Director of Public Works

Town of Oxford

$94K — $142K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7-10 years of progressive experience in public works or municipal government
  • 5 years of supervisory experience
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer in Massachusetts preferred
  • Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Civil Engineering preferred
  • MCPPO Certification preferred

Responsibilities

  • Direct and manage all DPW operations and divisions
  • Develop and manage operating budgets for multiple DPW enterprises
  • Plan and implement short-term and long-term capital improvement plans
  • Assess departmental performance and recommend policy changes
  • Prepare and manage bids, RFPs, and contracts for public works projects
  • Act as a liaison with state, federal, and regional authorities
  • Serve as the public information officer for DPW in response to community inquiries

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan options
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Flexible work hours for emergency response
Full Job Description
Director of Public Works

Requisition Code: DIRPW

Classification: Exempt - Salary

Level/Pay Range: Level 21; $94,328 - $142,272
Reports to: Town Manager

Date: July 14, 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary/ObjectiveInaccordance with applicable general laws, by-laws, and all rules and regulationspromulgated there under, directs, plans, organizes, and controls all operationsof the DPW including the following divisions: Administration, Engineering,Highway, Parks & Cemetery, Forestry, Facilities, Fleet Maintenance, andSewer.

Essential FunctionsThis position is required to effectively develop and manage:
• DPW operating budget, DPW SewerEnterprise, DPW Water Enterprise, Municipal Fuel.
• Short term and long-term CapitalImprovement plans.
• Town's Roadway, Drainage and FacilitiesImprovement Programs.
• Town's compliance with the NPDESPhase II Storm water Program
• Snow and ice control programs.
• Town's solid waste programs.
• Departmental Safety program.
• Department's Table of Organizationand Equipment Inventory.
• Hiring process for new employees andmaking recommendations to Town Manager for new hires.
• Reviewing the performance of all Departmentalemployees and recommending personnel actions to the Town Manager.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Thisposition is required to:
• Direct,lead, motivate, schedule and assign work.
• Provideoverall supervision and training for DPW personnel in accordance with allapplicable laws and personnel practices and policies.
• EvaluatePublic Works needs to deliver cost-effective services.
• Implementthe goals and objectives as established by the Town Manager and recommendlong-term and short-term strategic plans to attain goals.
• Assess performanceof the Department and recommend changes in policies, procedures, methods andequipment to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Prepareand manage bids, RFP's, RFQ's, and contracts for contracted work.
• Keepabreast of legislative, technical and professional developments in the fieldthrough continuing education, professional associations, publications,conferences and seminars, and peer group associations. Share relevant information with staff andTown officials.
• Provideplan review and inspection services for projects before the Planning Board andConservation Commission.
• Act as theliaison with and represent the DPW before state, federal and regional authorities.
• Ensurecompliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
• Serve asthe DPW public information officer in responding to suggestions, complaints andcriticisms.
• Serve asthe key technical engineering resource of the Town of Oxford.
• Must beavailable for off-hour work including evening meetings and emergencies.

Competencies
• Candidate must possess a thoroughknowledge of personnel policies and procedures; creating and managing multiple budgetsfor a wide array of service lines; principles and practices of CivilEngineering; planning, bidding and constructing public works and facilitiesprojects; public building systems management; public procurement for services,supplies and construction.
• Excellent Time Management skillsrequired.
• Maintain frequent contact with Townand School officials, vendors, and the general public that requires excellentcustomer service skills. Contact may bemade in person, in writing, or by telephone.

Supervisory ResponsibilityWill supervise DPW employees through subordinate managers/supervisors.

Work Environment:

The workenvironment is typically performed under typical office conditions, usingoffice equipment, computers, fax machines and telephones. The work performed inthe field involves exposure to hazards associated with extreme weatherconditions, toxic or caustic chemicals. Candidate will work near movingmechanical machinery as well as construction sites and will be required to wearsafety equipment.

Physical DemandsLight to moderatephysical demands are required to perform inspections and respond to emergencies.Must be able to climb stairs and to transverse uneven terrain. Frequentmovement of equipment and vehicles may be required. Fine motor skills includemoving desk objects and using office equipment including telephones, personalcomputers, handheld technology. Visual skills require routinely readingdocuments for general understanding and analysis.

Position Type and Expected Hours of WorkThis is a full time exempt position. May require work inexcess of eight (8) hours per day.

TravelTravel is required to construction and inspection sites.

Required Education and Experience
• Seven toten (7-10) years of progressive experience in public works, municipalgovernment.
• Five (5)years of supervisory experience
• Registrationas a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Preferred
• Bachelor'sor Master's Degree in Civil Engineering Preferred
• MCPPOCertification Preferred

Work AuthorizationProvideappropriate documentation to verify your authorization to work in the UnitedStates.

Other DutiesPlease note this job description is not designed to cover orcontain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities thatare required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities andactivities may change at any time with or without notice.

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