About the Opportunity The City of Asheville is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Public Works Director. This position is hired by and reports to the City Manager (with day-to-day supervision by an Assistant City Manager) and will lead the dedicated staff of the Public Works Department as they continue to provide high-level service to the community. What you’ll be doing: Work Organization and Prioritization: Plan, assign, and monitor work, ensuring resource allocation and problem resolution. Strategic Planning and Implementation: Develop and implement long-term and short-term plans for public works operations, including streets, stormwater, and waste management. Policy and Procedure Development: Create and update departmental policies, procedures, and training programs. Budget Management: Develop, defend, and implement the department budget, monitoring expenditures and revenues. Executive Presence: Present department activities and projects to the City Council, state and federal agencies, and elected officials providing reports and recommendations. Operational Oversight: Direct and coordinate public works divisions, ensuring compliance with regulat...ions and effective project management. Staff Supervision and Development: Direct, evaluate, and train staff, including hiring, performance reviews, and disciplinary actions. Contract and Project Management: Manage bid specifications, project development, and construction management. Emergency Response: Direct emergency response activities, including weather events and damage assessment. Community Nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains at the confluence of the Swannanoa River and the French Broad River, the cIty of Asheville is a vibrant community and regional hub for western North Carolina. It is the eleventh most populous city in the state, with 95,000 residents in 45 square miles. Asheville’s estimated daily population grows to over 150,000, including people who come to the city for work, services and leisure. Asheville also serves as the county seat for Buncombe County. The city is accessible by Interstates 40, 240, and 26. Air travel is available through the Asheville Regional Airport in nearby Fletcher, NC. In the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, Asheville faces both challenges and opportunities. The storm impacted infrastructure, businesses, and natural landscapes, but the city’s resilience and collaborative spirit have fueled recovery efforts. Investments in stormwater management, infrastructure improvements, and economic revitalization are helping Asheville emerge stronger and prepared for future events. The city’s economy remains diverse, with key sectors including healthcare, education, retail trade, and tourism. Major employers such as Mission Hospital, the Buncombe County Schools System, Ingles Markets, and various government agencies contribute to a strong job market. Despite the challenges brought by the storm, Asheville’s tourism industry remains a vital force playing a crucial role in economic recovery. Through strategic planning and community engagement, Asheville is not just rebuilding—it is shaping a future that honors both its history and its evolving needs. Government The City of Asheville recognizes that complex local government operations require strong political leadership, policy development, a relentless focus on execution of strategies and results, a commitment to transparent and ethical government, and a strategy for representing and engaging every segment of the community. Operating under the council-manager form of local government, the Asheville City Council consists of a mayor and six council members who serve as the policy-making and legislative authority for the city. The City Council is elected on a nonpartisan basis. Council members serve four-year staggered terms. The Mayor is elected to serve a four-year term. The Council is responsible for establishing a vision for the city, adopting the budget, and levying a property tax on both real and personal properties located within its boundaries. The Council also appoints the city manager, city attorney, and city clerk. The City provides a full range of services, including police and fire protection, the construction and maintenance of streets and other infrastructure, solid waste and water services, recreational activities and cultural events. For Fiscal Year 2024-25, the City has a proposed operating budget of $250 million and a staff of approximately 1,390 employees. The City of Asheville has a strong financial position as indicated by AAA and Aaa ratings assigned to the City's general obligation debt. Voters approved an $80 million bond referendum in November 2024 that will provide financing for a variety of capital improvement projects, over and above the City’s $100 million five-year general capital improvement program. Public Works Department Public Works (PW) has an operating budget of over $27.9 million, has 193 FTEs, and provides the following services through these Divisions: Administration The responsibilities of the Division include overseeing, leading, and directing the department. This Division works to ensure high-quality service delivery through effective operational procedures, policies, and continuous improvement in safety, products, systems, and processes. Sanitation The Division promotes a healthy, safe, and sustainable community by providing efficient, reliable, and innovative waste management services. The division strives to deliver excellent customer service and to enhance the community and the environment through the implementation of an effective integrated waste management plan. Streets This Division constructs and maintains the City’s streets, bridges, sidewalks, trees, and rights-of-way and provides emergency response services in all types of weather. The Division works to ensure a safe and efficient road and sidewalk system through proper maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement. The division houses a Capital team for larger projects. The Division also strives to maintain and improve traffic conditions to strengthen citizens’ sense of community and allow for quick response by emergency service providers. Stormwater This Division is responsible for the timely installation, maintenance, repair, and revitalization of storm drainage infrastructure within the City rights-of-way. The Division implements the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program, whose goal is to improve water quality. The Division also works to reduce flooding for the citizens of Asheville. This Division includes a Capital team for Stormwater Capital projects. Fleet Management This Division is responsible for the acquisition and maintenance of fleet vehicles and equipment for all departments, as well as maintenance of the City’s fuel stations. Asset Management This division leads the department in using technology to improve internal business processes and creates and maintains GIS data and technology solutions. Public Works Mission Statement: The Public Works Department is a group of professionals committed to providing Asheville residents with the highest level of customer service via cost effective, efficient and environmentally responsible operations. We preserve and maintain the City's infrastructure and natural resources for the benefit of our residents, businesses and visitors. Department Directors also work under an organizational Code of Conduct to be: Inclusive - We invite diverse perspectives and life experiences. Accountable - We take responsibility for our actions and decisions. Collaborative - We work together to complete tasks and achieve our goals. Trustworthy - We are honest, sincere, and reliable. Required Education and Experience Applicants who meet the following minimum requirements or have comparable experience and/or education will be considered: Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field. Professional Experience: Ten years of progressively responsible experience in engineering and managing public works infrastructure programs, including five years of supervisory roles preferred. Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Valid Driver's License: Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Our ideal candidate will possess the requisite technical skills for this position and will also demonstrate the ability to: Create and execute a clear vision, improve organizational efficiency, and empower staff to achieve goals. Exhibit genuine support and actively listen to employees, cultivate a positive and collaborative work environment. Maintain technological proficiency, comprehend the intricacies of municipal operations, and remain composed and engaged under pressure. Build strong relationships and communicate effectively across all city departments. Combine practical experience with the ability to earn and maintain the respect of their team. Effectively communicate with operational staff, executive leadership, elected officials, and members of the public. Salary and Compensation Hiring range: $120,769.73 to $145,000 DOQ, plus a very competitive fringe benefits package. 13 paid holidays, plus you will earn paid sick and vacation hours. Full access to the City of Asheville's benefit suite including Medical, Dental, and Life insurance options. Enrollment in the North Carolina State Pension Plan and NC State 401K with company matching funds. To Apply Qualified candidates should apply by April 11, 2025 to be considered in the initial review of applications by completing an application to include a cover letter, resume, and contact information of three references in confidence at: AshevilleNC.gov/jobs After April 11th, applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled or until a sufficient number of applications are received. Asheville is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Women, and BIPOC ( Black, Indigenous and People of Color) candidates are encouraged to apply. If you have questions regarding this opportunity, or a recommendation of a colleague, please contact: J.D. Slater, Human Resources Business Partner at JSlater@ashevillenc.gov or 828-412-2707