Public Works/Utility Superintendent ($85,000- $105,000)

THE COMMUNITY

West Lake Hills combines the natural beauty and tranquility of the Texas Hill Country with unmatched access to the excitement and opportunities of the Austin region. Nestled among wooded hills with sweeping views of Lake Austin and easy access to the Highland Lakes, the community offers a lifestyle centered on outdoor recreation, scenic beauty, and small-town charm, all just a short drive from one of America’s most dynamic cities.

Living in the Austin Region: Austin is renowned as a hub of innovation, culture, and lifestyle. The region is home to major employers in technology, healthcare, finance, and education, offering abundant professional opportunities. Residents can enjoy world-class dining, live music festivals, art galleries, and a thriving craft brewery and culinary scene. Sports enthusiasts have access to professional teams, from Austin FC soccer to collegiate athletics, as well as numerous outdoor events and tournaments throughout the year. Austin’s airports, highways, and regional connectivity make it easy to travel for business or leisure.

Outdoor and Active Lifestyle: From West Lake Hills, residents can easily explore Austin’s urban parks, hike and bike scenic trails, paddle on Lady Bird Lake, or take weekend trips to the Highland Lakes and surrounding Hill Country. Golf courses, boating, kayaking, and nature preserves are all within reach, offering year-round recreation for individuals and families.

Community Life in West Lake Hills: While enjoying proximity to Austin, West Lake Hills maintains its own strong identity. Throughout the region, a variety of seasonal festivals, car shows, and local events take place, while residents participate in Friday-night high school traditions, neighborhood gatherings, and community-driven initiatives. Local shops, restaurants, and boutique businesses along Bee Cave Road further enrich the area’s friendly, interconnected feel.

 

This position provides the opportunity to apply skills in support of a well-regarded community in the Austin region. West Lake Hills, located just west of downtown Austin, combines the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country with convenient access to the city. The city’s wooded hills, scenic views, and nearby Highland Lakes offer residents opportunities for hiking, boating, and outdoor recreation.

The Public Works/Utility Superintendent oversees infrastructure that directly impacts both the daily life of residents and the long-term sustainability of the community. West Lake Hills maintains a strong local identity, with active community engagement, seasonal events, and a small-town atmosphere, while benefiting from close connections to Austin’s economic, cultural, and recreational resources. This setting provides a context in which city operations are managed and improved while balancing natural surroundings, community expectations, and metropolitan opportunities.

 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, approachable leader who builds strong ties with stakeholders, from City Council and police to utility providers and Travis County partners, while advancing sustainable practices that preserve West Lake Hills’ serene, upscale quality of life.

A proactive and resilient problem-solver, they honor proven maintenance traditions while innovating with solutions such as smart asset tracking and eco-friendly drainage to protect the Edwards Aquifer. As a consensus builder, they rally contractors and teams via clear communication, transforming challenges like floods or complaints into trust-building wins. Results-oriented yet empathetic, this self-starter balances aggressive capital pursuits with inclusive drive, inspiring loyalty and community impact in high-stakes scenarios.

 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Works / Utility Superintendent oversees the planning, coordination, and management of the City’s general service operations, including facilities, streets, drainage, wastewater collection, and landscape maintenance. Operating under the direction of the City Administrator, this position leads and supervises third-party contract personnel and service vendors who perform a significant portion of the City’s general services work. The Superintendent works closely with the City Engineer, Police Department, Building & Development Services, and other city staff, as well as utility providers, regulatory agencies, and external contractors to ensure seamless operations. This role provides the reliable and efficient delivery of essential municipal infrastructure and public works services, whether carried out internally or through contracted partners. It requires strong technical expertise, independent judgment, and administrative skills to manage daily operations and long-range maintenance programs that preserve the City’s assets and quality of life.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Facilities Management

• Directs the operation, maintenance, and repair of City Hall, Police Station, and other municipal buildings.
• Oversees custodial services, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting, and structural systems.
• Manages preventive maintenance schedules, capital improvement projects, and equipment replacement programs.
• Ensures compliance with applicable fire, safety, building, and ADA codes.
• Administers and monitors facility-related contracts for janitorial, pest control, elevator, security, and other services.
• Maintains asset inventory and supports facility space planning and emergency readiness.

Streets, Signs, and Markings

• Plans and oversees the maintenance and repair of city streets, curbs, and sidewalks through contractors or city staff.
• Conducts inspections and recommends resurfacing, reconstruction, or repair priorities.
• Manages installation and maintenance of traffic control signs and pavement markings in compliance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TMUTCD).
• Coordinates right-of-way inspections and repairs related to utilities or private construction.
• Responds to citizen concerns and maintains records of maintenance activities.
• Develops annual and multi-year plans and budgets for street infrastructure.

