Director of Public Works

City of Hudsonville
Hudsonville, MI

ABOUT HUDSONVILLE
The City of Hudsonville is located in SE Ottawa County, MI, about halfway between Grand Rapids and Holland with a population of 8,000+ residents.  Hudsonville is a growing community with several ongoing and recently completed developments, friendly people, well-kept neighborhoods, outstanding public and private schools, numerous parks, and a downtown business district which is currently undergoing a substantial revitalization.

Hudsonville Department of Public Works at a Glance:
   31 Miles of City Streets 
   Extensive Non-Motorized Pathway Network
   8 Parks Totaling Over 120 Acres of Public Space
   40+ Miles of Water Main, 2 Elevated Storage Tanks
   30+ Miles of Sewer Main and 10 Sewer Lift Stations
   10 Current Staff Members and 2 Current Vacancies

JOB SNAPSHOT
Under the direction of the City Manager, the Director of Public Works (DPW) directs and coordinates all aspects of the city’s public works operations. These responsibilities include construction, operations, street maintenance, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, water distribution systems, motor vehicle pool, park properties, and facilities. Assists the City Manager with special projects as assigned.  

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE
Our ideal candidate for the Director of Public Works is a strategic and forward-thinking leader who can align day-to-day operations with the City’s long-term infrastructure, capital improvement, master plan, and strategic planning goals. The individual is a visionary with a creative and collaborative mindset with proven success on complex projects. They are approachable and encouraging, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth while maintaining high standards of safety, compliance, and performance. This individual is attentive and engaging, effectively representing the DPW before the City Commission, intergovernmental partners, contractors, and the public, enabling them to communicate complex technical matters with clarity and confidence. As a skilled delegator, they empower the DPW Operations Manager and staff to execute assigned projects efficiently, while maintaining oversight and fiscal responsibility. Above all, they combine technical expertise in public works systems with strong leadership presence, sound judgement, and the flexibility to respond decisively in emergency situations. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
The Director of Public Works’ primary responsibility is to plan, organize, direct, delegate, oversee, and carry out all aspects of day-to-day departmental operations. This includes but is not limited to the following:

  • Inspect and evaluate city infrastructure and equipment to determine capital improvement needs, analyze various alternatives, and make recommendations to the City Manager accordingly.
  • Ensure orientation and training of new DPW employees on city/department policies and procedures.
  • Develop, oversee, and administer asset management plans and programs as directed.
  • Assist with the City’s Strategic Plan, Parks and Recreation Plan, Master Plan, Capital Improvement Plan, etc. as directed by the City Manager.  
  • Assist in the site plan review process as well as other development processes and applications.  
  • Receive, review, and process contractor Right-of-Way permit applications.  
  • Act as the City’s representative in our intergovernmental service agreements and partnerships including but not limited to the Grand Valley Metro Council, the Wyoming-Ottawa Water System, Grandville CWP Advisory Group, etc.
  • Represent, or delegate representation of the DPW to various committees and planning groups.
  • Attend City Commission meetings as needed or as directed by City Manager.
  • Works with staff and consultants to prepare and submit applications for State, Federal, and other grants related to public infrastructure and property improvements. Oversee administrative functions of awarded grants.
  • Whenever possible, hear and resolve personnel issues and grievances before sending them to Human Resources or the City Manager’s office.
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations for all direct reports, oversee process for downline reports.
  • Follow and enforce all city and departmental policies and procedures.
  • Keep abreast of licensing and training requirements, safety regulations, and new and emerging trends and techniques in the field of public works.
  • Delegate, through the DPW Operations Manager, snow removal and street salting operations.
  • Delegate, through the DPW Operations Manager, the planting and arranging of trees, shrubs, and flowers, mowing and general grounds keeping at all city parks, right-of-way, easements, municipal buildings and structures, and parking areas.
  • Ensure the completion of applicable construction, testing, operation, maintenance and repair of city drinking water, storm water, and sanitary sewer systems.
  • Oversee and participate in the preparation and submission of records, reports, studies, programs etc. that relate to departmental functions or responsibilities.
  • Manage the purchase, sale, and maintenance of city equipment and vehicles.
  • Oversee the work and performance of all DPW-related contractors.
  • Responsible for all public infrastructure and other construction projects as it relates to conformance with plans and specifications.
  • Solicit bids for and provide recommendations on the award of all contracted DPW work, and materials, as directed.
  • Ensure departmental compliance with all federal, state and local requirements.
  • Hear citizen complaints and issues related to departmental functions and attempt to resolve them in a professional, courteous manner.
  • Assist in developing and administering the annual department budget.
  • Ensure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, materials, facilities and time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, urban planning, or a related field, or a proportionate amount of training and experience as determined by the city.
  • Seven years of municipal experience, preferably in public works-related activities, including supervisory and administrative responsibilities.
  • Prior experience managing a unionized workforce preferred.
  • The ability to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License.
  • Extensive knowledge of water/sewer systems and the ability to advance in licensing within 18 months of employment with a current S2 water license being preferred. 

