Date of Posting: Monday, October 19, 2026
Job Title: Operations Director
Department: Public Works
Appointing Authority: Mayor Jared C. Nicholson
Salary
$122,000-$137,000, plus benefits
OVERVIEW
The Operations Director provides technical and engineering services to the Public Works Commissioner. The Operations Director must be a forward thinking, service oriented public works professional capable of working independently to improve the departmental operations and services to the city. The Operations Director performs planning and technical work in planning, and coordinating the maintenance and repair of public ways, parks, cemetery properties in conformance with sound engineering practices and good judgement.
The Operations Director performs this work under the supervision of the Commissioner and meets regularly with the Commissioner to provide reports and updates on ongoing work and plan future work. The Operations Director has the specific responsibilities of, but not limited to, the development, implementation and direction of all polices and procedures in the department, preparation of project budgets, preparation of contract and programs specifications, standard operating procedures (SOP), contract management, preparing project estimates, regulatory compliance and grant writing.
The Operations Director is expected to be able to work independently to develop and implement new polices and work methods designed to reduce departmental costs, to promote operational efficiency and to foster improvements in the development, maintenance and safety of the City of Lynn’s public infrastructure.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Support and implement the goals and initiative of the Commissioner of Public Works.
• Develops cost estimates and provides project management for road, sidewalk, cemetery park projects.
• The project management to include plan design and review, inspection of contractors and in-house work, tracking of quantities, reviewing pay requisitions and supervision of project budgets.
• The Operations Director must be able to develop working relationships with departmental superintendents, other city staff, elected officials and the public. Including providing technical assistance, support and training to the Department’s division Superintendents.
• Ensures safety rules and regulations are followed in the department’s operations. Inspects work in progress by department divisions to ensure that all standard operating procedures are being conformed to said policies. Regularly review the work performance of operational divisions staff to determine and provide training needs.
• Oversee department bid awards and contract purchases. Familiarity with equipment to ensure delivered equipment and material meets contract specifications.
• Responsible for assisting the Commissioner in the annual preparation of the Pavement Management Plan. Responsible for implementing and managing the Pavement Management Plan during its implementation through supervision of contractors and division superintendents. Conducts regular inspections of projects to ensure timely completion and compliance with quality standards. Ensures the contractor or in-house staff complies with specifications and quality standards. Coordinates with other departments, vendors and public to ensure a successful implementation of the Pavement Management Plan.
• Must be present to supervise and assist in the management of emergencies including the departments snow and ice operations. Maintain 24 hour on call status during snow and ice operations, and other public emergencies.
• Performs all other tasks as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration or 10 years direct supervisor experience in DPW operations or public works construction. Municipal experience in Massachusetts strongly preferred.
• Understanding of Massachusetts public procurement rules and regulations, municipal budgeting and capital planning.
• Shall have experience and proven skills in written and oral communications, personnel and project organization, shall possess a thorough understanding of the activities and operations of a muti-disciplined municipal service agency.
• Shall possess a working knowledge of public works, environmental and purchasing laws, regulations and procedures.
• Well-developed management skills, including the supervision of others, implementing departmental schedules and preparing regular reports for the Commissioner.
• Demonstrated experience in the management and understanding of surveying, pavement management programs, construction means and methods, snow removal operations and standards.
• Demonstrated experience and commitment to promoting a positive work environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft products, asset management systems and familiar with the use of ArcGis.
• Knowledge of best practices pertaining to public works operations.
• Public works management experience.
How To Apply
A completed application, with resume, cover letter, and other supporting materials, can be submitted via:
- Email ([email protected])
- Regular Post
- In-Person at Human Resources, Room 307 in Lynn City Hall
If submitting via e-mail, please include the “JOB TITLE” in the subject line. A review of applications will begin the week of November 1st. Those applicants who submit on or before Monday, November 2nd will receive priority consideration.
Job Title: "DPW Operations Director"
Closing Date: Open Until Filled (Application review will begin the week of November 1st)
* When applicants are substantially similar in terms of qualifications, preference will be given to candidates who have resided in the City of Lynn for a continuous twelve-month period prior to the date of posting.
The City of Lynn is an Equal Opportunity Employer!
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If you have any questions about the application process or need assistance, please call (781) 598-4000 or email us at [email protected].