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Public Works Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Bsu

Purchasing Assistant

Muncie, IN · On-site

$13.80 - $14.95/hr

Create all suppliers and direct payees in Banner and SciQuest; prepare, process, and maintain files and data for all Public Works Projects. Duties & Responsibilities: 1. Create and update all ...

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All JobsPublic Works JobsPublic Works Director JobsPublic Works Director Jobs in Indiana

Public Works Director information

See Indiana salary details

$45.7K

$128.6K

$194.6K

How much do public works director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works director in Indiana is $128,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,300.00 and $154,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do you need a degree to be a public works director?

A degree is often preferred for a public works director position, typically in fields like civil engineering, public administration, or related areas. Relevant experience, certifications, and knowledge of public infrastructure and management are also important qualifications for the role.

What does a public works director do?

A Public Works Director oversees the planning, organization, and management of a city's public infrastructure and services. This includes responsibilities such as maintaining roads, water and sewer systems, public buildings, and sanitation services. The director leads teams, manages budgets, ensures compliance with regulations, and coordinates projects that impact the community's safety and quality of life. They also work with other government officials and the public to address infrastructure needs and concerns.

What does a public works director do?

Public works directors are city government employees. As a public works director, you report to the city manager and collaborate with other high-level city officials to carry out your duties. Your main responsibilities are to manage several departments in the city government and to develop long-term community improvement plans. Some of your tasks are managerial, such as hiring, evaluating, and firing public works employees. Others are administrative, like overseeing public works projects, budgets, and outcomes. You present development plan proposals to city management and assist the city manager.

What is the difference between Public Works Director vs City Engineer?

AspectPublic Works DirectorCity Engineer
CredentialsOften requires civil engineering degree, PE license, and management experienceTypically requires civil engineering degree and PE license
Work EnvironmentOversees public infrastructure projects, maintenance, and operationsFocuses on designing, planning, and supervising engineering projects
Employer & IndustryMunicipal government, public sectorMunicipal government, public sector

The Public Works Director and City Engineer roles often overlap in credentials and work environment, but the Public Works Director has broader management responsibilities overseeing all public infrastructure and services, while the City Engineer primarily focuses on engineering design and project planning within the city.

What are some common challenges faced by a public works director when managing multiple infrastructure projects simultaneously?

A Public Works Director often oversees several infrastructure projects at once, which requires careful prioritization, resource allocation, and team coordination. Common challenges include balancing limited budgets, addressing unforeseen issues such as inclement weather or supply chain delays, and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Effective communication with city officials, contractors, and the public is also critical to keep projects on track and maintain transparency. Strong organizational skills and adaptability are essential to successfully manage these competing demands.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a public works director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Works Director, you need a strong background in civil engineering, public administration, and project management, often supported by a relevant degree and significant supervisory experience. Familiarity with budgeting software, asset management systems, and regulatory compliance tools is typically required. Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These competencies ensure the efficient delivery and maintenance of public infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and effective team management.
More about Public Works Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Works jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Public Works jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Public Works Director jobs in Indiana?

For Public Works Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Public Works Director jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Public Works Director jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Public Works Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Public Works Director job openings:

Public Works Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Director job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,562 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Civil Engineer - Public Works, Transportation, Stormwater

Shive Hattery Group

Valparaiso, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Let's Do great things-Together
At Shive-Hattery, we believe great design starts with great people. We're a full-service architecture and engineering firm with a legacy of collaboration, innovation, and putting people first, our clients and each other. If you're looking for a place where your ideas matter and your growth is supported, you'll feel at home here.
Why This Role Matters
As a Civil Engineer with 6+ years of experience you'll play a key role in supporting the firm and shaping projects that make a difference-from concept through completion. You'll collaborate with talented teammates, contribute your expertise, and help us deliver thoughtful, high-quality solutions for those we serve.
What You'll Do
As someone who enjoys the human aspect of civil engineering, you'll build and grow client relationships. You'll develop current clients and have support for pursuing new ones through marketing activities. Access resources to expand site design and land development opportunities.
  • Leading the design effort on municipal projects
  • Mentor and guide design teams
  • Serve as a technical design specialist and mentor.
  • Facilitate good technical design decisions
  • Ensure a quality client experience that meets or exceeds expectations
  • Share development knowledge with project teams.
  • Manage business development for both current clients and new pursuits.
  • Project types may include a vast array of public works and public infrastructure related projects

Requirements
You don't need to check every box to succeed here. If your experience aligns with many of the items below and you're excited about the work we do, we encourage you to apply.
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
  • Professional Engineer license in Indiana or the ability to obtain the license
  • Experience as a design leader in collaboration with a design team
  • Experience with direct client interaction
  • Experience with: State and local standards, procedures, and collaboration with cities or counties

What will make you stand out
  • Ability to develop new technical approaches
  • Leadership of small teams and coordination efforts
  • Strong integration of analysis tools into design workflow
  • Early influence on project direction and outcomes

Our Commitment to You
Great work happens when you feel secure in your future, confident in your support, and trusted to grow. That's why our benefits support your health, financial stability, and life beyond work - including medical, dental and vision coverage, paid time off and holidays, 401(k) retirement savings, disability protection, wellness incentives, and flexibility. When we succeed, you share in that success. Guided by truth, trust, mentoring, and care, we're committed to helping you build a lasting career.
Who We Are
Shive-Hattery is a privately held architecture and engineering consulting firm with design offices across the United States. Here, you'll work alongside multidisciplinary teams delivering integrated design solutions for clients across industries. You'll contribute to meaningful projects guided by our principle to design what matters and make our world a better place. You're looking to build something great. So are we.
Shive-Hattery is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
This position is primarily performed in an office or hybrid environment and may require travel to project sites, other Shive-Hattery office locations or to meet with clients. A full clean driver's license is required. The role involves sitting, standing, and working at a computer for extended periods. May also require lifting light to medium weight objects of up to 50 lbs., the wearing of PPE and navigating active construction sitesReasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and interests, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help us design what matters to make the world a better place. Interested applicants should submit their cover letter, resume, and portfolio for consideration. If you are unable to submit your portfolio due to size constraints, please include a link to your portfolio in your cover letter.
Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies:
To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.

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