Director of Public Works

Victoria Newitt Recruitment Inc has been retained by The City of Prince Rupert to search for a Department Manager - Public Works.

Why work for the City of Prince Rupert?

With over $200 million in major infrastructure projects underway or in development, unprecedented industrial investment, major port expansions, housing growth, and transformative community infrastructure projects, there has never been a more exciting time to be part of Prince Rupert's future.

Located on British Columbia's spectacular North Coast, Prince Rupert offers an unmatched quality of life surrounded by ocean, mountains, and wilderness. Residents enjoy world-class fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, boating, and outdoor recreation while working in one of Canada's most strategically important trade gateways.

The City delivers the essential services that keep their community moving every day. Their team is helping shape the future of a growing city through significant infrastructure renewal, modernization, and community investment.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Department Manager of Public Works is responsible for the leadership, administration, and operational oversight of the City's Public Works Division, including roads, drainage, fleet, facilities, parks, solid waste, utilities operations support, and municipal infrastructure maintenance programs.

Working alongside the Department Manager of Engineering, this position forms part of the City's senior operational leadership team and plays a critical role in delivering strategic priorities, capital projects, and service improvements.

The Department Manager of Public Works will also work closely with the consultant selected to lead the City's Major Projects Division. Together with the Department Manager of Engineering, this position will provide direction, oversight, coordination, and performance management of the consultant team responsible for delivering the City's growing capital infrastructure program.

The successful candidate will be a practical and visible leader who values teamwork, accountability, innovation, and exceptional public service.

What You'll Do

• Lead and oversee all Public Works operations and maintenance functions.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and mentorship to exempt and unionized staff.
• Develop and administer departmental operating and capital budgets.
• Participate in the development of annual and five-year capital plans.
• Ensure the effective maintenance and operation of roads, drainage systems, fleet, facilities, parks, utilities support systems, and other municipal assets.
• Work collaboratively with the Department Manager of Engineering to coordinate capital construction projects and infrastructure renewal programs.
• Jointly oversee and manage the consultant retained to lead the Major Projects Division.
• Monitor consultant performance, project schedules, budgets, risks, and deliverables.
• Ensure departmental compliance with applicable legislation, permits, policies, bylaws, and safety requirements.
• Develop reports, recommendations, and presentations for the CAO and City Council.
• Participate in procurement processes, contract administration, and contractor management associated with the Public Works Department.
• Foster a culture focused on safety, accountability, service excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Represent the City in meetings with regulatory agencies, contractors, consultants, First Nations, community stakeholders, and industry partners.
• Participate in emergency management and Emergency Operations Centre activities when required.
• Support organizational change initiatives and help drive operational excellence across the organization.

What You'll Bring

• A genuine passion for building strong communities and contributing to the future of Prince Rupert.
• Diploma, hands-on experience or technical certification in Civil Engineering Technology, Public Works Management, Construction Management, Infrastructure Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal public works, infrastructure operations, construction, utilities, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership and supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing unionized workforces and collective agreement environments.
• Experience overseeing mid to large capital projects and multi-disciplinary consultant teams.
• Strong understanding of municipal infrastructure systems, asset management principles, and public works operations.
• Knowledge of procurement practices, contract administration, budgeting, and project management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience presenting information and recommendations to senior leadership, elected officials, and the public.
• Working knowledge of WorkSafeBC regulations and occupational health and safety practices.
• Valid Class 5 BC Driver's Licence or equivalent.
• Ability to obtain and pass a criminal record check.
• Assets Experience in a municipal government environment.
• Public Works Supervisor, CPWP, PMP, Asset Management, or related professional certifications.
• Experience working with consultant-led capital delivery models.
• Experience with fleet management, utilities operations, or municipal asset management systems.
• Familiarity with provincial and federal permitting processes.

What They Offer

• Competitive exempt management salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Municipal Pension Plan.
• Relocation assistance for the successful candidate, if required.
• Professional development opportunities.
• The opportunity to help shape one of British Columbia's most exciting and rapidly evolving communities.

Compensation & Benefits

The range offered for this position is: $125,000 – $150,000 annually.

Compensation offered within this range is based on factors unique to each candidate, including skills, qualifications, experience and credentials.

If this position suits your skills and experience, we want to talk to you!

Please apply by submitting your resume and a covering letter outlining why you are a suitable candidate for this exciting role.