The Public Works Director leads the maintenance and enhancement of Lower Paxton Township's municipal infrastructure, encompassing roadways, stormwater system, signalized intersections, a closed-landfill, a compost facility, roadway supporting infrastructure, Township parks and other public properties.. This leadership role involves overseeing public works operations, managing and providing decision making guidance to all personnel, supervising the maintenance of Township vehicle and equipment fleets, planning capital improvement projects, managing contracts with external vendors, leading the Township’s GIS efforts, and preparing and managing annual operating budgets. The Public Works Director sets and achieves goals related to roadway and storm sewer maintenance, park and property upkeep, traffic control, , emergency response, and records management. The role requires visionary leadership and technical expertise to address civil engineering challenges while ensuring the department operates efficiently.
The Director represents the Township in various capacities, engaging with the public, businesses, and governmental entities. Managing approximately 35 full-time employees and 4 seasonal part-time staff, this position oversees operating budgets totaling approximately $5 million. Strong problem-solving skills are essential to identify, assess, and address engineering and operational challenges within the Township’s public works infrastructure. It requires the ability to detect, analyze, and resolve engineering problems linked to public works and infrastructure.

B. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
1. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including the PA Liquid Fuels Act, PA One-Call Act, and PA CDL laws.
2. Supervise diverse department functions: road and storm sewer maintenance, vehicle and equipment services, park/property management, compost operations, and emergency response (e.g., snow removal).
3. Analyze and resolve civil engineering issues affecting municipal infrastructure.
4. Plan and execute road repair and improvement projects.
5. Collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Director on park and facility projects.
6. Collaborate with the Sewer Department Director on maintenance of the stormwater system and MS4 planning initiatives.
7. Oversee the maintenance of drainage systems, addressing stormwater management and post-storm remediation.
8. Develop and implement procurement processes for materials, services, and equipment per Township procedures.
9. Inspect public facilities, propose improvements, estimate costs, and assess infrastructure contributions from private developers.
10. Prepare and manage operational and State Aid budgets, totaling over $5 million annually.
11. Manage Capital Improvement Fund related to Public Works Projects. Actively manage grant fund reimbursements and participate in planning efforts to obtain new grants.
12. Prepare annual reports for State Aid Budget, compost facility and audit needs.
13. Act as the lead decision maker for signalized intersection repair, working with the Township’s third-party provider for these services.
14. Collaborate with and oversee the work of the GIS Manager, providing new initiatives for GIS applications that can improve the efficiency of the Department and other Township services.
C. OTHER DUTIES
1. Support the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during significant weather events.
2. Direct staff during emergencies or natural disasters, ensuring timely and effective responses.
D. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Reports to the Township Manager and receives strategic guidance on project prioritization.
E. SUPERVISION GIVEN Directly oversees positions such as Transportation Division Manager, Public Facilities Division Manager, Road Technician, GIS Manager and Workforce.
F. WORKING CONDITIONS
1. Primary work environment in a modern office setting with occasional disruptions.
2. Regular fieldwork involving outdoor conditions, varying temperatures, and uneven terrain.
3. Availability for extended hours during extreme weather or emergencies.
G. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
1. Range of dexterity needed, from computer tasks to field inspections.
2. Ability to sit for long periods with occasional physical activity (e.g., walking, bending, carrying).
3. Capable of lifting up to 35 pounds and tolerating outdoor work in diverse weather conditions.
4. Proficiency in operating motor vehicles.
H. QUALIFICATIONS
1. Education/Training:
o Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, public/business administration, construction management, or related fields.
o Bonus: Licensure as a Professional Engineer in the state of Pennsylvania and municipal experience.
o High school diploma/GED required?
2. Work Experience:
o 5–7 years in civil engineering, public works, or related fields with 2+ years in supervisory roles.
o A combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.
3. Licenses: Valid driver’s license with a favorable record required.
I. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
1. Strong verbal and written communication, interpersonal skills, and public interaction.
2. Analytical problem-solving, independent judgment, and deadline management.
3. Knowledge of civil engineering principles and construction management.
4. Strong understanding of municipal infrastructure systems, including but not limited to roadways, sewers, MS4, signalized intersections and building maintenance.
5. Working knowledge of the documents and publications critical to the position (ie-Pennsylvania Second Class Township Code, the Municipal Planning Code, PennDOT Publications, and MUTCD). Experience with EJCDC Contract Documents and Publication 9 (Municipal Liquid Fuels Program) a plus.
6. Ability to collaborate with local officials, contractors, government agencies, and the public. The position requires the ability to communicate complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
7. Leadership and management skills to efficiently oversee staff and operations. Ability to act as the advocate for the department to communicate core service offerings with the public.
8. Strategic planning and organizational skills for infrastructure management.
9. The ability to interpret engineering plans, technical reports and legal documents.
10. Knowledge of modern office procedures and software tools, with proficiency in producing accurate reports.