THE TOWN of CARRBORO seeks DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
The Town of Carrboro, North Carolina, (population approximately 20,500) is a progressive, inclusive
community, led by a diverse and dynamic Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and Town Manager. The Town is
surrounded by prestigious universities, world-renown medical centers, the varied enterprises of nearby
Research Triangle Park, and is just hours from the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic or the scenic mountains
of the Blue Ridge trails. Carrboro has 156 full time employees, including 36 that serve in the Public Works
Department. The Director of Public Works is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and
administering programs and activities of the Department, including responsibility for the Streets, Solid Waste,
Fleet, and Buildings and Grounds Divisions. The Department also has responsibility for the Town’s Storm
Drains and Cemetery.
The Public Works Director reports to the Town Manager, and will be part of a Management Team that excels
at working together cooperatively. The salary for the position is negotiable based upon qualifications and
experience, with the approximate hiring salary from $77k - $95K. The Town contributes 3% of annual salary
to a 401(k) plan for each employee, and we offer other excellent benefits that include an exceptional Medical
Plan that pays 90/10 for most services with low co-pays and low deductibles, and 100% of the employee’s
premium is paid by the Town. Benefits also include Vision insurance, participation in the North CarolinaLocal
Governmental Employees Retirement System, paid gym membership, eleven (11) paid holidays, vacation and
sick leave, group life insurance, professional dues and conference expenses. Moving and relocation
expenses and the transfer of a sick leave balance from a current government employer may be negotiated
with the Town.
The Public Works Director must have:
Comprehensive knowledge of:
o The principles and practices of civil engineering
o Municipal public works administration, planning, and design
o Municipal public management and organization principles, practices, and techniques
o The organization, function, and operation of the Town’s Board, executive staff, and departments
o Basic laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to budget preparation, approval, and
administration
Thorough knowledge of:
o Construction methods, materials, techniques, codes, and regulations governing public improvements
o Municipal finance and administration, including public records, public contracting, and purchasing
laws
o Principles and practices of public personnel administration, including FLSA and EEOC
o Office computer software, specifically, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and scheduling
The ability to:
o Review and analyze plans and specifications for the construction of public facilities
o Prepare technical reports for a non-technical audience
o Plan and manage the work of a large staff, including the development of supervisors
o Analyze and develop budget estimates
o Analyze a variety of complex administrative problems
o Make sound recommendations for solutions and formulate operational procedures
o Communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing
o Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Town Manager, Board of Alderman,
other elected and appointed officials, civic and business leaders, associates, and the general public.
The complete Job Description follows. To apply, please complete a Town Application on this website.
Closing Date for applications: May 15, 2015.
We are looking for an exceptional professional to lead our Public Works
Department when our longtime Director retires in July. Please review the Job
Description, below, and complete a Town Application on this website. (The
Application can be filled and submitted online.) If you also wish to submit a
Resume and Cover Letter, please email both to [email protected]
Job Description for
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Hiring Range for Position : The Hiring Salary is Negotiable depending on experience and
qualifications, and will generally be in the $77,000 to $95,000 range.
General Definition of Work
Under the direction of the Town Manager, the Public Works Director supervises all personnel and administers the
programs and activities of the Department and performs related duties as required.
Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, a person must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The
requirements below are intended as illustrations of the types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not
exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. Reasonable
accommodations may be made to enable a person with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions
The Public Works Director:
• Plans, organizes, directs, and administers the programs and activities of the Public Works Department including:
o Construction, maintenance, and operation of storm drains, cemetery, streets, and sidewalks
o Solid waste collection
o Fleet, building, and grounds maintenance
• Plans and manages the activities of all department employees, and coordinates activities with the Town
Manager, other departments, and outside agencies
• Ensures proper management and cost-effective employment of department personnel, Town property and
infrastructure
• Maintains records and files, including training, inspections, maintenance, materials, and fixed asset inventories
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Reports to and advises the Town Manager and Board of Aldermen on public works projects and activities
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Determines and establishes criteria needed to achieve the department’s goals and objectives
Researches and recommends operational changes to the Town Manager
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Recruits, selects, and trains department personnel; assigns, directs, and inspects their work; coaches, counsels,
and evaluates their performance
Develops staff schedules; tracks and monitors hours worked by employees, and ensures compliance with all
local, state, and federal labor requirements, including FLSA, EEOC, and FMLA
Ensures that all department-controlled equipment is in safe and efficient operating condition; ensures adherence
to all local, state and federal safety requirements; oversees worker safety programs and procedures; ensures
compliance with OSHA standards
Meets frequently with subordinate supervisors to solve more complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines;
provides guidance, direction, development, and discipline
Recommends rewards, transfers, promotions, demotions, and terminations to the Town Manager
Evaluates public works needs and formulates work plans and capital improvement plans to meet needs
Prepares and reviews departmental operating budget and capital improvement budget; monitors and approves
expenditures; researches and prepares specifications for purchase of equipment; estimates the cost of
construction and other projects; assists with revenue and rate projections
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Plans, organizes, and monitors contracted work; oversees the preparation of engineering plans and
specifications, bidding, competency of contractors and vendors, and the selection criteria for public contracts;
oversees construction management for Town public works projects; makes field inspections of public works
projects to review progress and ensure completion
Reviews proposed development plans with developers, architects, engineers, and others; participates in the
development review process ensuring that adequate attention is paid to Town infrastructure; issues driveway
permits for Town roads
Communicates with citizens concerning service requests and complaints; investigates and decides or
recommends actions; prepares reports and provides comment at public and committee meetings as necessary
Coordinates street lighting in the Town with Duke Power; coordinates activities of Chapel Hill Transit, NCDOT,
OWASA, and other agencies within the Town
Performs emergency management functions and related tasks as required
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Comprehensive knowledge of:
• The principles and practices of civil engineering
• Municipal public works administration, planning, and design
• Municipal public management and organization principles, practices, and techniques
• The organization, function, and operation of the Town’s Board, executive staff, and departments
• Basic laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to budget preparation, approval, and administration
Thorough knowledge of:
• Construction methods, materials, techniques, codes, and regulations governing public improvements
• Municipal finance and administration, including public records, public contracting, and purchasing laws
• Principles and practices of public personnel administration, including FLSA and EEOC
• Conflict management techniques
• Office computer software, specifically, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, and scheduling
The ability to:
• Review and analyze plans and specifications for the construction of public facilities
• Prepare technical reports for a non-technical audience
• Plan and supervise the work of a large staff
• Analyze and develop budget estimates
1. Analyze a variety of complex administrative problems
1. Make sound recommendations for solutions and formulate operational procedures
1. Communicate ideas effectively both orally and in writing
1. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Town Manager, Board of Alderman, other
elected and appointed officials, civic and business leaders, associates, and the general public
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, or related field. Eight years of increasingly responsible
experience in public works management, civil engineering, construction management, or a related field, including four
years of administrative and supervisory responsibility, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Physical Requirements
This work requires:
1. The exertion of up to 20 pounds of force frequently to move objects
1. Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, and grasping
1. Vocal communication for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word
1. Hearing to perceive information at normal spoken word levels
1. Visual acuity for color perception, night vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual
inspection involving small defects or small parts, use of measuring devices, operation of machines, operation of
motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general
surroundings and activities
The worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions and hazards. The work occasionally requires
working near moving mechanical parts, exposure to fumes or airborne particles and exposure to outdoor weather
conditions. The work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).
Special Requirements
Ability to obtain and maintain NIMS certification required for position within six months of employment. Possession of,
or ability to obtain, a valid North Carolina driver’s license.
TOWN of CARRBORO
Great Place to PLAY
Great Place to WORK
Great Place to LIVE
Great Place to Grow