Public Works Director - Village of Gilberts, IL

Public Works Director - Village of Gilberts, IL

Village of Gilberts, IL

Gilberts, IL (pop. 9,075) - The Village of Gilberts, Illinois, is seeking an experienced, adaptable, and innovative professional to serve as its next Public Works Director. Located in Kane County approximately 45 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, Gilberts is a rapidly growing community that blends rural character, suburban convenience, and a strong commitment to managed growth, public service, and quality of life. Gilberts is located close to major metropolitan amenities, while maintaining a welcoming, close-knit community environment. Gilberts is a community "growing with vision," offering room for healthy growth of families, small businesses, and light industrial manufacturing. The Village hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, including an Easter Egg Hunt, Community-Wide Garage Sale, Fishing Derby, Community Days Festival, Movies in the Park, Fall Bonfire, and Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Public Works Director is an executive leadership position reporting to the Village Administrator. The Public Works Department plays a highly visible and essential role in the daily life of the community. The Director is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, planning, and operation of the Village's Public Works Department, including streets, parks, public buildings and facilities, water and wastewater utilities, snow and ice control, forestry, capital improvement planning, fleet and equipment management, and community event support.

The Director oversees a department of 12 full-time employees. The Director works closely with Village leadership to ensure efficient and customer-focused service delivery. Village leadership is committed to long-range planning, operational excellence, and continued investment in infrastructure and public services. In FY2026, the department oversees a $4.8 million operating budget (including water/sewer).

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as the Village's expert on public works matters, providing strategic leadership and overall management of public works operations and infrastructure systems.
• Direct and develop department staff through effective supervision, coaching, performance management, and operational planning while fostering accountability, professionalism, and collaboration across divisions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits and safety standards governing public works and utility operations.
• Prepare and manage the annual operating budget for the Public Works Department, including water and wastewater enterprise funds, ensuring responsible fiscal stewardship and adherence to Village procurement policies.
• Direct the competitive bidding process, including managing the preparation of bid requests, bid openings, and contract awards for construction and maintenance services within the department's scope of responsibility.
• Plan, implement, and oversee capital improvement projects from design through construction, ensuring quality execution, cost control, regulatory compliance, and timely project delivery.
• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, utility providers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to support infrastructure planning, operational effectiveness, and project implementation.
• Provide leadership and decision-making during emergency response situations, including severe weather and after-hours operational events.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, approachable, and forward-thinking public works leader with strong technical knowledge, sound judgment, excellent communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to customer service. The successful candidate will understand the needs of a growing community and will be comfortable balancing daily operations with long-term capital planning, infrastructure maintenance, regulatory compliance, staff development, and community responsiveness.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, construction management, business administration, or a related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities, municipal operations, engineering, infrastructure maintenance, construction management, or a closely related field. While experience in municipal work is a plus, relevant private sector experience will also be considered.
• Five (5) years of supervisory, management, or department leadership experience is required.
• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver's License or ability to obtain one.
• A valid Class A or B CDL license is a plus, but not a requirement.
• Experience with BS&A software is a plus.

Salary and Benefits

The anticipated hiring range for this position is $140,000-$154,000 depending on education, experience, and training, with a total salary range of $123,000 - $185,000. The Village of Gilberts offers a competitive benefits package that includes paid vacation; personal time off; paid Village holidays; Village contributions to medical, dental, vision insurance administered through IPBC; optional Flexible Spending Account plans; an optional deferred compensation plan; a complimentary $50,000 life insurance policy; and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund pension eligibility. The Village does not have a residency requirement.

How to Apply

Apply online at www.GovHRjobs.com with a resume and cover letter by September 25, 2026. Confidential inquiries may be directed to Ashley Eccles, Senior Consultant, MGT at 847-380-3240 x134 or Joe DeLuce, Senior Consultant, MGT at 217-714-2333.

The Village of Gilberts is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a professional, inclusive, and service-oriented workplace.