

Director of Public Works
Application Deadline
Open until filled
Population
22,731
Salary Range:
$121,730 - $186,467 DOQ/E
Lead Today's Team. Build Tomorrow's Infrastructure. Shape a Community's Future.
Are you a visionary leader who transforms infrastructure challenges into community assets? Someone who understands that every water main, every street, and every public space tells the story of a community's commitment to its residents? The Village of Roselle is seeking an exceptional Director of Public Works to lead our infrastructure mission into the future.
The Opportunity
As Director of Public Works, you'll serve as a senior leader responsible for the strategic direction, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability of the Village's essential infrastructure. You will oversee streets, water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, fleet and facilities maintenance, and public grounds; the systems that residents rely on every single day. Reporting to the Village Administrator and serving on the Executive Leadership Team, you'll lead a department of 28 employees (plus seasonal/intern) while setting vision, executing strategy, and making a lasting impact.
What You'll Do
Department Leadership & Strategy
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Foster a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement
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Establish department-wide goals and service standards aligned with Village priorities
Operations & Service Delivery
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Oversee daily operations across streets, water, wastewater, fleet, facilities, and public grounds
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Ensure reliable, cost-effective service delivery, including emergency and seasonal operations
Capital Planning & Project Delivery
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Guide capital improvement programs from planning through execution, on time and within budget
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Oversee procurement and contracting in accordance with Village policy
Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
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Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations governing public works operations
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Identify and mitigate operational, financial, and regulatory risks
Financial Stewardship
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Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets
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Make data-informed decisions to maximize return on public investment
Executive Leadership & Collaboration
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Serve on the Village's Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organization-wide strategy
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Advise the Village Administrator and elected officials on department priorities and risks
Community & Intergovernmental Relations
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Serve as liaison with regulatory agencies, utilities, and partner organizations
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Represent the Department in public meetings with clear, accessible communication
Who You Are
You're not just a manager; you're a leader who builds leaders. You understand that great infrastructure requires great people, and you're passionate about developing talent at every level.
Your Background Includes
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Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, management, environmental sciences, construction management, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
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7-10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in public works, utilities, municipal operations, or comparable service-delivery environments
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Proven track record managing complex operations, multimillion-dollar budgets, diverse staff, and external partners
Your Leadership Toolkit
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Strategic and systems-level thinking
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Executive leadership and staff development
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Budgeting and financial management
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Regulatory oversight and compliance management
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Contract administration and vendor management
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Public communication and stakeholder engagement
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Sound judgment and decision-making in high-visibility environments
Requirements
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Valid Illinois Driver's License
Award-Winning Community
Voted Best Place to Live in 2024 & 2025 by the Daily Herald Readers' Choice Awards
Work-Life Balance
Standard schedule 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Meaningful Impact
Shape critical infrastructure in a community that values excellence and long-term planning
Supportive Team
Join a collaborative leadership team focused on results and continuous improvement
Why Roselle
Competitive Salary: $121,730 - $186,467 DOQ/E
Comprehensive benefits package:
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Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
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Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
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Paid vacation, personal/sick leave, and holidays
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Family Care Leave (up to 6 weeks paid leave for qualifying event)
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Tuition Reimbursement
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Cell phone or Stipend
READY TO BUILD SOMETHING GREAT?
If you're ready to lead with purpose and serve with excellence, we want to hear from you. Apply online with resume, cover letter optional.
The Village of Roselle is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity and inclusion.







