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The City of Flint, MI (Pop. 96,500) is seeking a public works/municipal utilities professional to join the administrative team of Mayor Sheldon Neeley, who was re-elected to a four-year term in November 2022. This position is ideal for a professional who is seeking a challenging and rewarding experience in a community with strong support from major foundations and state government.

Flint is a mid-sized, midwestern city with an economy built on industrial manufacturing, continuing education, and medical research. Located on the Flint River, the city is the regional hub of Genesee County (Pop. 400,000) and home to businesses and colleges which significantly increase the daytime population. Its challenges are well-publicized (i.e. Flint Water Crisis that is being addressed with State, Federal, and philanthropic dollars) but overlook the strength, passion, and heart of the community.

Flint is the birthplace of both General Motors and the UAW. It is the community that developed the very concepts of community foundations, land banks, and community schools – all of which became national models. Innovative work is underway here to prove the value of universal access to early childhood education (birth to 5) and how planning can help a city evolve and flourish after significant population loss.

Flint is located about 60 miles north of Detroit and about 60 miles south of the forests and lakes of rural Northern Michigan. It is intersected with three major highways, including US-23 as well as and Interstate 69, which stretches from Canada to Mexico, and Interstate 75, which continues from Michigan to Florida. Air service and travel is provided by Bishop International Airport with connections to major US cities. The city also contains an extensive railway system which includes Amtrak service. Internally, the city consists of 500 miles of road and 1,500 miles of underground water and sewer lines. Those with active and social lifestyles enjoy many opportunities in revitalized Downtown Flint. Activities include organized groups of Flint River kayakers, as well as joggers, runners, and cyclists that gather on regular schedules. Venues offering cultural events are plentiful, along with other amenities that are typically only available in much larger communities. The City of Flint is in the process of filling key department head positions as part of the plan to build a strong management team that will provide stability and long term sustainability in the organization.

The Department of Public Works director position is one of the key department head positions to be filled. This position oversees and directs all aspects of the city’s road and utility systems, including capital improvement projects. Staff includes four division heads and the city engineer. The public works director is a mayoral appointment and reports to the city administrator.

A higher education degree in STEM (Science, Technical, Engineering or Math) and strong public works experience is required. The starting salary range for the position is $105,00 - $110,000, with the top end currently under review. 

The City of Flint is seeking a motivated and experienced public works professional and will consider qualified applicants who possess the following knowledge and experience:

Required:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or mathematics.

• Five to seven years of progressively more responsible positions in the public works field, including three years in an administrative/supervisory capacity.

Desired:

• State of Michigan License for Water Plant, Water Distribution, and/or Sewer Plant Operation.

• A Professional Engineer Certificate (P.E.) • A master’s degree in engineering, science, or mathematics.