Executive Director of Public Works

Immediate Supervisor
Chief Administrative Officer

Positions Supervised
Administrative Support, Utilities Manager, Transportation Manager, Shop Manager, Manager of Agricultural Services, Capital Projects Coordinator, Facility Operator.

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• As a member of the Senior Management Team, helps set priorities and carry out the County’s Strategic Plan, and works with the CAO on short and long term planning for the department.
• Leads, mentors, and supports the department’s managers, setting clear expectations and holding the team accountable for delivering safe, effective, and efficient services across all areas of Public Works.
• Stays well informed on active projects and day to day operations across the County, while trusting and empowering managers and foremen to lead their crews in the field.
• Champions a strong safety culture and ensures the department meets occupational health and safety requirements.
• Oversees the County’s infrastructure, capital construction, and asset management programs, including direct supervision of the Capital Projects Coordinator, setting priorities and allocating resources in line with the County’s strategic direction.
• Develops and applies County standards and best practices for construction, operations, and maintenance, and resolves operational issues as they arise.
• Supervises and supports the Manager of Agricultural Services, providing guidance, direction, and help setting priorities and boundaries as needed; may attend Agricultural Service Board meetings in a supporting role.
• Oversees County facilities, including building maintenance and lifecycle planning, and directly supervise the Facility Operator.
• Develops and manages the department budget and presents it to Senior Management and Council.
• Attends Council and committee meetings, provides monthly reports and recommendations, and carries out Council directives with follow-up as required.
• Recommends, hires, and supervises consultants and contractors, and administers agreements in accordance with County Bylaws, policies, and procedures.
• Ensures the department follows County policies, procedures, records retention, and regulatory requirements, and minimizes risk to County assets.
• Leads, coaches, and evaluates staff, including performance reviews, recruitment, training, and succession planning, and resolves employee and disciplinary matters with the CAO and Human Resources.
• Builds a collaborative, inclusive, and respectful team culture where staff feel heard, supported, and recognized, with a focus on continuous improvement and innovation.
• Communicates decisions, priorities, and changes clearly and openly with staff, and advocates for the department’s needs with Senior Management and Council.
• Maintains strong relationships with colleagues, elected officials, external agencies, and residents.
• The Executive Director of Public Works may be designated to perform Acting CAO duties during temporary absences of the CAO.
• Perform any other duties as may be required by the CAO.