Public Works Assistant Director

Public Works Assistant Director

Petersburg Borough, Alaska

Salary: $90,000 - $95,000

Petersburg is an island community on Mitkof Island that continues to make a living from the sea. Located on Frederick Sound in Southeast Alaska, the community has three beautiful harbors which attract smaller cruise ships, private yachts and pleasure boats to town in the summer months. Commercial fishing helped found the town and continues to be the main economic driver for the community. With its working waterfront, strong community values, and access to some of Southeast Alaska’s most stunning natural landscapes and wildlife viewing, Petersburg offers a unique combination of small-town life and rich cultural and recreational experiences.

The Petersburg Borough is the local government and is responsible for providing services to approximately 3,100 residents. The municipality operates as an Assembly-Manager form of government, with 92 full-time employees. The Public Works Department delivers a broad range of services and has a total of 23 FTEs, including the Director and Assistant Director, a $9M Operating Budget and $10M Capital Budget. Public Works is divided into six sub-departments: Streets, Building Maintenance, Sanitation, Motor Pool, Water Utility, and Wastewater Utility.

Under the general direction of the Public Works Director, the Public Works Assistant Director supports the leadership and coordination of operations across several key divisions within the Department of Public Works, including Water, Wastewater, Sanitation, Streets, Motor Pool, Building Maintenance, and capital improvement projects related to departmental functions. This position requires a high degree of independence in collaborating with other Borough departments to address issues related to Public Works operations. The Assistant Director serves as a representative of all major program areas in interdepartmental and external liaison activities and is responsible for coordinating special projects that span multiple divisions. Assignments are broad in scope and demand the use of independent judgment and initiative in making complex technical and managerial decisions. The Assistant Director also plays a key role in managing the performance of staff across all Public Works divisions, including Building Maintenance, Motor Pool, Water, Wastewater, Streets, and Sanitation. With discretion granted by the Director, this position may hire, evaluate, and direct departmental supervisors and staff.

Education & Experience: Candidates must have five (5) years of responsible experience in planning, organizing and directing a public works or related operation, including three (3) years in an administrative and supervisory capacity. Candidates must possess a current and insurable State of Alaska Driver’s License or obtain one by time of hire, and be physically capable of operating motor vehicles safely. Candidates must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public, work cooperatively with supervisors and display willingness to assist co-workers and subordinates. A bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field is desired. Experience writing successful grant applications and working with a state department of transportation is also desired. Other combinations of education and experience may be substituted that demonstrate competency in the desired knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.

For a complete position profile, full job description, benefits summary and to apply online, visit Prothman at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. Petersburg Borough is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by September 7, 2025. (First review, open until filled.)

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• Prothman Company

• (206) 368-0050