Public Works Operations Manager

Distinguishing Features of the Class

Performs highly responsible administrative and supervisory work consisting of planning, organizing, and directing day-to-day Public Works operations and/or municipal services. Position is intended to prepare incumbent for division administrator role.
The principal function of an employee in this class is to plan, coordinate and manage municipal operations under the direction of a division Administrator. Duties include the assignment of organizational units and staff, establishment of work priorities and standards, coordination of overall scheduling and allocation of resources, review of project procedures, policies, and results. Performs related work as required. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, business organizations, state and federal officials, and the public.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, business administration, or a related field; and
• Five (5) years of experience in public works operations including at least three (3) years supervisory responsibility in municipal operations.
• OR
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with an associate’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, business administration, or a related field; and
• Seven (7) years of experience in public works operations including at least five (5) years supervisory responsibility in municipal operations.
• OR
• Graduation from high school or possession of GED; and
• Nine (9) years of experience in public works operations including at least five (5) years supervisory responsibility in municipal operations.

Please note: Transcripts verifying degree conferred need to be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department to receive credit. Please send electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org , by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1200 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309 by the application deadline .

Required Special Qualifications

• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer background check, physical examination and drug screen test.
• Possess a valid driver’s license.

Please note: If you possess an out-of-state Driver's License, submittal of certified driving records is required. All records should be submitted to the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department; electronically to humanresources@dmgov.org , by fax to 515-237-1680, or by mail to 1200 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309 by the application deadline .

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Utilizes empirical data for the purpose of designing, planning and developing the operating budget.
• Monitors and manages divisional budget.
• Manages projects assigned by division administrator or department director.
• Recommends and prepares specifications for departmental materials and equipment.
• Performs labor needs analysis.
• Conducts internal audits on budget implementation and operational activities.
• Consults with Senior level Public Works staff on a wide variety of department operations and issues.
• Monitors division revenues and expenditures to ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, state and federal requirements and related guidelines.
• Reviews specifications and estimates, departmental design plans, road, drainage, and sewer plans for public improvement projects.
• Receives, investigates and resolves complaints from the public.
• Oversees emergency operations, including snow and ice removal, flood control, and emergency forestry operations.
• Participates in various aspects of personnel administration within the Division, including hiring, termination, grievance procedures and coordinating employee training.
• Keeps division Administrator fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Responds to residents’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
• Performs other directly related duties consistent with the role and function of the classification.

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Closing Date/Time: 5/1/2026 4:00 PM Central

• 

• City of Des Moines

• 515-283-4213

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