JOB-BASED COMPETENCIES  

  • The ability to effectively manage, direct, train, and motivate a team of knowledgeable and dedicated people, while promoting unity and positive working relationships.
  • Knowledgeable in various aspects of public utility maintenance and operations, project management, heavy equipment, and safety compliance standards.
  • The ability to clearly communicate with a wide variety of people and personality types, and the ability to resolve problems under sometimes stressful situations.
  • The flexibility and willingness to be on call and readily available for emergency situations.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, relationship building, and conflict resolution skills.  Must be able to communicate in a professional manner in a way that reflects positively on the City of Hudsonville.
  • Detailed oriented and able to multitask. Ability to direct, coordinate and carry out a wide variety of projects and work assignments on time and within budget.
  • Experience with Microsoft Office applications and general knowledge of public works related tools, software and technology, including geographical information systems (GIS).
  • Understanding of water distribution/ sewer collection/ storm water management systems, road maintenance and construction methods, MIOSHA
  • Compliance requirements, soil erosion control requirements, landscape and grounds maintenance best practices.
  • Knowledge of the procedures, practices, materials, and equipment utilized in the maintenance and repair of street, sewer, water, and parks facilities to effectively plan and conduct city public works field operations.
  • Knowledge of basic mechanical maintenance procedures and practices to efficiently operate pump and water distribution facilities and to install and repair water meters and remote registers.
  • Knowledge of standard safety procedures/precautions required to protect the public and employees during water system repair operations.
  • Knowledge regarding MDOT, EGLE, and other state or county agencies. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

  • This is a non-unionized position, with an annual wage range of $79,648.85 - $111,734.09 based on experience.
  • A generous benefits package that includes: 
    o    Medical – 82% employer paid  
    o    Dental – employer paid  
    o    Vision – employer paid 
    o    Life/Disability – employer paid 
    o    Flex Spending Accounts  
  • Employee Assistance Program  
  • Defined Contribution Retirement Plan 401(a) with an 11% employer contribution. Employee contribution of 2%.
  • Generous paid leave banks for Vacation, Holiday, Sick, and Personal time.
  • Cell phone.
  • Ability to utilize a city owned vehicle for commuter travel.  
  • Access to City-owned gym, and other facility benefits.  
  • Participation in the City’s Wellness program. 

TOOLS & EQUIPMENT USED
Computers, mobile radios, phone, copy machine. This individual should be comfortable with Microsoft Office Suites as well as have an ability to utilize geographic information system software.  The position may occasionally utilize small and large motorized equipment as well as hand tools.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Assigned tasks take place mostly in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet. While performing some duties of this job, the employee may work in outside weather conditions.  The employee may work near moving mechanical parts and is exposed to wet and/or humid conditions.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Works under the general supervision of the City Manager.  Assignments are made by the City Manager and are carried out in an independent manner. 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED
Supervision is exercised over staff in the Department of Public Works and others engaged in construction and maintenance work. Direct management for the Administrative Assistant, Senior Mechanic, and Operations Manager. Downline supervision of Equipment Operators and Technicians. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed in office and outdoor settings.  Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities.  Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is often required to stand; squat, walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.

The employee must occasionally lift or move heavy objects.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

SELECTION GUIDELINES
Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; final selection, background check, and physical/drug screen. 

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. 

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.