PUBLIC WORKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

All positions require that the applicant be a resident of Wyandotte county or willing to relocate within (12) months from the date of hire. As a condition of employment all employees must pass a post offer physical examination and drug screen. And submit proof of identity and employment eligibility.

The Position:

The incumbent would be responsible for the management of professional-level staff; planning, directing, and coordinating all activities of the Public Works Department, which includes Engineering, Street and Stormwater, Environmental Services (Sanitary and Stormwater), GIS/GeoSpatial Services, Fleet, Asset Management and Solid Waste Divisions. Assists subordinate supervisors to identify and/or anticipate operating, maintenance, and/or construction-related needs and initiate appropriate actions to provide efficient and effective services for the Unified Government. Provides leadership in managing aging infrastructure challenges while developing strategic solutions to improve and maintain critical assets.

The Executive Director will develop and administer department budgets, oversee the Capital Maintenance and Improvement Program, and provide for the planning, coordination, and execution of all major projects. This role includes fostering collaboration across multiple stakeholders, including elected officials, staff, and the public, ensuring transparency and alignment with community goals. 

An essential member of the County's emergency management operations team and the Unified Government's Executive Leadership Team, the incumbent will emphasize solid risk management principles across all areas of the department to ensure a safe and secure environment for employees and residents of Wyandotte County.

The Executive Director will also play a crucial role in labor relations, working effectively with multiple unions to address grievances and maintain positive working relationships.

The position requires maintaining high ethical and administrative standards to promote professionalism within the Public Works Department. The incumbent must effectively communicate with elected and appointed officials, citizens, and other interested parties and keep the County Administrator informed of departmental activities, project status, and media inquiries. The Executive Director will represent the County at public meetings and community events, serve on special management committees, and act as a liaison with other municipalities, county, state, federal, and regional agencies.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will be an innovative and facilitative leader with strong analytical abilities and excellent oral and written communication skills. The Public Works Executive Director will have a proven ability to work with internal and external partners to meet the goals of the Public Works Department and UG Administration. The successful candidate will demonstrate experience in handling complex infrastructure challenges, implementing operational efficiencies, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

The selected individual will be highly collaborative and take a team approach to strategic planning and project implementation while seeking innovative solutions to operational challenges. The ability to work in partnership with diverse stakeholders, including citizens, elected officials, county administration, and department staff, is essential. The successful candidate will have the knowledge and ability to assist departments with data-driven-decision making, proactive problem-solving, generating ideas, implementing operational efficiencies, and bridging information gaps to achieve success. 

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's Degree in a related field and ten years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public agency, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s Degree and a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license. An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job will also be considered.

Candidates must possess comprehensive skills for negotiating critical engineering-related issues; determining objectives and requirements; organizing programs and projects; and applying managerial, leadership, and budgetary principles. A valid Driver's License is required.

Salary Range:

$40.65-$62.85/hr.

The Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, Kansas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce.

If you need to reach a member of the Human Resources staff, please contact the mainline (913) 573-5660 or email the staff member.

Company: Unified Government of Wyandotte County/Kansas City, KS<