Assistant Director of Public Works – Engineering & Capital Projects

The City of Blue Springs is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and motivated Assistant Director of Public Works to provide strategic leadership and professional oversight for public infrastructure, capital improvement, and engineering functions.

This role supports the planning, coordination, and delivery of the City’s capital improvement program and development-related infrastructure. The Assistant Director ensures public projects are completed efficiently, on time, and within budget while building strong partnerships across City departments, consultants, contractors, and the community.

This role is not a hands-on design engineering position; instead, it emphasizes project leadership, program management, and cross department coordination. At times, the Assistant Director may serve as the Acting Public Works Director in the Director’s absence.

The City of Blue Springs, Missouri is strategically located near the center of Jackson County, Missouri at the eastern edge of the Kansas City metropolitan region. The city covers 22.26 square miles.

Leadership Impact

This position plays a central role in shaping the future of the City’s infrastructure and ensuring safe, reliable public systems for the community we serve. We are looking for a proactive leader who values collaboration, innovation, and public service.

Mission

The City provides services that promote a safe and welcoming environment, support sustainable growth, and strengthen community for today and tomorrow.

Vision

Blue Springs is a growing community with the heart of a small town, driven by big opportunities and a commitment to a high quality of life for all.

Key Responsibilities

Capital Projects & Infrastructure Delivery

• Assist with planning, budgeting, and managing the City’s Capital Improvement Program.
• Oversee design, construction, and inspection of street, stormwater, water, and sanitary sewer projects.
• Coordinate with consulting firms, contractors, utilities, and outside agencies.
• Manage contracts, bids, change orders, and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Engineering & Development Review

• Review development plans, public improvements, rights-of-way requests, and traffic studies.
• Support engineering design reviews and ensure compliance with City standards and professional best practices.
• Provide technical guidance to internal staff, consultants, and developers.
• Serve as liaison to Planning and attend Planning Commission meetings as needed.

Leadership & Administration

• Supervise and support engineering, technical, and inspection staff.
• Present reports and recommendations to the City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, Mayor, and City Council.
• Attend City Council and Planning Commission meetings to provide technical input on infrastructure topics.
• Lead process improvements, innovation, and collaboration across departments.
• Serve as Acting Director in the Director’s absence.

Public & Interagency Relations

• Coordinate with MoDOT, utility providers, MARC, and regional partners.
• Respond to citizen concerns, development inquiries, and service requests.
• Represent the City on regional committees and task forces.

Education, Experience and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• PE license is not required, but it is beneficial.

Experience

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public works, engineering, capital project management, or related municipal operations.
• Strong background managing infrastructure programs, development review, and consultant/contractor relationships.

Skills

• Proven leadership, team building, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of public infrastructure systems, construction methods, and municipal operations.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, capital planning, regulatory compliance, and project management.
• Ability to analyze complex issues, make data-driven decisions, and develop long-term strategies.
• Familiarity with MUTCD and ITE standards preferred.
• Ability to build partnerships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

The City of Blue Springs is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

The City of Blue Springs is committed to providing a workplace that is inclusive and accessible to all employees, including individuals with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to employment opportunities and are able to perform the essential functions of their job. Employees and applicants requiring accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job should contact the Human Resources Director to request assistance.