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Assistant Public Works Director - Project Manager

City of Dubuque

1 Positions

ID: 82420

Posted On 09/27/2025

Job Overview

Position Summary

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Under general direction of the Public Works Director, the Assistant Public Works Director - Project Manager plans, coordinates, and implements capital projects for the City of Dubuque’s Public Works Department, including but not limited to streets, utilities, stormwater, and public facilities. The position oversees planning, design, construction, and maintenance of streets, utilities, stormwater systems, fleet, and public facilities. The Assistant Director - Project Manager also assists in the development and implementation of departmental policies, strategic initiatives, and budget priorities in alignment with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, equity goals, and sustainability objectives. This position acts as a key liaison among consultants, contractors, city departments, and community stakeholders and serves as Acting Director in the absence of the Public Works Director and performs other duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves significant responsibility for directing and coordinating both capital construction projects and ongoing public works operations. The Assistant Public Works Director - Project Manager plays a central role in long-range planning, policy development, and departmental leadership while ensuring effective delivery of critical infrastructure and community services. The incumbent is expected to exercise professional engineering knowledge, management expertise, innovation, and discretion in decision-making. Performance is evaluated by the Public Works Director through reports, outcomes achieved, and alignment with organizational goals.

Job Duties

JOB DUTIES:

+ Manage all phases of capital and infrastructure projects—including planning, budgeting, procurement, permitting, design, construction, operations integration, and turnover—for streets, utilities, stormwater, facilities, and other public assets.

+ Lead cross-functional teams comprising internal operations staff, engineers, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery and sustained operation of public assets.

+ Apply advanced knowledge of public works operations and systems management to align long-term capital planning with current and future operational needs.

+ Plan and manage preventive maintenance, inspections, and operational schedules for city-owned infrastructure and facilities, including HVAC, electrical, and mechanical systems.

+ Utilize enterprise asset management (EAM) and work order systems to manage operational performance, streamline workflows, and ensure data-driven asset lifecycle planning.

+ Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for both capital projects and ongoing public works operations to assess efficiency, safety, and effectiveness.

+ Administer service agreements, maintenance contracts, construction documents, leases, and interdepartmental operational partnerships.

+ Monitor vendor, contractor, and consultant performance for both project execution and operations support to ensure compliance and quality standards.

+ Manage emergency operations response and coordination for snow, ice, and flood events, including pre-storm planning and post-event evaluation.

+ Contribute to the development and management of the Public Works department’s operating and capital budgets, aligning expenditures with City Council goals.

+ Lead or assist in departmental initiatives to optimize service delivery, streamline operational procedures, and modernize infrastructure systems.

+ Support sustainability and resiliency in operations and capital investment by integrating energy efficiency, climate readiness, and long-term maintenance considerations.

+ Prepare technical documentation, public outreach materials, staff reports, grant applications, and city council presentations.

+ Foster interdepartmental and community partnerships promote transparency, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving in operations and infrastructure management.

+ Serve as Acting Public Works Director in their absence.

+ Perform other related duties as assigned.

_Please note: This position does not include supervisory responsibilities and is dedicated to supporting the Director in carrying out departmental priorities._

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

+ **Administration and Management:** Strategic planning, resource allocation, staff coordination.

+ **Leadership:** Independent and collaborative project leadership with a solutions-oriented approach.

+ **Workload Management** : Prioritize multiple projects within scope, schedule, and budget.

+ **Engineering and Technology:** Principles of civil engineering, construction, and infrastructure systems.

+ **Building and Construction:** Methods, materials, life-cycle costing, and sustainability.

+ **Mathematical Reasoning & Visualization:** Strong quantitative and spatial reasoning.

+ **Production & Processing:** Project logistics, quality control, and asset lifecycle management.

+ **Public Safety & Security:** Familiarity with risk management and workplace safety protocols.

+ **Critical Thinking & Problem Solving:** Analytical and creative decision-making.

+ **Technology Skills:** Proficient with GIS, project management tools, asset management systems, and Microsoft 365.

+ **Communication:** Clear, concise oral and written communication.

+ **Active Learning & Listening:** Receptive to feedback, adaptable, and proactive in development.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction engineering technology, construction management, operations or facilities management, or a related field; OR

+ Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Ten (10) or more years of public works, utilities, capital improvement project or facilities management experience.

+ Ability to obtain and maintain Certified Public Works Professional – Management (CPWP-M) within one year of appointment.

+ Possession of and ability to maintain a valid state driver’s license.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

+ Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Iowa.

+ Project Management Certification (PMP or equivalent from a national industry organization).

Supplemental Information

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT:

+ Establish principal residence within the corporate limits of the City of Dubuque or within 50 miles by the most direct route within two years of appointment.

**FLSA STATUS:** Exempt

**SUPERVISORY STATUS:** Administrative

WORKING CONDITIONS:

+ Work is performed year-round in various environments including office, field, and construction settings; involves walking on uneven terrain, climbing ladders/stairs, and occasionally lifting up to 25 pounds. Subject to inclement weather, noise, and confined spaces.

Primary Contact

214881

City of Dubuque Human Resources Department

Human Resources Department, Human Resources Department

563-589-4125

Phone

Phone

Phone

Fax

[email protected]

Email

True

False

True

Job Details

Categories

Management/Executive

Location

Dubuque, IA

Job Type

Employee

Full/Part

Full Time

Pay/Salary

$107,993.00 - $141,190.00 Annually

Benefits

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Vacation

Paid Sick Leave

PTO (Paid Time Off)

Paid Holidays

Tuition Reimbursement

Qualifications

Education

Bachelors

Experience

10+ Years

Company ID

931

Job REQ #

\# Positions

1

Start Date

20250927

End Date

20251012

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City of Dubuque

About the Company

Whether at City Hall or out on city streets, our employees serve our residents, businesses, and visitors every day. Join the City of Dubuque team to be part of a high-performance organization dedicated to the community and to delivering excellent municipal services. We are input-oriented, see problems as opportunities, search for creative solutions, and work as a team to accomplish goals and build partnerships. At the City of Dubuque, your work is meaningful and supports the community.

The City of Dubuque values its employees and offers competitive salaries and benefits such as:

+ Health and Dental Insurance

+ 12 weeks of Paid Parental Leave

+ Paid Time Off and 11 Paid Holidays

+ Flexible Spending Accounts

+ Retirement Savings (IPERS)

+ Deferred Compensation Plan

+ Life and AD&D Insurance Coverage

+ Short-Term Disability

+ Employee Assistance Program

+ Tuition Reimbursement Program

+ Longevity Pay Starting After 6 Years of Service

+ Flexible Work Arrangements

+ Paid Time Volunteering

With positions in over 30 departments and divisions, your perfect career fit is waiting for you at the City of Dubuque. Ready to join our team? Visit www.CityOfDubuque.org/Jobs .