Drainage and Rights-of-Way

• Oversees stormwater and drainage system maintenance, including culverts, ditches, inlets, and channels.
• Coordinates inspections, cleaning, and repairs to prevent flooding and erosion.
• Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal stormwater management and floodplain regulations.
• Supervises mowing, tree trimming, and maintenance of rights-of-way and drainage easements.
• Works with engineering consultants on stormwater improvements and capital drainage projects.
• Responds to citizen reports of drainage issues and prepares maintenance recommendations.

Wastewater Collection System, Lift Stations, and Grinder Pumps

• Oversees operation and maintenance of the City’s wastewater collection system, including lift stations and grinder pumps.
• Coordinates with licensed operators and contractors to ensure regulatory compliance with TCEQ and EPA requirements.
• Implements preventive maintenance programs and ensures accurate documentation of service calls and inspections.
• Responds to system alarms, overflows, and emergencies; coordinates timely repairs.
• Evaluates system performance and recommends capital improvements to enhance reliability.
• Maintains inventory of equipment and replacement parts for wastewater facilities.

Landscaping and Quality of Life Attributes

• Manages landscape maintenance of city-owned properties, trails, gateways, and public rights-of-way.
• Oversees contracts for mowing, irrigation, tree maintenance, and seasonal plantings.
• Promotes sustainable and water-efficient landscape practices.
• Coordinates beautification projects, public art installations, and other quality-of-life initiatives.
• Ensures compliance with tree protection and environmental management standards.
• Responds to public inquiries regarding aesthetics, landscaping, and maintenance concerns.

Emergency Management

• Participates in emergency response and disaster recovery operations as required.
• Informing supervisors and contract utility managers of utility hazards, public health issues, or problem areas within the municipality
• Serves as a key member of the City’s emergency management team, coordinating public works and infrastructure response during emergencies and disasters.
• Assists in development, implementation, and maintenance of the City’s Emergency Management Plan in coordination with the City Administrator and regional partners.
• Coordinates with Travis County, neighboring jurisdictions, and utility providers to ensure effective response and continuity of operations.
• Oversees preparation and readiness of City facilities, vehicles, and equipment for emergency use.
• Participates in emergency operations center (EOC) activities, disaster recovery efforts, and post-incident damage assessments.
• Ensures compliance with applicable FEMA and State of Texas emergency management guidelines.
• Conducts or participates in training and tabletop exercises to maintain staff and contractor preparedness.

Administrative and Supervisory Duties

• Prepares and manages budgets for all general service divisions and contract activities.
• Oversees procurement and contract administration for maintenance and public works services.
• Maintains asset management systems, service records, inspection reports, and regulatory documentation.
• Develops standard operating procedures and ensures adherence to safety and environmental practices.
• Provides reports and recommendations to the City Administrator and City Council.
• Supports citywide strategic and capital improvement planning.
• Making presentations to boards, commissions, city council, or community association meetings as requested
• Working with internal and external technical staff to communicate utility-related issues to clients, council/board members, and outside consultants
• Adhering to all state, federal, and city health and safety procedures as they relate to essential job functions
• Working on other duties as assigned

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• High School diploma with 10-15 years of progressively responsible utility maintenance supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Bachelor’s degree with 5-10 years of related utility management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• EPA / TCEQ certification in wastewater utility operations in Texas or an equivalent licensing in another State with the ability to successfully transfer certification to Texas, if necessary, is preferred
• A valid driver’s license

 

KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

• Public Works Operations and Maintenance Best Practices.
• Facilities, wastewater, stormwater (MS4), and right-of-way management principles.
• Applicable Texas regulatory requirements (TCEQ, TMUTCD, OSHA, etc.).
• Contract administration, budgeting, and project management.
• Preventive maintenance and asset management systems.
• Applicable computer applications such as Microsoft Office Suite, Incode (accounting), MGO Connect (permits), and ArcGIS/Online GIS.

With The Ability To:

• Plan, direct, and evaluate multiple public service programs simultaneously.
• Interpret and apply municipal policies, technical standards, and regulations.
• Prepare clear reports, budgets, and correspondence.
• Communicate effectively with contractors, staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Respond effectively to emergencies and operational challenges.

 

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

• Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License required.
• TCEQ Wastewater Collection System Operator license preferred.
• Certification in project management, safety, or public works operations is desirable.

 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The ability to walk, stand, and sit.
• Exposure to the elements in hot or cold environments
• Ability to lift 50 lbs.
• The ability to travel to sites for work.

 

OTHER

• This job description is subject to change at any time.
• This is an at-will position without a definite duration or term of office.
• The City of West Lake Hills is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please contact the City Secretary at (512) 327-3628.
• The City of West Lake Hills is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

COMPENSATION

The salary range for the Public Works / Utility Superintendent position will be $85,000 to $105,000, along with a competitive benefits package. Relocation assistance may also be considered.

 

BACKGROUND & CREDIT CHECKS

The finalists for the position will undergo background and credit checks that may include:

• Criminal Records
• Driving Records
• Education Completion
• Personality Profile Assessments

 

Submit your resume electronically.

Position Open Until Filled.