The Position
The City of Hilliard is seeking a proactive, people-centered leader to serve as its next Public Service Director. The City seeks someone who brings operational leadership, asset management expertise, and strategic foresight to a department that is deeply committed to service, innovation, and community. This is a unique opportunity to lead a department that is transitioning to a modern, data-informed operation, utilizing a new work order and asset management system. Join a team with a collaborative leadership team, employees who are customer-oriented, and a creative city focused on a healthy organizational culture. The next Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Hilliard’s infrastructure and service delivery.

The Public Service Department (formerly called Operations) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s streets, rights-of-way, traffic signals, street lighting, sewer lift stations, sewers, fire hydrants, walk paths, and other infrastructure. The Operations team also manages the City’s vehicles, public buildings, and grounds facilities. The City Forester also falls within this division and provides urban forestry and horticulture oversight.

The Operations team administers the citywide mowing and landscaping program, solid waste and recycling contract, NPDES Phase II storm water master plan, the Hilliard 311 service request system, and various infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation projects.

The Director leads a management team of two administrators, four maintenance supervisors, and reports directly to the Assistant City Manager, working closely with the City Manager.

This role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Parks, Human Resources, and the City Manager’s Office, particularly in capital project planning, budgeting, and interdepartmental coordination on special events and weather/snow removal. The Director will be expected to champion the department’s needs and ensure that operational realities are reflected in citywide planning and development.

Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least ten (10) years of supervisory and managerial experience in public works, operations, or a related field.

Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in business or public administration, engineering, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have direct experience in municipal operations, maintenance, and/or infrastructure management, and a strong understanding of asset management systems, capital improvement planning, and contract administration. Familiarity with union environments, public sector budgeting, and the life cycle of infrastructure is highly desirable. Candidates who have demonstrated their ability to shift to a data-informed asset management program, have built and maintained a healthy organizational culture, and assessed how to train and align staff in a growing community will be well-positioned for success in this role.

Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range for the Public Service Director is $120,000 – $150,000, depending on qualifications. The City of Hilliard offers a competitive benefits package that includes participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), twelve (12) paid holidays, two (2) personal days, and tuition reimbursement. Additional benefits include generous vacation and sick leave accruals, health and dental insurance, and access to professional development opportunities.

How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis at jobs.crelate.com/portal/raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning September 4, 2025.

Questions
Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at ctuckparrish@raftelis.com and Kelsey Batt at kbatt@raftelis.com.