• Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), the Director of Public Works and Community Services is a key member of Central Elgin's Senior Leadership Team. This role provides strategic and operational leadership for all municipal public works and community services, including roads, bridges, water/wastewater, waste management, municipal facilities, parks, beaches, trails and fleet. You'll lead a diverse team, oversee significant capital projects, manage budgets, ensure regulatory compliance, and drive long-term asset management and strategic planning. This position is vital in delivering high-quality, efficient services that enhance the quality of life for Central Elgin residents, aligning with Council's priorities and fostering strong community relationships.

• Departmental Leadership & Management: Provides overall leadership to the Department, including operational oversight and direct supervision, coaching, mentoring, and motivating staff. Accountable for recruitment, selection, planning work schedules, assigning and monitoring work, performance management, providing training and development opportunities, ensuring a healthy and safe workplace, fostering a positive employee experience, and interpreting and applying employment legislation, human resources policies, and collective agreements. Oversees external consultants, contractors, and suppliers as applicable.
• Strategic Planning & Objective Setting: Establishes Department objectives in consultation with the Chief Administrative Officer and in accordance with Council direction. Leads the implementation of the Municipality's strategic plan, budgeting, and business plan activities for the Department. Develops and prioritizes maintenance and construction projects for planning and budgeting.
• Performance Monitoring & Enhancement: Regularly reviews, assesses, and reports on departmental objectives and performance, devising, identifying, and implementing strategies for continuous performance enhancement.
• Financial Oversight: Responsible for the development and oversight of the Department's operating and capital budgets, including forecasting staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitors and approves expenditures, ensuring compliance with all relevant financial statutory and regulatory requirements. Identifies and tracks grants and subsidies from various federal, provincial, and other sources, preparing and submitting applications where appropriate.
• Council & Stakeholder Engagement: Attends Committees, Council, and other meetings, preparing and presenting reports, recommendations, formal presentations, and responding to questions and inquiries as required.
• Continuous Improvement & Customer Service: Regularly reviews and evaluates Department administrative and service delivery processes with a focus on continuous improvement and customer service excellence
• Inter-Departmental & External Collaboration: Collaborates with other Departments and, as a representative of the Municipality, liaises and communicates with external stakeholders, including other governments, agencies, residents, and elected officials, responding to inquiries to advance the business of the Municipality.
• Policy & Procedure: In consultation with the CAO, Department management, and other Departments, recommends, develops, and implements Department operational procedures, policies, standards, by-laws, and work methods in accordance with relevant legislation, best practices, and industry standards.
• Professional Development & Industry Awareness: Demonstrates a commitment to professional development and maintains relevant professional association memberships. Maintains a keen understanding of best practices, trends, and advances in the fields of Public Works and Recreation for possible application at the Municipality.
• Emergency Management: Assumes response activities in accordance with the Emergency Plan.
• Safety & Compliance: Follows all Municipality policies and procedures and ensures all health and safety regulations are upheld.

• Education:
  • University Degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. A Master's degree in a relevant discipline would be considered an asset.
  • Alternatively, an equivalent combination of education, professional development, and extensive progressive experience in a senior municipal public works leadership role will be considered.

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in a municipal public works/operations environment, with at least 5 years in a senior management or director-level role.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing complex capital projects, operating budgets, and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Strong understanding of water and wastewater treatment and distribution/collection systems, roads and bridges construction and maintenance, and municipal infrastructure asset management.
  • Experience with parks, recreation, and facilities management is highly desirable.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of municipal operations, relevant legislation, and industry best practices.
  • Exceptional leadership, team-building, and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and concise reports and presentations.
  • Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
  • Proven project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
  • Sound judgment, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to work outside of regular business hours as required for emergencies or meetings.
  • Valid Ontario Class G Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.

• Working Conditions:
  • Primarily office-based, with regular site visits to various municipal facilities and project sites.
  • May be exposed to varying weather conditions and construction site hazards during site visits.
  • On-call availability for emergencies may be required.

• Location: 450 Sunset Drive, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
• Job Type Full-time, Permanent
• Rate of Pay: $145,001.19 to $172,620.46
• Hours of Work: The normal workweek consists of 40 hours; Monday to Friday. You may be required to work outside and beyond the normal hours of work.

• To explore this opportunity please apply via email by July 25, 2025 or sooner to [email protected] quoting project CE-DPR. Should you wish to speak to our Executive Recruiter or to receive a detailed position description please contact Amy Oliveira at 416-214-9299 x4, [email protected] or Jon Stungevicius at 416-214-9299 x1, [email protected].
• The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment.
• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Municipality of Central Elgin is an equal opportunity employer. The Municipality of Central Elgin will attempt to provide reasonable accommodation for known disability for an applicant or employee if requested

Personal information is collected pursuant to the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used only to evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment. Questions respecting the collection of information should be directed to the CAO/Clerk of The Corporation of the Municipality of Central Elgin.

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