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Public Works Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

City of Bowie

Public Works Director

Bowie, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Public Works Director THE CANDIDATE The City of Bowie is seeking a proven and experienced professional to serve as its next Public Works Director. The ideal candidate will have a broad background in ...

City of Bowie, Maryland

Director, Public Works

Bowie, MD · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Public Works Director THE CANDIDATE The City of Bowie is seeking a proven and experienced professional to serve as its next Public Works Director. The ideal candidate will have a broad background in ...

City of Bowie

Assistant Director of Public Works

Bowie, MD · On-site

$122K - $140K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Public Works, the successful candidate will help lead a robust department consisting of seven operating divisions, an operating budget of approximately $32 million and a ...

Muller, Inc.

Superintendent, Public Works

Reston, VA · On-site

Director, Utilities We are seeking an experienced Construction Superintendent to lead day-to-day ... Support public relations efforts on projects impacting traffic or communities. Cost Awareness

Muller, Inc.

Superintendent, Public Works

Reston, VA · On-site

Director, Utilities We are seeking an experienced Construction Superintendent to lead day-to-day ... Support public relations efforts on projects impacting traffic or communities. Cost Awareness

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All JobsPublic Works JobsPublic Works Director JobsPublic Works Director Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Public Works Director information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$49.6K

$139.7K

$211.4K

How much do public works director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for public works director in Silver Spring, MD is $139,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,100.00 and $167,500.00 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 job categories do people searching Public Works Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD look for? The top searched job categories for Public Works Director jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:
What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Public Works Director jobs? Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Public Works Director job openings:
Public Works Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Works Director job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,670 per year, or $67.1 per hour.

Public Works Director

City of Bowie

Bowie, MD • On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Public Works Director
THE CANDIDATE
The City of Bowie is seeking a proven and experienced professional to serve as its next Public Works Director. The ideal candidate will have a broad background in all aspects of public works operations. This individual will be a skilled problem solver with the ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels of the organization, as well as City residents. Additionally, a manager with the ability to foster an environment where employees feel motivated to perform at their highest level is a highly desirable quality.
Bowie's next Public Works Director should have a bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a closely related field, along with seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works management in a municipal government or similar environment. Applicants with related private sector or military experience will also be considered. Possession of a professional engineer's license (PE), and/or a master's degree in engineering, public administration, Project Management or a related field are highly desirable.
The successful applicant will also possess the following attributes:
  • Knowledge of civil engineering, construction, infrastructure maintenance, utility operations, and public works management, and construction principles, practices, and methods;
  • Demonstrated skill in resolving public works issues involving contractors, City residents, developers, utility providers, regulatory agencies, and other governmental partners;
  • Ability to provide strong and effective leadership to division managers, mid-level supervisors, field personnel, technical staff, administrative staff, and varied operations;
  • Ability to establish effective working relationships with the City Manager, City Council, department heads, employees, contractors, regional partners, and residents;
  • Ability to identify, recommend, and implement efficient organizational processes, service standards, operating procedures, and protocols;
  • Experience managing operating and capital budgets, contracts, procurement processes, equipment needs, and major capital improvement projects;
  • Commitment to workplace safety, regulatory compliance, emergency preparedness, environmental stewardship, and high-quality resident service;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical, operational, financial, and infrastructure issues to non-technical audiences.

THE POSITION
Reporting to the City Manager, the Director of Public Works is a member of the City's senior management team. Responsibilities of this position will include, but not be limited to:
  • Planning, directing, and overseeing the activities of the Public Works Department's eight operating divisions and major service areas.
  • Providing leadership and coordination for street maintenance, sidewalks, curbs and gutters, streetlights, snow and ice control, stormwater management, solid waste and recycling collection, fleet and equipment maintenance, engineering review and permitting, capital projects, water treatment and distribution, and wastewater collection and treatment.
  • Preparing, prioritizing, and administering annual department budget for presentation and review by the City Manager and City Council.
  • Recommending staffing, equipment, vehicle, facility, technology, infrastructure, rate, fee, contract, and capital improvement needs based on service levels, regulatory requirements, asset condition, and available resources.
  • Providing prompt, practical, and professional responses and resolution to resident concerns and inquiries.
  • Serving as a key participant in the negotiation, implementation and oversight of matters related to the City's AFSCME collective bargaining unit.
  • Developing, reviewing, and implementing departmental policies, practices, standard operating procedures, service standards, and safety protocols. Providing capital improvements planning and recommending options for public works projects and capital improvement programs.
  • Overseeing public works capital projects from planning and design through procurement, construction, inspection, closeout, and warranty.
  • Taking an active role in the hiring, training, supervision, succession planning, and ongoing evaluation of key departmental staff.
  • Ensuring the proper execution, administration, and inspection of agreements, contracts, permits, and work performed by City contractors, consultants, developers, and vendors.
  • Conducting and/or coordinating engineering studies and technical reviews in response to requests from the City Manager, City Council, residents, or operational needs.
  • Ensuring that the City's water and wastewater operations are conducted in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements and permit conditions.
  • Coordinating Public Works emergency response and recovery activities during snow events, severe storms, flooding, debris events, utility failures, infrastructure failures, and other emergencies.
  • Representing the City in meetings with residents, civic associations, contractors, developers, utilities, professional organizations, and county, state, regional, and federal agencies.
  • Promoting a culture of safety, accountability, ethical public service, employee development, continuous improvement, and responsiveness to the Bowie community.

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
With a $26 million operating budget, eight divisions, and 112 staff members, the Public Works Department provides resident services including: street maintenance; water and wastewater treatment; maintenance of the City's water and sewer distribution system; stormwater management; refuse and recycling collection; fleet maintenance and capital improvement projects, consisting of improvements to facilities including buildings and parks.
THE CITY
The City of Bowie is a vibrant forward-thinking community of approximately 58,000 residents, known for its strong neighborhoods, high quality of life, and engaged civic culture. The City's proximity to Washington, DC, commitment to quality neighborhoods, and focus on safety, and economic stability have helped position Bowie as the largest, and one of the wealthiest municipalities in Prince George's County.
The City staff consists of over four hundred hardworking employees in a variety of skilled, non-skilled, administrative, public safety, and professional disciplines. The City boasts a pleasant working environment and a strong, goal-oriented culture. This culture is reflected in the City's consistently high employee retention rate, and record of success in achieving organizational objectives. Joining the City of Bowie means becoming part of a dynamic, motivated, and aligned team.
SALARY and BENEFITS:
The City offers a competitive salary range of $160,000-$200,000 depending on qualifications, and a robust menu of employee benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance, a 401(k) with employer match, and a 457 savings plan. To optimize employee work/life balance, many positions include telework and flexible scheduling options.
HOW TO APPLY
Please visit the city's website at: www.cityofbowie.org
and click on the employment link. All applicants must submit a completed City of Bowie employment application in order to be considered for this opportunity.
Application deadline: Open until filled
A proud Equal Opportunity Employer, the City of Bowie is committed to providing a fair and inclusive work environment where all employees are valued and respected. This commitment is a vital part of the City's organizational culture and values.

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