Town of Orono - Public Works Director

Start Date: June 04, 2025 | End Date: July 01, 2025
County: Penobscot County
Job Type: Public Works
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT - PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

The Town of Orono is seeking to fill its Public Works Director position. With a year round population of 11,200 and an additional 12,500 students when the University of Maine is in session, Orono is part of the Bangor Region, which is the gateway to the North Woods, Downeast Maine and Acadia National Park. The newly remodeled Bangor International Airport connects people to the rest of the country.  Having the combination of a major university next to an easily accessible airport creates an attractive and powerful region. Learn more about the many local attractions at https://www.bangorregion.com/our-region/visitor-information/. 

The Public Works Director is a highly responsible administrative and advanced technical position directing all major departmental policies and activities of the various divisions of the Public Works Department. This position requires frequent contact with other agencies, boards, department heads and the public, and overseeing and managing a workforce of 15 staff members and a budget of approximately $2.5 million.    

Specific job responsibilities include: working with the Town Manager and Town Council to develop and implement long range plans for the Public Works department; overseeing all Public Works major functions, including general and winter road maintenance, environmental services, cemeteries, fleet maintenance and town facilities, as well as capital infrastructure, equipment, and facilities; drafting annual budgets and developing a Town-wide asset inventory/asset management plan to support capital planning and prioritization; working with engineering consultants to design, plan and budget large scale construction projects, coordinating the bid process, and overseeing the projects; coordinating departmental workplan with MDOT and regional transportation partners to leverage cost reduction and pursue grant opportunities; ensuring environmental and regulatory compliance with all departmental activities; proactively communicating with the community and individual residents to convey information, solicit feedback, handle complaints, etc.; and overseeing the Town’s safety programs, including policy development, employee education, and technical assistance to department heads. 

Candidates should have the following qualifications: at least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal public works or a closely related field, including at least 5 years of leadership experience; bachelor’s degree in a related field or the equivalent in closely related experience; knowledge and experience in road construction, site work, and other public works functions, and in long range/large scale project planning and project management; strong verbal and written communication and relationship building skills; proficient computer/technology skills related to email, smartphones, tablets and computers and other applicable technology; knowledge of the local, state and federal laws and regulations applicable to municipal public works activities; and considerable knowledge of materials, techniques, tools, and equipment used in Public Works.

Please direct any questions to: Laurie Bouchard, HR Consultant, Town of Orono at: [email protected]