Clinton, IL – Assistant Public Works Director

The City of Clinton, Illinois is seeking motivated and resourceful applicants for the Assistant Director of Public Works position. The City of Clinton is located in central Illinois in DeWitt County.  With a population of a little over 7,000, City of Clinton provides its residents with a wide array of excellent public services.

Clinton is the County Seat of DeWitt County and is located in the heart of Central Illinois at the intersection of State Routes 51, 54 & 10.   Clinton is just 20 minutes from Bloomington to the north and 20 minutes from Decatur to the south. Many of its residents work in these two communities as well as in nearby Champaign-Urbana and Springfield, all of which are within easy commuting distance.

Agriculture is one of the most important industries in Clinton and the surrounding area which is among the most productive farming regions in the nation. Clinton is also known for its exceptional schools, a variety of housing options, growing businesses, fine dining, a thriving downtown, beautiful parks, a highly acclaimed hospital, low crime rate, and plenty of small-town charm and hospitality.

The City of Clinton provides a full complement of public services including Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, Water, Sewer, Library, etc.

The Public Works Department consists of the following five divisions:

• Streets
• Sewer
• Water
• Parks
• Cemetery

The Street Division is the largest of the five divisions and it provides street, sidewalk, and alley maintenance, snow removal, tree trimming, and residential brush and leaf collection. The Sewer Division maintains and operates the City’s sanitary sewer distribution system, including pumping stations, as well as various storm water drainage systems. The Water Division maintains the City’s water distribution system and operates the water treatment facility. The Parks Division maintains the City’s seven (7) municipal parks and the facilities contained in each of the parks. Finally, the Cemetery Division maintains the City’s four separate municipal cemeteries consisting of over 55 acres.

The Assistant Director of Public Works position works closely with the Director of Public Works to oversee and manage all divisions within the Department.  It is important that the selected candidate have the ability to provide direction and leadership to the employees of the department.  It is also essential that the Assistant Director be able to participate in the maintenance activities of the department as well. That will require that he or she have the ability to operate most of the equipment used by the Department, including back hoes, excavators, snowplows, front end loaders, mowing equipment, etc. along with an understanding of the basic requirements involved in the day-to-day maintenance of streets, water lines, and sewer lines.

This position will also be directly involved in the hiring process for new employees as well as the performance evaluation process for existing employees and employee training of various kinds.

Other important traits of the Assistant Director are listed below:

• Ability to communicate clearly and accurately to subordinates, supervisors, and members of the general public.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships both inside and outside of the municipal organization.
• Ability to interact effectively with members of the public who may be upset or lodge complaints.
• Ability to effectively address and resolve employee performance issues.
• Ability to accurately log information and complete reports.
• Ability to manage project schedules.
• Ability to perform a variety of construction related work involving basic carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and masonry skills.

It should be noted that the successful candidate must possess an Illinois Class B CDL with air brake endorsement. It is also required that the selected candidate be willing and able to obtain a Class A Water Operator Certificate within 6 months of their date of hire if they don’t already possess such a Certificate.

The current Public Works Director has submitted plans to retire in the near future. It would be the City’s intent to promote the new Assistant Director into the top position when those retirement plans are implemented by the incumbent director.

The annual salary range for the Assistant Director position is $66,675 to $73,389. The starting salary will be determined based upon the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter, expressing your interest in the position, along with a resume and a list of three work related references to the City of Clinton City Administrator, Tayler Baxter, at tbaxter@clintonillinois.com.  You can also send or drop off the application materials to the attention of Mr. Baxter at Clinton City Hall, 118 West Washington Street, Clinton, IL 61727. The position will remain open until filled, but review of applications will begin on December 4, 2023.

Confidential inquiries may be directed to Mark Peterson, Vice President, GovHR USA at 847-380-3240 ext. 121.

The City of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer.