Listing Summary

Camden County, Georgia is accepting applications for Public Works Director.  Camden County is located in the southernmost corner of the state along the Atlantic Ocean. The county is rich in history, scenic beauty, and southern hospitality. The small, quaint, coastal community is nestled among two metropolitan areas. One can enjoy the tranquility of a charming community while still having access to urban amenities. Less than an hour drive to Jacksonville, Florida metropolitan amenities and attractions are abundant. The NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, minor league baseball, minor league hockey, as well as cultural opportunities to include museums, boutique galleries, festivals, and performing arts are among the many. A half hour drive north is Georgia’s Golden Isles, Jekyll and St. Simons Islands, which provide beach adventures and more for the whole family. The cities of Kingsland, St. Marys, and Woodbine are the incorporated areas of Camden County. The 2022 Census lists Camden County’s total population as 57,013. The Camden County school system offers superior education to over 9,000 students in nine elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. The high school offers 45 official extracurricular activities for students, as well as the renowned Wildcat football team. Camden County is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family.  The Public Works Director reports to the County Administrator and oversees the daily operations of the department.  The Public Works Department is responsible for the routine preventative maintenance and repairs of all county deeded right-of-way and infrastructure up to and including, roads, bridges, drainage, vegetation, sidewalks, guardrails, signs, and cross pipes. Specifically, it manages the upkeep of 295 miles of roads (172 miles paved, 123 miles dirt), over 50 bridges and box culverts, and around 1,800 cross pipes. Additionally, the department is responsible for maintaining 155 miles of roadside litter removal and mowing, employing bush hogs, batwings, and zero turn mowers. With a team of 32 full-time employees, including four field supervisors providing direct support to daily field operations, the department operates within a budget of approximately $2.7 million. Mosquito Control is outsourced to a private company, with Public Works overseeing the contract.

 

Find out details about the position by reviewing the recruitment brochure at www.mercergroupassociates.com

 

The ideal candidate to serve as Public Works Director will possess field operations experience showcasing the capability to effectively oversee Camden County’s Public Works operations, encompassing roads, bridges, drainage, right-of-way mowing, fleet services, and mosquito control. Must demonstrate proficiency in managing vendor relationships and contracts while maintaining a commitment to promoting and delivering quality customer service.  The ideal candidate will have expertise in reviewing, planning, and analyzing capital projects to contribute to the County's development, must be a strategic thinker and embrace a leadership style characterized by clear and respectful communication with existing staff, valuing their skill sets, ensuring accountability for job performance, and fostering a cohesive team.  The Public Works Director will have effective communication skills for conveying information accurately and succinctly to elected officials, citizen groups, and customers and should adequately communicate with staff at all levels, the public, Board of Commissioners, and Administration, demonstrated with strong oral and written skills. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to collaborate with individuals across various levels of government, showcasing a track record of achievement in operations and management. Sound judgment and common sense are imperative; multitasking is critical. The most suitable candidate will be intelligent, upbeat, friendly, outgoing, organized, positive, and a progressive leader—an individual with an open mind and a can-do attitude. Flexibility, consistency, persistence, energy, and calmness are essential qualities for effective leadership.

 

Minimum qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in public or business administration, engineering, or related field preferred, but not required.
• Five years of experience in public works of a similar size & complexity to Camden County or any equivalent combination of education, training, & experience providing requisite knowledge, skill, & ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Must have at least two years of supervisory experience leading a team.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

 

Compensation & Benefits include:

The starting salary for this position DOQ (depending on qualifications) is expected to be in the range of $90,000—$100,000 with a very comprehensive benefits package including:  health, dental, and vision insurance. The county extends additional perks such as an employee medical clinic and an EAP program. County-paid life and disability insurance are part of the benefits, along with 457 and 401a retirement plans featuring county matching contributions. Following the first year of employment, the county will match retirement contributions up to 9%. A generous annual/sick leave program is offered.  Relocation expenses are subject to negotiation.

 

How to Apply:

Interested candidates must submit by email a cover letter, resume, at least five job related references (with email and phone numbers), as well as salary history no later than close of business on February 28, 2024; to lisaward912@gmail.com.  Please direct any questions to Lisa Ward, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates, at lisaward912@gmail.com or 706-983-9326 or Alan Reddish, Senior Associate, Mercer Group Associates, Cell: 706-614-4961.