Description
Help Shape the Future of Norton Shores!
The City of Norton Shores is seeking an experienced, motivated professional to lead our Department of Public Works!
After an incredible 25 years of dedicated service, our current Public Works Director is preparing to move on to his next chapter! We're excited to welcome a new leader who will build on that strong foundation while bringing fresh perspectives, ideas, and vision to the department.
This is a unique opportunity to step into a key leadership role and make a lasting impact on our community by overseeing the infrastructure, services, and projects that keep our City moving forward.
NATURE OF WORK
The position performs highly responsible administrative and engineering work in directing all activities of the Public Works Department. Work involves planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the several divisions comprising the Department of Public Works. These divisions include Engineering, Water and Sewer, Streets and Drainage, Solid Waste, and Facilities. Work includes responsibility for determining major departmental policies, for planning long-term programs, and for making difficult administrative and professional decisions. Considerable operational authority is delegated to subordinates, and the major emphasis is on overall administration. Supervision is exercised directly or through subordinate supervisors in each division. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Administrator and is reviewed through conferences and reports.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential duties. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform.
- Manage the Divisions within the Department of Public Works.
- Supervise the City Engineer and assist with the design, plans and specifications, estimates of costs and inspection of construction for sidewalks, street improvements, pavements, sanitary and storm sewers, water mains and the water distribution system.
- Oversee the projects of the Public Works Department including water, streets, drainage, sanitation and engineering.
- Prepare and recommend annual department budget and capital improvement plan to the City Administrator.
- Arrange for contracts and specifications for the various projects undertaken by the City, and supervise, approve and recommend payments to various private contractors.
- Manage the maintenance of system of records showing the location of all streets, street improvements, sanitary and storm sewers, the water distribution system and its appurtenances, sidewalks and other improvements to the publicly owned property.
- Coordinate communication with the public on engineering matters and construction projects as required.
- Recommend changes to the Zoning Ordinance and review subdivision plats as they relate to public facilities or services.
- Prepare and review correspondence, records, and reports.
- Participate in the selection of materials and equipment used by the Department of Public Works.
- Attend City Council and other public meetings in order to clarify and explain departmental programs and activities.
- Communicate and consult with local, state, or federal government agencies and officials.
- Coordinate the activities of the Public Works Department with other City departments.
- Serves as the City representative on the Water Authority Board, Wastewater Management Committee, local MPO and Street Administrator.
- Perform related work as required.
Requirements
All of the following functions, qualifications, skills, abilities (KSA’s) and duties are essential. An employee in this class, upon appointment, should have the equivalent of the following:
- Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional civil engineering, particularly as related to municipal public works and engineering activities.
- Thorough knowledge of construction methods, materials and equipment particularly as related to streets, sewer systems, municipal water and other public works construction and maintenance activities.
- Ability to plan, supervise, inspect and participate in a wide variety of engineering, planning, and maintenance activities.
- Ability to develop plans and programs and to make decisions on matters of policy and complex engineering problems.
- Ability to work effectively with the public and other employees.
- Ability to work effectively with stress and the ability to meet deadlines.
- Graduation from college or university of recognized standing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Public Administration, or equivalent.
- Certification as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Michigan preferred.
- Five years of progressively responsible experience in public works administration and operations, municipal infrastructure, and supervision of staff
- A valid driver’s license.
To apply for this position, applicants are asked to complete the online employment application at www.nortonshores.org/employment AND send a copy of your resume to apply@nortonshores.org by the deadline of November 13, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
Questions about this opportunity? Contact Jeanine in Human Resources at apply@nortonshores.org
