Public Works Director

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : City Hall, 815 N. Kilgore St., Kilgore, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 2026
Department: Administration
Opening Date: 10/30/2026

Position: Reports to:

Public Works DirectorCity Manager

FLSA Classification:

Exempt

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range:

$114,664 - $159,768 Annually

Supervisory Duties:

Personnel in Streets, Equipment Services, Parks & Cemeteries, Water & Wastewater

Summary/Objective: The Director of Public Works is a position which includes Streets, Parks & Cemeteries, Equipment Services, and Utilities that include both a water and wastewater treatment plant. This position directs the department through effective planning, staff management, and resource allocation; and assures the effective completion of projects and compliance with state and Federal regulations, City policies, procedures and goals. A Professional Engineering license is preferred but not required.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills
Primary Duties & Responsibilities: The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of employees in this classification, but rather provide a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Employees may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional or position-specific duties. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may be assigned or modified at any time, with or without notice.

• Directs Public Works Department (PWD) staff and operations including engineering, streets, water & wastewater, solid waste, fleet, facilities, and drainage.

• Serves as the principal advisor to the City on Public Works programs and technical issues; provides leadership, direction, and guidance in operational strategies and priorities; coordinates PWD operations within the City, and assures program objectives and standards meet City goals.
• Evaluates City needs and Capital Improvement Program plans, and determines PWD operational plans, strategic plans, priorities, resource requirements, and goals.
• Develops and directs strategies to meet City goals and objectives; interprets concerns, defines desired results, develops solutions, determines scope and priorities of programs and special projects; develops project budgets and manages expenditures.
• Assures effective communication of PWD issues; interprets and explains Federal and state rules and regulations; evaluates and analyzes policies and procedures, and recommends solutions; assures the Department's activities follow all laws, policies, and regulations.
• Directs the activities of the PWD management staff; plans, prioritizes, and assigns tasks and projects; instructs and trains staff, monitors work, develops staff skills, and evaluates performance; analyzes workload trends and implements staffing and assignment adjustments.
• Meets regularly with staff to discuss and resolve workload and technical issues; monitors operations to identify and resolve problems.
• Directs contracted projects; assures project deliverables meet cost and quality requirements.
• Writes technical and analytical reports and makes technical estimates of a specialized nature in connection with PWD projects, contracts, and regulatory issues.
• Analyzes Department financial and resource information; manages PWD operating budgets; calculates operating costs and develops solid waste, water, and sewer rate proposals for the City Council.
• Directs coordination with Federal, state, and regional organizations, and City departments; manages community relations and resolves complaints and community issues; prepares and presents reports for internal and external audiences.
• Prepares for and responds to various City emergency situations and serves in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a variety of assignments; ensures appropriate staff is trained and respond in accordance with the City's Emergency Management Plan.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or required.

Minimum qualifications & Requirements
Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
• Seven years' work experience in engineering design, project management, and civil engineering, preferably in the public sector OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Possess a valid Texas Driver's License
• Must complete required NIMS courses ICS 300 & ICS400 within one year of employment
• Registered as Professional Engineer by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers if applicable

Required Knowledge Of:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Fundamentals of civil engineering, mathematics, and physics.
• Principles of design, construction, and maintenance of public works projects.
• Methods, materials, and equipment used in public works construction, maintenance, and repair.
• Principles and practices of government project management and methods of evaluating construction contract compliance.
• Federal and state codes and regulations governing public works infrastructure.
• Principles and practices of administrative management, including personnel rules, cost accounting, budgeting, procurement, contract management, and employee supervision.
• Facility, vehicle, and equipment maintenance procedures and practices.
• Principles of Information Technology, including Geographic Information Systems.

Required Skill In:

• Analyzing issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines, while assuring compliance with PWD goals and objectives.
• Interpreting and applying engineering standards and procedures, Federal and state regulations, and City policies and procedures.
• Developing and implementing procedures for cost-effective management of allocated resources.
• Analyzing and evaluating technical engineering data and construction documentation.
• Checking designs, details, estimates, plans, and specifications of engineering projects.
• Interpreting technical instructions and analyzing complex variables.
• Reviewing and verifying mathematical calculations.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects, and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with City employees, officials, and representatives from other local, state, and Federal agencies.
• Effectively supervising and leading staff, and delegating tasks and authority.
• Operating a computer utilizing a variety of business software.
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.

Supplemental information
Work Demands: While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus. Regular attendance and occasional travel are required.

Work is often performed in an office setting; however, outdoor work is required for the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, and public works facilities. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts, at high or precarious locations, and in wet and/or humid conditions. The position may also involve occasional exposure to fumes, toxic or caustic chemicals, and varying noise levels, which are generally moderate but may be loud when operating equipment.

Other Requirements: Employment contingent upon passing physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check.
The City of Kilgore offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefit package including paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave as well as retirement with a two to one match, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, LTD Insurance, cafeteria plan, and longevity pay.
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