Deputy Public Works Director

Whitefish, MT - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 98280 - 140400

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

General Purpose

The City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a Deputy Public Works Director to join our Public Works Department. We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! If you have a passion for serving the public sector this may be the perfect fit for you.

One of the fastest growing cities in Montana Whitefish is consistently rated one of the best small towns in America and was named one of the top 25 ski towns in the world by National Geographic. It is located on the shores of Whitefish Lake and the base of Big Mountain home to Whitefish Mountain Resort. Whitefish also boasts over 36 miles of natural surface single-track mountain biking and hiking trails with 10 trailheads golfing world class dining two professional live theater companies and is only thirty minutes from Glacier National Park.

Benefits of working for the City of Whitefish include:

Health Dental Orthodontic and Vision Insurance (FY26 the City pays 81.04% of monthly premium employee pays 18.96% of monthly premium pre-tax)
Generous employer contribution toward Health Savings Accounts (HSA) for those who choose the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Free annual biometric screening - Employee and spouse/partner can earn up to $200 incentive for participation
City Wellness Program - City pays $30 per month to employees to use toward wellness
Corporate rate membership to The Wave health club (billed to City and deducted through payroll)
Montana Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) - includes employer and employee contributions
15 days of paid vacation earned per year (starting)
12 days of paid sick leave earned per year (starting)
12.5 paid holidays per year
One paid personal day per year (8 hours)
$25000 employer paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Life Insurance Policy for employee and $5000 for spouse/dependents
125 Cafeteria Plans - Optional Pre-Tax Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Dependent Care Account (DCA)
Free Employee Assistance Program - 6 free counseling sessions per issue per person in household
Optional Deferred Compensation Plan (457) Pretax and Roth Available
Optional Aflac Plans including Accident Short-Term Disability Cancer Hospital and Critical Illness
May be eligible for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Plan (PSLF) - click here to learn more and to understand your eligibility
City paid continuing education training and development (as approved by supervisor and City Manager)
FMLA - up to 12 weeksof unpaid job-protected leave per year (rolling calendar year) available after working 1250 hours within previous 12 months and employed for 12 months for qualifying events. Accrued leave utilized concurrently.
Bereavement Leave - up to 5 paid days off for death of immediate family member
Jury & Witness Duty Leave
Military Leave
15% -20% discount on Verizon voice plans and select data plans
T-Mobile exclusive offers with Work Perks 15% off the Go5G Plusor Go5G Next rate plans
AT&T discounts also available
Parks & Recreation After School and Summer Day Camp services provided at no cost to employees
Whitefish Workforce Assistance Program - designed to help full-time part-time and seasonal equivalent employees to successfully live and work in the Whitefish area by providing rental assistance click here to learn more and understand your eligibility.

APPLY BY:It is in your best interest to submit your online application resume and cover letter by the Priority Deadline Monday December 1 2025 5:00 pm. For assistance with online application process please contact the Human Resources Department at or email.

EOE-AA-M/F-VET-DISABILITY

GENERAL PURPOSE

Serves as the supervisor for water treatment wastewater treatment and various Public Works Administrative staff. Performs a variety of complex engineering administrative operational and management functions required to ensure the safe proper efficient and effective functioning of City infrastructure. Oversees the citys sustainability program by working with department directors and the Citys Climate Action Plan Standing Committee to implement the goals outlined in the City Climate Action Plan.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works across departments under the guidance and direction of the Public Works Director/City Engineer.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Exercises direct supervision over Chief Water Plant Operator Chief Wastewater Plant Operator GIS Coordinator Public Works Inspector(s) and others as designated by the Public Works Director.

Job Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The list of tasks is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by the Deputy Public Works Director. The following duties are typical for this classification and are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

This position serves an important role in the operations of the City and requires a consistent and dependable presence during assigned hours of work. It is expected that every employee should be on time fully prepared every day that they are scheduled to work.

Serves as the acting Public Works Director in their absence including attending City Council meetings and Planning Commission meetings as necessary.

Oversees the sampling and analysis of all water wastewater and biosolids sampling ensuring all regulatory reports are completed for both utilities.

Responsible for the review of development plans for compliance with codes regulations and standards adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with other approvals. Consolidates review comments from other departments and serves as the main contact for engineering plan review correspondence. Provides approval and acceptance of development projects.

Reviews record drawings for compliance with approved plans.

Coordinates and/or undertakes the development or update of the Engineering Standards Transportation.

Plans Utility Plans Bicycle and Pedestrian Plans the Public Works Capital Improvement Program and other plans involving municipal infrastructure.

Determines applicable codes regulations and requirements for assigned projects.

Coordinates the preparation of or develops engineering plans and specifications for public projects coordinates required advertising for bids reviews construction bids and makes necessary recommendations based on lowest and best bids competency of vendors and consultants and the selection criteria.

Provides project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects. Oversees assigned projects to ensure contractor compliance with time and budget parameters for the project.

