OPERATIONS DIVISION DIRECTOR

THIS POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM CIVIL SERVICE

The Operations Division Director is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Commissioner of Public Works.

The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce that is committed to providing exemplary services to the City’s residents. If you have a passion for being a part of an inclusive team of public servants, please consider the following opportunity.

The Operations Division Director leads and supports four sections within the Department of Public Works (DPW) Operations Division: Sanitation, Forestry, Fleet, and Parking.

The Director manages multiple private contractors and more than 850 employees to organize a rapid response to winter weather events for 1,472 miles of city streets, protected bike lanes, City-owned sidewalks, and bus stops.

Operations Management/Snow and Ice Control

• Direct the operations of each section, including Fleet, Forestry, Sanitation, and Parking.
• Manage snow and ice control operations by advanced planning, review, procurement, and implementation of equipment, supplies, materials, and staffing.
• Maintain safe and passable streets throughout the city, providing safer travel for residents and allowing local businesses to open and facilitate the economic health of the city.
• Develop, maintain, and update standard procedures; review outcomes to ensure effective and efficient service to customers.
• Coordinate with the weather service to ensure the operation has the most accurate and timely information.
• Convey the City of Milwaukee’s storm management efforts to the media to ensure up-to-date information for residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Provide timely communication with the Mayor and Common Council during each operation.
• Direct the Parking Services Enterprise Transportation Fund operation by providing leadership and counsel for the management team.
• Serve as the liaison to the elected officials regarding parking matters and regulations.

Leadership

• Support the DPW mission by delivering high-quality, life-enhancing services efficiently and cost-effectively.
• Ensure proper training and communication for managers, supervisors, drivers, patrol, route monitors, and coordinators.
• Collaborate with the Budget Office, DPW budget staff, and section managers to ensure timely development and submittal of the Operations budget.
• Direct staff in all matters, including personnel, budgeting, and public relations.
• Coach, assess, and support managers toward organizational and professional improvement goals.
• Serve as the departmental representative during Common Council Committee meetings and with internal and external organizations. 
• Champion a supportive work culture; ensure an environment of clarity and trust.
• Identify and implement measures of accountability, innovation, efficiency, and success.
• Create and promote leadership development and succession planning opportunities.   

• The Operations Division Director is required to file a statement of economic interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
• Must be able to work long hours for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to be present and available throughout the winter season to lead and manage the City of Milwaukee snow and ice control efforts.

1. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, environmental studies, economics, engineering or a related field from an accredited college or university.
2. Five years of management-level experience in fleet, sanitation, forestry, parking services, or a closely related public works organizational work unit. Management experience must include strategic planning, program and budget development, staff supervision, and the creation and implementation of policies and procedures.
3. Valid driver's license at the time of appointment and throughout employment.  Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.

NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process before extending any job offers.

• Master’s degree in public administration, environmental studies, economics, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

Technical

• Knowledge and ability to stay abreast of federal and state regulatory requirements related to clean air, waterways, garbage and landfills operations, and recycling operations.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of snow and ice control operations to maintain safe and passable streets in a manner consistent with the regulations of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
• Ability to learn and apply the City Service Commission rules, City policies and procedures, organizational and political structure of the City of Milwaukee.
• Ability to learn and apply ordinances, state statutes, and regulations related to the protection of surface waterways and the environment. 
• Ability to read and understand complex documents such as laws, policies, and technical publications.
• Knowledge of the capabilities of information technology to transform and enhance operations and services.

Leadership and Management

• Ability to lead and facilitate effective meetings, develop action plans, monitor progress, and ensure timely implementation of desired outcomes.
• Ability to set operational policies and procedures that meet the needs of elected officials, residents, businesses, and visitors.
• Ability to prepare and efficiently manage a budget and departmental resources.
• Knowledge of leadership principles and best practices for selecting, supervising, and motivating employees.
• Ability to analyze problems and instruct employees on proper operational approaches to address issues.
• Ability to empower, manage, coach, and train staff to accomplish goals.
• Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all are treated respectfully, valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
• Strategic planning skills to establish and achieve long-range objectives.

Communication and Interpersonal

• Ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, colleagues, staff, public and private stakeholders, and community groups.
• Verbal communication skills to express ideas clearly and concisely in a variety of settings, via phone, face-to-face, and in meetings.
• Ability to clearly and confidently represent the department before public bodies and the media.
• Superior written communication skills to compose well-crafted policies, narratives, reports, articles, presentations, and correspondence.
• Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with people whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

Judgment and Professionalism

• Ability to maintain situational awareness and calmly handle emergencies.
• Organizational skills to oversee workflow processes.
• Effective research, analytical, and problem-solving skills to address complex issues.
• Decision-making skills and sound judgment.
• Ability to provide responsible stewardship of City resources and to represent the City of Milwaukee professionally and ethically.
• Ability to manage competing and changing priorities under pressure.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

The current salary range (Pay Range 1SX) is $149,117-$215,018 annually, and the resident incentive salary for City of Milwaukee residents is $155,082-$223,619 annually.  Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.

BENEFITS

The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program that includes the following:

• Wisconsin Retirement Systems (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Health and Dental Insurance
• Paid Parental Leave
• Comprehensive Wellness Program
• Onsite Clinic Services
• Onsite Employee Assistance Program
• Alternative Work Schedules
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Group Life Insurance
• Tuition Benefits
• Paid Vacation
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
• Flexible Spending Arrangement
• Commuter Value Pass

For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.

Screening for this position will be based on an evaluation of each applicant’s education, experience, and professional accomplishments, as detailed in a cover letter and resume.

• Please submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources Analyst-Senior, Alexis Mayes via email message at amayes@milwaukee.gov by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, 2026.
• Please indicate “Operations Division Director” in the email subject line.  
• Questions regarding to the selection process may be directed to Alexis Mayes at 414-286-3394 or via email to amayes@milwaukee.gov. 
• The City of Milwaukee reserves the right to invite only the most qualified applicants to participate in the selection process.

INITIAL FILING DATE: The selection process will be conducted as soon as practical after the date listed above. Receipt of application materials may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.