Director of the Office of Public Works

Middlesex County (NJ) - North Brunswick, NJ

Full-time

North Brunswick, NJ

About the position

Middlesex County Office of Public Works is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking, and highly skilled professional to serve as the County's next Director of Public Works. The Office of Public Works provides essential services in areas such as asphalt maintenance, paving, bridge repair, street sweeping, traffic lights, paint striping, road inspections, and stormwater management. The Director will focus on maintaining and improving the County's infrastructure and public services while leveraging the latest innovations in public works technology. A key part of the role will be workforce development and fostering a culture of excellence through leadership and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and integrate developments related to public works, evaluate their impact on County operations, and implement policy and procedural improvements aimed at driving innovation and operational efficiency.
• Supervise, guide, and motivate all divisions within the Public Works organization, ensuring they operate at a high level of efficiency and innovation.
• Develop and present the proposed annual budget to the Department Head and County Administrator, while overseeing the monitoring of current budget expenditures.
• Represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies, professional, business, and community organizations, as well as the public. Serve as an advisor to the Planning Commission.
• Assist the Department Head and County Administrator in planning and scheduling capital projects.
• Oversee department inventory to ensure adherence to good inventory practices and compliance with County policies.
• Lead the development and execution of innovative goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Office of Public Works.
• Supervise the preparation and administration of budgets for the Office, County special districts, and capital projects.
• Direct and review the work of contract consultants on public works projects and related assignments.
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Office staff through the selection, evaluation, training, and development of team members, ensuring adherence to County policies and fostering a positive work environment.
• Lead workforce development initiatives, focusing on training, educating, and energizing a diverse workforce to ensure they are equipped with the latest skills and knowledge in public works.
• Promote and implement best practices in workforce management, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, inclusion, and excellence.
• Conduct or direct analytical studies of public works activities, developing and reviewing reports of findings, alternatives, and recommendations.
• Interview, hire, supervise, and evaluate Office personnel, and discipline employees as needed.

Requirements

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Fifteen (15) years of professional experience in public works or related construction/maintenance programs, four (4) years of which shall have included management responsibilities.
• Civil Engineering Degree Strongly Preferred.
• Exposure to and experience with innovative and best-in-class public works technologies and methods is essential.