Director of Public Works Operations

City of Garden City, KS

$116K — $148K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Management, or related field.
  • 5+ years of managerial experience in public works or utilities.
  • Proficient in public administration principles and practices.
  • Experience with budget preparation and capital improvement planning.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to lead diverse personnel and manage community interactions.

Responsibilities

  • Oversee daily operations of multiple Public Works divisions including streets and recycling.
  • Develop and implement a Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Plan.
  • Plan and maintain city structures and utilities.
  • Identify and prioritize projects using the Street Master Plan.
  • Integrate Asset Management with Capital Improvement Plans.
  • Assist in preparing a comprehensive budget and funding options.
  • Facilitate communication with city officials and the public.

Benefits

  • Health/Dental Insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas.
  • Group Life Insurance.
  • Eligibility for various supplemental insurances (e.g., Voluntary Life, Short-Term Disability).
  • Participation in Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS).
  • Paid leave benefits including vacation, sick leave, and personal days.
  • Employee recognition programs for service and performance.
  • Access to wellness programs and employee assistance services.
Full Job Description
Salary: $116,875.20 - $148,241.60 Annually
Location : Garden City, KS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00667
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 08/12/2026
Closing Date: 9/12/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description
Under the administrative direction of the Director of Public Works & Utilities, will oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of the Streets, Traffic, Fleet, Solid Waste, Recycling, and HHW divisions. This position, with approval of the Director, will operate, implement, plan, and direct a comprehensive program that will ensure sound planning, maintenance and service to the public. Plans, implements, and completes capital improvement plans, budgeting and establishes standards and procedures for each Public Works division.
Examples of Duties
Supervisory Status:

Assists the Director in determining overall policy and direction for the City affected by the public works/ public utilities programs; administers all functions to include budgeting, scheduling, and coordination, capital improvements, implementation, planning, personnel, and long and short-range projects. Evaluates operational processes for effectiveness and efficiency. Prepares reports and makes recommendations for improvement as needed. Supervises all staff in the Streets, Traffic, Fleet, Solid Waste, Recycling, and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) divisions.
Principal Job Responsibilities:

  • Recommends and initiates department policy; supervises and assists functions to include streets, fleet, solid waste, traffic controls, HHW, and recycling.


  • Coordinates, develops, and implements a comprehensive Vehicle and Equipment Replacement Plan for the Public Works and Utility Divisions


  • Plans for new projects and directs maintenance of existing city structures, facilities, streets, and utilities.


  • Utilizing data from the Street Master Plan, identify and prioritize short and long-range projects and coordinate funding and implementation.


  • Analyzes, integrates, and Coordinates Utility and Public Works Asset Management and Preventive Maintenance Plans with Capital Improvement Plans as needed


  • Assists the Director in preparing a comprehensive budget with supporting data, to include possible financing options, covering all areas of responsibility.


  • Directs organization to assure effective, efficient, and flexible use is being made of available personnel and equipment.


  • Functions as liaison and advisor for the City with consulting engineers, government agencies, developers, citizens and others.


  • Conducts special studies as required; receives and answers citizens' complaints and inquiries.


  • Administers personnel matters, including policy interpretation, screening, appointment, discipline, evaluation of performance, and related matters.


  • Evaluates, recommends, and Implements records and report systems, utilizing state-of-the-art computer systems and programs (i.e.,MapCon, Routeware, and Samsara vehicle tracking and monitoring, G.I.S., AUTOCAD, etc.), to include construction supervision and contract administration.


  • Develops effective channels of communication with city officials, department heads, community leaders and the general public.


  • Has access to and processes information that may be restricted to specific persons.


  • Responsible for public funds with authority to release as authorized within approved budgets.


Typical Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, public works / utilities, and planning. Knowledge of current management theories, principles and practices; knowledge of computers used, and skill in communications both orally and written; ability to provide effective departmental personnel leadership; ability to maintain communications, cooperation and interaction with diverse groups, organizations and individuals; ability to obtain federal and state grants; ability to work under pressure; ability to interact with City employees and the general public; and the ability to work with confidential information.
Education, Certification and Experience:

A Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Management, or related programming field and five (5) years of significant, progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience with a public employer required or equivalent combination of experience and education preferred. Valid driver's license required. Must obtain a Kansas Driver's License within 90 days of establishing residency.
The City of Garden City offers a wide range of competitive benefits. Some of the benefits include:
  • Health/Dental Insurance with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Eligibility to sign-up for supplemental insurances such as:
    • Voluntary Life Insurance
    • Short-Term Disability
    • Accident
    • Hospital Indemnity
    • Critical Illness
    • Identity Protection
  • Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) or Kansas Police & Fire (KP&F) Retirement
  • Paid Leave:
    • Vacation
    • Sick
    • Personal
    • Wellness
    • P/T Education Conference, Bereavement, FMLA, Military, Jury Duty, Voting
  • Employee Recognition Plan
    • Years of Service Bonuses
    • Performance Evaluations
  • Wellness Program
    • Grow Well Clinic Access available
  • Employee Assistance Program

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