AN OUTSTANDING CAREER OPPORTUNITY
The City of Rowlett, Texas is seeking a visionary and results-driven leader to serve as its next Director of Public Works – a pivotal role at the heart of a thriving, fast-growing community. This is a unique opportunity to shape the infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for a city that prides itself on innovation, service excellence, and forward-thinking development. The ideal candidate will bring strategic insight, operational expertise, and a passion for public service to lead critical initiatives, enhance community assets, and help guide Rowlett into its next chapter of growth and success.
ABOUT ROWLETT
Rowlett is home to nearly 68,000 residents and sits along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard in far east Dallas County and west Rockwall County. Just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas, the community is uniquely positioned on two peninsulas that extend into the lake, offering more than 30 miles of beautiful shoreline. Residents and visitors alike enjoy kayaking at Scenic Point Park, lakeside picnics, outdoor recreation, and a variety of water activities – making Rowlett one of the region’s few cities able to offer a true lakeside lifestyle. Known for its welcoming, close-knit atmosphere and the high quality of life it offers, Rowlett has become a desirable location for new development, business expansion, and residents seeking a balance of urban amenities and natural beauty.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
The Rowlett Public Works Department maintains city infrastructure, including streets, water distribution, wastewater collection, and drainage. The department ensures essential services like water quality and road maintenance, along with other important quality of life amenities. The divisions within the Public Works Department are Engineering, Facilities, Public Works Administration, Streets, and Vehicle Maintenance.
The Public Works Department is led by the Director of Public Works. Assisting the Director in leading the various divisions in the department are two utility operations managers, a transportation manager, a public works manager, and a manager of assets and fleet. There is a total of 65 staff members who provide service in the Public Works Department that are supported by a FY2026 operating budget of $9.9 million.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the Assistant City Manager, the Director of Public Works directs the Public Works Department with responsibility for the operation, planning, administration, financial management and inter-governmental relations for public works and development activities. This position is additionally responsible for developing and analyzing departmental policies, serving as the departmental liaison with City boards/commissions, City Council and citizens, along with providing professional services and interfacing with other City departments and citizens. Key responsibilities include managing, directing, and evaluating the department programs and activities including streets, sewer and storm water maintenance, engineering, traffic control, water distribution and sewer systems collection, facilities maintenance, fleet services, and the Capital Improvements Program; preparing and monitoring the departmental and capital improvement budget and projects; overseeing long-range planning studies; supervising the preparation of construction estimates, bid proposals, specifications, and schedules for various projects; and overseeing contractual agreements with various utility providers, contractors and consultants.
The ideal candidate for the Director of Public Works role will be an accomplished leader who combines strategic thinking with operational expertise and a deep commitment to public service and getting projects delivered. This individual will bring a collaborative leadership style, political acumen, and a strong track record of delivering high-quality infrastructure and services in a complex municipal environment. Key attributes include a confident, decisive and ethical leader; an adept communicator; a proven track record of public works experience in managing functions such as capital project delivery, engineering, streets and drainage, utilities, fleet and facilities, and internal services; and experience in overseeing large-scale, complex, and high-profile infrastructure projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
The following education, training, and experience are required; however, equivalent combinations of education, experience, and training that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Civil Engineering, or related field.
Experience: At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience involving the design, construction, maintenance and operation of a variety of public works related functions, including at least five (5) years in a supervisory role. Municipal development experience in a reasonable growth environment is highly desirable.
Desirable Qualifications:
Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in Texas.
Master’s degree in any of the fields of study noted above.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for the Director of Public Works is $131,975 to $197,962. Placement in the range will be commensurate with the experience, education, etc. of the selected candidate. The City of Rowlett offers a comprehensive benefits package including retirement provided by the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS) and a voluntary, deferred compensation 457 retirement plan option. The employee TMRS contribution is 7% of their gross salary, and the City matches the employee deposits at a rate of 2:1 or 14%. The full description of benefits provided by the City of Rowlett can be viewed by clicking on the .pdf link on this page.
The City of Rowlett places a high degree of emphasis on work/life balance and provides its employees with a 4-day work week.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
Interested candidates should apply immediately. The City may close the recruitment at any time once a suitably strong group of candidates has been established. Submit a comprehensive résumé and compelling cover letter below.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
This recruitment has closed and is no longer accepting applications.
