications; estimate and plan jobs, and prepare reports, maintain records; knowledge of town, state, federal street construction requirements; ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others; ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public and other departments.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major study in Civil Engineering plus at least ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works engineering, street or highway construction and maintenance work, management or related fields, and including at least five years experience in a supervisory capacity; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. N.H. Professional Engineer license preferred. A valid motor vehicle operator's license is required.
The Town offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees which includes:

• 100% employer paid family health insurance premiums and employee life, and short-term disability insurance premiums.
• 90% employer paid family dental insurance premiums.
• Participation in New Hampshire Retirement System
• Optional benefits such as, deferred compensation plans, long-term disability, & supplemental life insurance.
• Paid leave including, holidays, vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• College tuition reimbursement and flexible spending accounts may also be available depending upon the position.

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