Public Works Director - Tonkawa

Listing Title:
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR – CITY OF TONKAWA

Listing Description
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
City of Tonkawa, Oklahoma

THE CITY GOVERNMENT
The City of Tonkawa, located in Kay County at the crossroads of Interstate-35 and U.S. Highway-60, is a community of nearly 4,000 residents with deep Native American heritage and historic ties to the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma and Fort Oakland.
Tonkawa operates under a Council-Manager form of government. A five-member City Council, comprised of four ward representatives and one at-large member, is elected by residents. The Council appoints a Mayor and Vice-Mayor each election cycle and selects a City Manager to oversee daily operations.
The City and Tonkawa Municipal Authority (TMA) manage an annual budget, focusing on infrastructure investment, operational excellence, and community resiliency. The Public Works Department plays a vital role in maintaining essential services and advancing long-term capital improvements.
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THE DEPARTMENT
The Public Works Department is responsible for planning, building, and maintaining the City’s infrastructure and public facilities. Core services include:
•Engineering & Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
•Streets, Roads & Traffic Operations
•Stormwater & Wastewater Management
•Facilities Maintenance
•Fleet Services
•Snow & Ice Removal
•Electric Utilities
•Water Utilities & Water Production, Treatment, and Storage (wells, basins, towers, standpipes, etc.)
•Natural Gas Utilities
The department is staffed by dedicated professionals committed to high-quality service delivery. Three (3) Superintendents—Water/Wastewater/Gas, Electric, and Street—report directly to the Public Works Director.
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THE POSITION
The Public Works Director reports to the City Manager and is responsible for the leadership, planning, and oversight of all departmental operations within the Public Works Division. This role combines strategic vision with hands-on management of multi-million-dollar capital projects and day-to-day operations.
Key responsibilities include:
•Direct all divisions of the department, including engineering, utilities, streets, facilities, and fleet.
•Supervise three (3) Superintendents: Water/Wastewater/Gas, Electric, and Street.
•Develop, administer, and monitor the department’s annual budget.
•Oversee regulatory compliance with DEQ, OCC, LPGA, OERB, OWRB, OMPA, MESO, OSHA, and other agencies.
•Represent the department in public meetings and before City Council.
•Mentor, evaluate, and support staff development to build capacity and ensure succession planning.
•Lead coordination with internal departments, external agencies, and community stakeholders.
•Serve as the City’s Floodplain Manager.
The Director serves as a member of the City Manager’s executive team, advising on policy, infrastructure strategy, and operational readiness.
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THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The City of Tonkawa seeks a collaborative and visionary leader with broad public works expertise and proven municipal management experience. The ideal candidate will:
•Demonstrate knowledge of municipal infrastructure and utility operations.
•Possess experience managing complex capital projects and multi-disciplinary teams.
•Be an effective communicator, problem-solver, and decision-maker.
•Lead with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to public service.
•Inspire and develop staff through mentorship and accountability.
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EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Education/Training:
•High School Diploma required; college degree in a related field preferred.
•Relevant trade certifications preferred but not required.
•Prior military service in a related field may be considered.
Experience:
•Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal public works, civil engineering, community development, or public administration.
•Minimum of two (2) years in a supervisory or management capacity.
•Familiarity with equipment including hydro-vac, concrete/cement tools, bucket trucks, lift stations, skid-steers, street salters/sanders, transformers, water wells, towers, pumps, and related assets.
•Experience with grant applications and administration preferred.
Licenses/Certifications:
•Valid Oklahoma Driver License.
•Oklahoma DEQ Class D Water/Wastewater Certification (Operators or Distribution/Collection).
•Oklahoma DEQ Class C Water/Wastewater Certification preferred.
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COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Salary: $83,200.00 annually (DOQ)
Retirement: Defined benefit plan through the Oklahoma Municipal Retirement Fund.
Health Insurance & Benefits:
•City-sponsored HealthEZ medical plan for all full-time employees.
•Optional Dental, Vision, Short-Term Disability, and Air Medical coverage.
Leave & Holidays:
•160+ hours of PTO annually, with increases based on longevity.
•11 paid holidays per year.
•Management leave available.
Additional Benefits:
•Longevity pay.
•Professional training opportunities.
•Take-home vehicle (if residing within Tonkawa city limits).
•Flexible work schedule (at City Manager’s discretion).
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RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume by October 8, 2025.
For more information and application, log on to: https://tonkawaok.gov . Navigate to “City Careers”
Deliver Applications, Cover Letter, and Resume to: Employment
c/o Human Resources
113 S. 7th Street
Tonkawa, OK 74653

(Job) Location:
Tonkawa

Website Address (please do not delete the http://):
http://tonkawaok.gov

Contact Information -

Company/Municipality Name:
City of Tonkawa

Street Address
113 S 7th St

City
Tonkawa

State
Oklahoma

Zip Code
74653

Phone Number
580-628-2508

Fax Number:
580-628-5030

Contact Job Title:
City Clerk

First Name
Brenda

Last Name
Wooderson

Email Address
b.wooderson@tonkawaok.gov

Listing Expiration Date:
10/08/2025