Public Works Director

The City of Ashland, WI is seeking a collaborative and innovative leader to join its team as its next Public Works Director.

Ashland is a progressive city located at the junction of U.S. Highway 2 and Wisconsin Highway 13 near the head of Chequamegon Bay on the pristine shores of Lake Superior and approximately 60 miles east of Duluth, Minnesota. As the county seat of Ashland County, the city has an outstanding collection of natural, cultural, and historical assets which give the city a strong foundation for a competitive and vibrant future.

Tourism is an important part of the area’s commerce with its strategic location on Lake Superior. Tourists enjoy world-class fishing, scenic views, spectacular waterfalls, and one of the best birding destinations in the Midwest. Ashland’s downtown business district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and boasts distinct architectural styles, fine dining, and unique shops and galleries. 

Ashland is seeking an individual with significant public works experience, the ability to lead and mentor their great public works team, and who can effectively communicate information to a variety of community stakeholders. The Director plays an essential role in the City’s executive management team and leads a department which provides multiple services including Streets, Stormwater, Fleet Maintenance, Solid Waste, Parks, Facilities & Grounds, Water & Wastewater Utilities, Administration and Engineering. 

The starting salary range is $90,000 to $105,000 (DOQ) plus excellent benefits, including low-deductible health insurance, enhanced paid time off and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, which is among the best funded and best managed public pension systems in the country. Relocation assistance is also available. The 2026 total Department of Public Works operating budget is $6.5M and the capital budget is $10.0M. The Director leads a staff of 28 full-time employees and reports directly to the City Administrator. 

The City prefers a candidate with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university. Registration in the State of Wisconsin as a Professional Engineer (PE) is preferred. The City will also consider a candidate with a combination of equivalent experience and education.

Additionally, this position requires advanced professional knowledge in the principles and practices of public works administration, engineering, capital project development and implementation, field maintenance operations, and program development.  It also requires the ability to interpret applicable laws, codes, ordinances, and regulations governing public works construction, maintenance, and engineering design best practices. Experience in budget development and management, project management, human resources and supervision of employees, and familiarity with state and federal grant programs are highly desired. The ability to effectively interact with a wide variety of stakeholders, including members of the public, developers, contractors, City staff, and elected officials, is a must. 

The person in this position is expected to have a high degree of professionalism and represent the City of Ashland with personal and professional integrity. The city also desires a candidate who fosters teamwork, has a strong commitment to public service, and who will support and encourage a positive working environment and professional development opportunities for public works staff. 

Future opportunities include maintaining momentum on current infrastructure projects, grants administration, development of a cohesive team culture across the Department’s distinct services, development and retention of the Department of Public Works staff, and the overall upgrading of the City’s aging infrastructure within existing fiscal restraints. 

For more information about the community, visit http://www.coawi.org The Ashland Public Works Director Position Profile is available at www.public-administration.com. 

If you are interested in this challenging and rewarding professional opportunity, please send your cover letter, resume, salary history, and 5 work-related references (one PDF) to Public Administration Associates (PAA), LLC, Attn: Bruce Stelzner, Associate at bruce.stelzner@yahoo.com by July 15, 2026 (715) 577-1330

Confidentiality must be requested and cannot be guaranteed for finalists.