A Closer Look

Manage all Public Works Department services including administration, streets, parks, facilities, forestry, and cemetery management.

Develop, implement, and evaluate departmental policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Serve as the liaison for the City’s contracted Engineer for public works related projects.

Represent the Public Works Department with citizens, resolve complaints, and address inquiries.

Attend and advise Public Works Board, Parks Board, Plan Commission, Joint Rock Lake Committee, City Council and other boards and commissions as needed.

Select, train, motivate, and evaluate Public Works personnel, fostering a productive and safe work environment.

Manage the department’s operating budget, including forecasting and monitoring expenditures and preparing budgetary adjustments as needed.

Manage the department’s capital budget, ensuring projects remain within budget and developing a 5-year capital improvement plan.

Create and review bids, requests for proposals, and contracts for departmental services and equipment.

Manage and maintain the Rock Lake Dam and act as Dam Operator in accordance with the WI DNR Water Level Order and the City of Lake Mills Dam Management Policy.

Serve as primary contract with certain state agencies, specifically the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT).

Oversee a network of over 30 miles of roadways, 112 acres of parkland, and a robust urban forest of over 4,500 trees.

Highly responsible professional able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and to provide constant oversight of department activities and emergency response.

Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships and communicate effectively with other city employees, City Council, and the public.

Familiarity with and ability to interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.

Ability to ensure compliance with city and department safety rules and regulations.

Lead and motivate with integrity and honesty at all times.

Strong knowledge of public works operational characteristics.

Ensure compliance with all City and departmental safety rules and regulations through consistent oversight, staff training, and reinforcement of safe work practices.

Proven ability to develop and manage budgets and financial plans.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for effective interaction with staff, community members, and external agencies.

Outstanding leadership skills and the ability to motivate and manage a diverse team.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Ability to innovate and develop department processes and goals, assess organizational needs, and implement effective strategies.

Capacity to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.

Proficiency in modern office software and project management tools.

Commitment to public service and community engagement.

Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office setting. Employees may occasionally be exposed to extreme hot or cold temperatures when working outdoors or traveling between facilities.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive and movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Must be able to lift and carry objects weighing 50 lbs.