Responds to public or other inquiries relative to engineering policies and procedures on specific projects. Resolves complaints and problems from the general public in a professional courteous and timely manner.

Maintains regular contact with consulting engineers construction project engineers City County State and Federal agencies professional and technical groups and the general public regarding activities and services.

Provides construction inspection services as required.

Oversees compliance with the Water Quality Protection Ordinance as it relates to the Public Works Department. Reviews and approves Water Quality Protection Plans required for development on Whitefish Lake.

Develops and coordinates sustainability recommendations and plans for City facilities programs policies and projects including facilitation of inter-departmental coordination to support the Citys climate action and sustainability goals and policies. Serves on the Climate Action Plan Standing Committee. Maintains the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan webpage.

Communicates the status and progress of implementation of the Climate Action Plan. Collaborates with City staff across departments to identify areas of energy water and utility conservation waste stream reduction. Serves as staff liaison to external groups and organizations engaged in issues related to sustainability. Provides annual budget recommendations of the Climate Action Plan committee to the department directors and city manager.

May serve on staff committees to evaluate new hires within the Public Works Department including resume review interviewing and employee selection at the discretion of the Public Works Director.

Evaluates grant opportunities and prepares applications for various state and federal infrastructure funding grants. Provides project management and administration of public works and sustainability grants.

Manages the design and construction of bicycle and pedestrian paths and bridges. Helps manage the Safe Routes to School Program. Coordinates with other agencies on transit improvements.

PERIPHERAL DUTIES

Analyzes annual operating costs and plays a direct role in developing annual department budgets.

Attends professional development training as required and approved.

Attends meetings outside regular work hours as needed and requested.

Participates in short and long-term planning of capital improvement projects.

Monitors inter-governmental actions affecting public works.

Coordinates the preparation of or develops reviews and updates the sanitary sewer water storm drainage and street system maps database and comprehensive plans.

Assists in the training of other city personnel in public works design and construction techniques.

Reviews and approves utility permits and street use permits.

Assures as-built records of projects and documents necessary changes.

Serves on city and county committees including but not limited to Site Review Committee Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee Flathead County Transportation Advisory Committee and other committees as assigned or approved.

Provides recommendations regarding heavy equipment purchases and requisitions all supplies and materials needed for effective department operation.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering or a closely related field; and
Minimum of four years professional civil engineering experience including such as water and wastewater treatment utility design construction and operation subdivision and road system design and construction as well as at least three years of supervisory experience
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting.
Thorough knowledge of applicable City policies laws and regulations affecting Division activities.
Considerable skill in arriving at cost estimates on complex projects; Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment.
Ability to interpret specific chemical and biological analyses.
Technical engineering and computerization expertise.
Sound judgement in planning and operations and the expenditure of public funds.
Anticipation and recognition of potential problems and instituting early solutions.
Professional knowledge of engineering transportation and utility systems.
Ability to work with management professionals and citizens at times in groups.
Cooperative and contributing approach to serving the public.
Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with employees consultants other governmental agency representatives City officials and the general public.
Ability to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports.
Sustainability and resilience best practices in areas including energy efficiency and conservation stormwater management water conservation waste reduction transportation alternatives green building low impact development greenhouse gas emissions reduction climate change and renewable energy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess a valid State drivers license or have the ability to obtain one within thirty days of employment.

Must pass a background check.

Registration as a Montana Professional Engineer or ability to obtain one within one year of employment.

Possession of current Montana Water and Wastewater Operator Certifications for Water Treatment Class I (1B) Water Distribution Class II (2A) and Wastewater Treatment Class I (1C) or the ability to transfer reciprocal certification from another state or the ability to obtain within one year of hire date and if necessary becoming an Operator in Training prior to full certification.

Supplemental Information

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Personal computer including Microsoft Office programs (Word Excel Power Point Outlook) and data base and computer-aided-design software social media platforms; standard drafting tools; surveying equipment including level distance measuring devices; standard office equipment (printer calculator copier scanner postage phone); motor vehicle; mobile radio.

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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger handle feel or operate objects tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop kneel crouch or crawl; talk or hear; and smell.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision color vision peripheral vision depth perception and 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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job most work is mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments construction sites or public works facilities sometimes under adverse field conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions fumes or airborne particles toxic or caustic chemicals risk of electrical shock and vibration. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate drafting instruments computers and various pieces of office equipment.

The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in office settings and moderate to loud outdoors on construction sites or public works facilities.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal application rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check; job related tests may be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar related or a logical assignment to the position.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Whitefish is an Equal Opportunity compliance with the American with Disabilities Act the city will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. The City of Whitefish does not discriminate on the basis of disability race color religion creed political idea sex age marital status physical or mental disability national origin sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression in its hiring or employment practices.

Required Experience:

Director

General PurposeThe City of Whitefish is actively recruiting for a Deputy Public Works Director to join our Public Works Department. We welcome your inquiries and encourage you to apply! If you have a passion for serving the public sector this may be the perfect fit for you.One of the fastest growing...