Public Works Director - City of Carlin, Nevada

Public Works Director

Minimum Annual Salary $75,000 (Dependent on experience)

FLSA Status: Exempt                                                                      

Created: April 2011 

Safety Sensitive: Yes                                                                       

Last Revised: January 2026

DEFINITION

The Public Works Director plans, directs, and oversees all operations of the Public Works Department for the City of Carlin, Nevada. This position is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation and maintenance of the City’s public infrastructure, including water and wastewater systems, streets, facilities, fleet, and related services.

This position is designed for a small rural municipality and functions as a working director, requiring both hands-on operational involvement and administrative leadership. The Public Works Director ensures regulatory compliance, protects public health and safety, and supports the City’s long-term infrastructure needs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervises Public Works Department employees, including staffing, training, scheduling, performance evaluations, and discipline when appropriate.
• May supervise inmate labor crews assigned to City projects, ensuring compliance with applicable laws, safety standards, and City policies.
• Advises and informs the City Council, Mayor, and City Manager on public works operations, infrastructure conditions, regulatory requirements, and emergency situations.
• Coordinates and communicates with federal, state, county, and regional agencies regarding public works programs, inspections, permits, and compliance matters.
• Oversees the operation, testing, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment systems.
• Evaluates infrastructure conditions and determines maintenance, repair, and replacement needs for public works facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Coordinates with engineers, contractors, and consultants for capital improvement projects, system upgrades, and specialized services.
• Ensures public works projects are completed in a timely manner and in accordance with applicable codes, regulations, and specifications.
• Develops, reviews, and enforces specifications for materials, equipment, and services used in public works operations.
• Assists the City Manager in developing budget forecasts and cost estimates for public works operations, staffing, equipment, and capital projects.
• Monitors expenditures, approves purchases within assigned authority, and recommends corrective action when budget constraints or unforeseen circumstances arise.
• Responds to emergencies, system failures, weather events, and public safety incidents. This position is on-call 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, and requires the ability to respond promptly as needed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of public works operations, including water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, streets, facilities, and fleet maintenance.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and standards governing public works operations.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects with limited staffing and resources.
• Ability to supervise, train, and lead employees in a small-team environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively with elected officials, staff, regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to perform hands-on work as required and lead by example.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT

Education, Experience, and Training

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, utilities, water and wastewater systems, streets, facilities, or a closely related field.
• Experience must include hands-on operational responsibility and lead or supervisory duties.
• Experience working in a small or rural municipality is strongly preferred.
• Formal education in engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field may be considered beneficial but is not required.

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess, maintain, or be able to obtain within a timeframe approved by the City all certifications required by the State of Nevada for the operation and supervision of the City’s water and wastewater systems, including but not limited to:
• Water distribution system operator certification
• Wastewater collection and/or treatment system operator certification
• Must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to public works operations.
• Must obtain the POOL/PACT Essential Management Certificate within twelve (12) months of appointment.
• Must obtain the POOL/PACT Advanced Management Certificate within twenty-four (24) months of appointment.
• Valid Nevada Driver’s License required.
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required or must be obtained within a timeframe approved by the City.

Safety and Compliance Requirements

• Working knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations applicable to public works operations, including but not limited to confined space entry, trenching and excavation, equipment operation, and employee safety practices.
• Ability to ensure departmental compliance with all applicable safety, health, and regulatory standards.
• Position is designated as safety sensitiveand subject to applicable testing and policies.

BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Due to the nature of this position, a background investigation will be conducted by the City to determine suitability for employment.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to perform manual labor, including frequent lifting of objects weighing more than 25 pounds and occasional lifting of objects weighing 50 pounds or more.
• Ability to bend, twist, squat, climb, and work in confined spaces.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods and travel over uneven or rough terrain.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to operate equipment, read plans and reports, and use computer systems.
• Work environment may include exposure to dust, fumes, odors, noise, weather extremes, and outdoor conditions.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above job description and have received a copy for my records.

_______________________________________                         _______________________

Signature                                                                                    Date Signed

Salary/Compensation: $75,000 - $85,000 per year

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