Deputy Director of Public Works & Transportation

City of St. Joseph
City of St. Joseph

St Joseph, MO, USA

Posted on Jun 17, 2026
Position: Deputy Director of Public Works & Transportation
Location: St. Joseph, MO
Job Id: 805
# of Openings: 1

JOB TITLE: Deputy Director of Public Works and Transportation
DEPARTMENT: Public Works & Transportation
DIVISION: Streets, Landfill, Fleet, Airport, Transit & Water Protection
SALARY: Negotiable
CLOSING DATE: Until Filled


Job Summary/Scope
The Deputy Director assists in planning, managing, and overseeing operations across all divisions within the Department of Public Works & Transportation, including Streets, Landfill, Fleet, Airport, Transit, and Water Protection. This role supports the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service quality while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Deputy Director provides technical and administrative support to the Director of Public Works & Transportation and serves as acting Director in the Director’s absence.

Supervisory Responsibility
Supports the supervision and development of staff across all Public Works & Transportation divisions. Provides coaching, training, guidance, and evaluation to maximize employee potential and ensure consistent, effective service delivery across all areas of departmental operations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Assist in overseeing daily operations across all divisions and ensure alignment with departmental and city objectives.
  • Contribute to the creation and execution of departmental policies, objectives, and budget management.
  • Address public inquiries and resolve complaints related to departmental services and projects.
  • Engage in meetings with city officials, community groups, and stakeholders to advocate for departmental needs.
  • Help establish service standards and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods across all divisions.
  • Support grant applications and oversee awarded funding to enhance departmental infrastructure and services.
  • Analyze and interpret state and federal regulations affecting departmental operations, ensuring city compliance.
  • Assist the Director in preparing relevant reports and presentations on projects and initiatives.
  • Serve as acting Director of Public Works & Transportation in the Director’s absence.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Director.

Employee Behavior and Conduct
Employees are expected to maintain professionalism in all interactions, demonstrating strong communication, transparency, fairness, honesty, and respect.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to foster strong public relations and community engagement.
  • Broad knowledge of public works operations, planning, management, and regulatory compliance.
  • Familiarity with municipal, state, and federal regulations across transportation, utilities, and public infrastructure.
  • Experience managing complex projects and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
  • Preferred: At least five years of experience in public works, operations management, transportation, or a related field.
  • Valid driver’s license required.

Material and Equipment Directly Used
Utilizes computers, software applications, and standard office equipment. Occasional use of a personal vehicle for site visits or meetings.

Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Primarily office-based work with field visits. Minimal physical requirements, though periodic travel may be needed for training or meetings.

Education
Bachelor’s degree in operations management, public administration, urban planning, or a related field is preferred or appropriate experience.
All applicants must pass a drug screening and criminal background check prior to employment.
Any job offer made by the City is contingent upon the applicant passing the drug screening and background check.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,
which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.

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