Public Works Executive Director (Bentonville)

Job Title : Executive Director of Public Works

Safety / Security Status : Safety Sensitive

This position also includes :

• Vehicle allowance $7,200.96 / year
• Degree Add Pay (Professional Engineer License) $3,900.00 / year
• Cell Phone Allowance $747.50 / year

The Executive Director of Public Works provides strategic leadership and administrative oversight for all operations in the Water, Electric, Wastewater Collection, and Wastewater Treatment departments, as well as Transportation, Engineering, Streets & Maintenance. This position ensures the delivery of essential services, compliance with regulatory requirements, and the efficient use of public resources to support community growth and wellbeing.

Responsibilities include assisting in the development of a long-range master plans, capital improvement plans and annual budgets. The Executive Director is also responsible for fostering professional development, establishing succession planning, and evaluating the organizational efficiency of all departments under their purview.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Directs departmental activities and communicates with the Mayor, City Council, and public regarding ongoing and future projects throughout the City.

Collaborates with department heads on infrastructure projects, coordinating planning, budgeting, permitting, and implementation for all utility, transportation, and engineering-related construction.

Ensures efficient project execution through process improvement, timely delivery, and cost-effective practices.

Oversees the development and management of multi-million-dollar budgets in partnership with department heads for Electric, Water Utilities, Public Works Maintenance, and Transportation & Engineering.

Identifies operating and capital expenses and funding sources to support departmental operations for both residents and visitors.

Prepares and presents budgets, reports, and future plans at City Council meetings. Monitors and adjusts financial performance to align with approved budgets.

Leads rate studies and funding analyses to ensure sufficient resources for operations and capital improvements. Actively seeks external funding opportunities through grants, bonds, public-private partnerships, and other innovative methods.

Represents the City at Utility Board, City Council, and public engagement meetings, as well as internal and external stakeholder meetings.

Stays informed on regional and state policy developments relevant to the City of Bentonville.

Develops and implements long-term goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for reporting departments. Provides leadership and strategic direction to department heads and division managers.

Aligns departmental initiatives with the broader objectives of City leadership.

Analyzes complex issues, evaluates alternatives, and recommends sound, data-driven solutions. Clearly and effectively communicates proposals and recommendations in public settings.

Exercises independent and expert judgment within policy guidelines.

Ensures compliance with state and federal regulations. Maintains ongoing engagement with legislative and regulatory processes.

Leads collaboration with agencies such as ADEQ, ARDOT, and ADH.

Leads inclusive utility coordination meetings to ensure critical project discussions occur early in the planning process.

Co-Leads development process meetings in collaboration with the Planning Department to create a streamlined, one-stop-shop approach for development projects.

Performs additional duties as assigned. May be required to handle other responsibilities based on the operational needs of the City.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Directly supervises four department heads and indirectly oversees a team of more than 190 employees across the Electric, Water Utilities, Public Works, Transportation, and Engineering departments. Responsibilities include hiring, training, planning, performance evaluation, and discipline, in accordance with City policies and applicable laws. Attendance and strong interpersonal skills with colleagues and the public are essential for this position.

Qualifications

A minimum of 10 years of municipal experience is required. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to successfully perform all essential duties. Reasonable accommodation may be provided for individuals with disabilities.

Education and / or Experience

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related field from an accredited four-year college or university. Active Professional Engineer (PE) certification in the State of Arkansas. At least 10 years of experience in Public Works roles within city or local government, or in a comparable capacity at a utility company or engineering firm, including a minimum of 5 years in a management or leadership role.

Language Skills

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to respond to inquiries from the public, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders. Skilled in public speaking and writing for both internal and external publications. Capable of presenting to executive leadership, City Council, and public audiences.

Mathematical Skills

Proficiency in advanced mathematical concepts, including exponents, logarithms, permutations, and statistical analysis. Ability to apply complex formulas to analyze financial, engineering, and operational data.

Reasoning Ability

Strong analytical skills to define problems, interpret data, and make informed decisions. Able to manage and resolve multifaceted issues in both structured and unstructured scenarios.

Technical Skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other relevant software. Ability to interpret and analyze engineering drawings and blueprints related to utility and public infrastructure projects. Adaptability to learn new technologies and software tools that improve operational efficiency.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid Driver's License Active Professional Engineer (PE) License Other licenses may be required based on departmental needs.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing duties of this role, the employee is regularly required to use hands, reach, speak, and hear. Frequent activities include standing, walking, and sitting. Occasional tasks include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, and crawling. The employee may regularly lift up to 10 pounds, frequently up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception, as well as the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must be able to handle stressful situations on a regular basis and conduct yourself in a controlled manner during uncomfortable situations.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.