Date of Posting: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Department: Public Works
Job Title: Commissioner of Public Works
Appointing Authority: Mayor Jared C. Nicholson
Salary:
$152,000-$172,000
(Education and experience will be considered in determining the salary offer)
Overview:
The City of Lynn seeks an experienced, highly organized, strategic-minded leader to serve as our next Commissioner of Public Works (DPW Commissioner), under the administrative direction of the Mayor. The ideal candidate will have public works experience, a track record of success in leadership, management, and organizational development, well-developed interpersonal skills, and a demonstrated ability to continuously improve operations and processes. The candidate must demonstrate the ability to serve a dynamic, culturally-diverse community of over 100,000 residents while working collaboratively with stakeholders including residents, state and federal agencies, third-party vendors, and government officials.
Primary Responsibilities of the DPW Commissioner:
Leads the department responsible for city transportation infrastructure, including roads and snow operations. The role involves high-level management of department operations, fiscal responsibility, strategic planning, and addressing constituent concerns. The DPW Commissioner is responsible for the daily management and supervision of the Administrative, Cemetery, Permitting, Fleet and Equipment Maintenance, Park, Operations, Sanitary, and Street Divisions.
Key responsibilities and functions include:
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Managing critical infrastructure, prioritizing issues like potholes, road maintenance, and ensuring safety and accessibility.
• Operations & Logistics: Overseeing 24/7 operations during emergencies, specifically leading snow removal and winter storm management.
• Leadership & Strategy: Implementing community-focused solutions, improving operational efficiencies, and directing the department's workforce.
• Budgeting: Managing the departmental budget with fiscal responsibility.
• Development, implementation and direction of all departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with the Lynn Water & Sewer Commission to ensure infrastructure improvements are successfully executed.
• Contract preparation and management.
• Labor relations in a collective bargaining environment.
• Primary spokesperson for the department.
• Overseeing and implementing regulatory compliance relative to DPW operations and functions.
• Managing project review and coordination of capital projects.
• Providing technical assistance to city departments.
• Ensuring that recordkeeping is in compliance with city ordinances and all relevant Massachusetts General Laws.
Additional duties include but are not limited to:
• Overseeing infrastructure and traffic safety/improvement planning, development, and implementation.
• Implementing effective asset management programs to determine effective annual capital improvements strategies.
• Developing cost-reducing policies and operational efficiencies.
• Improving maintenance and safety of cemeteries, parks, playgrounds, streets, and related infrastructure.
• Ensuring compliance with labor, public works, environmental, subdivision, and purchasing laws.
o Experience with collective bargaining and public procurement (MGL Chapter 30B) highly preferred.
• Managing departmental personnel, communications, and project organization.
• Other duties as assigned by the Mayor or his designee.
• Working with the Planning Department in the development of transportation initiatives and grants.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and progressively responsible leadership experience in public administration or public works may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form, including the ability to present to the City Council as well as city boards and Commissions.
• Ability to develop strong working relationships with departmental staff, City department heads, elected officials, local businesses, community organizations, and the general public.
• Well-developed management skills, including conflict resolution, supervision of others, implementing departmental schedules, policies, and procedures, and preparing regular reports for City leadership.
• Demonstrated knowledge of municipal public works operations, safety protocols, environmental and construction codes and related compliance with Federal and State regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in supervision of multiple employees working under a Collective Bargaining Agreement.
• Class D Massachusetts Drivers License.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Masters degree, particularly in the areas of business administration, public administration, engineering, or related field.
• Registered Professional Engineer license is strongly preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in public works.
• Working knowledge of public works operations and best practices.
• Demonstrated ability to perform executive leadership functions.
• Bilingual/bicultural candidates strongly encouraged to apply.
• 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.
This is a Department Head position subject to confirmation by the Lynn City Council.
How To Apply
A completed application, including resume, cover letter, and other supporting materials can be submitted via:
- Email ([email protected])
- Regular Post
- In-Person at the Personnel Department, 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 April 5th and the position will remain open until filled. Those applicants who submit before April 5th will receive priority consideration.
Job Title: "DPW Commissioner"
Anticipated Start Date: On or around July 1, 2026
* 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].