The Village of St. Joseph, Illinois (population 3,810), located in Champaign County, is seeking an approachable, dependable, organized, and service-oriented professional to serve as its next Public Works Director.

Founded on April 28, 1881, St. Joseph, Illinois, is a bedroom community located in eastern Illinois, just minutes from Champaign-Urbana. Known for its friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools, and welcoming atmosphere, St. Joseph offers the charm of small-town living while providing easy access to larger urban amenities.

The Village offers many local amenities to shop, eat, and play. The Village is only a short 10-15 minute drive to the University of Illinois, Willard Airport, numerous healthcare facilities, and many other desirable amenities.These include recreational activities such as the Kickapoo Rail Trail, Homer Lake Forest Preserve, and numerous athletic and traditional recreational parks.

This position is responsible for the administration, planning, and management of all public works functions, including street and storm sewer maintenance, fleet management, and municipal facilities. The Public Works Director oversees department staff, ensures compliance with applicable regulations, and actively participates in field operations to maintain efficient and safe services for the community.

The Public Works Director reports directly to the Village Administrator and is a key member of the Village’s management team.

Key Responsibilities:

Plan, direct, and supervise all Public Works Department activities, including street maintenance, snow and ice control, stormwater management, and parks maintenance.
Provide effective supervision and guidance to Public Works staff; maintain organized workflows and manage employee schedules.
Monitor departmental expenditures and ensure efficient use of resources.
Supervise, train, and evaluate employees while promoting workplace safety and professional development.
Coordinate with the Village Administrator, consulting engineers, and other resources to plan and implement infrastructure projects within the Capital Improvement Plan.
Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and regulatory agencies on infrastructure projects.
Develop and maintain asset management systems and preventive maintenance schedules for vehicles, equipment, and facilities.
Respond to emergencies, including severe weather events and other public safety situations.
Attend Board of Trustees meetings as needed; prepare reports and provide technical recommendations regarding public works operations and capital projects.
The Village is currently evaluating the financial considerations of maintaining ownership of the sanitary sewer utility versus a potential sale. This position’s responsibilities, job description, and scope may be updated accordingly based on the final decision.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate Will Possess the following Characteristics:

Approachability and strong interpersonal skills
Openness to change and innovation.
Strong communication, planning, and organizational skills.
Ability to effectively manage and plan work schedules.
Strategic thinking with the ability to assist with long-term planning.
Experience working in municipal settings.
Strong typing and report-writing skills.

Additional Requirements:

Ability to be on-call and respond to emergencies outside normal working hours, as needed.
Knowledge of construction methods, municipal infrastructure, and safety regulations.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, GIS, and asset management software.
Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
Four (4) or more years of experience in public works, utilities, engineering, or related municipal functions.
Supervisory experience required.
Must be willing to reside within 25 miles of the Village.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in both office and outdoor environments with exposure to inclement weather, noise, dust, and hazardous conditions.
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds and perform manual labor as needed.
May require extended or irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly during emergencies.

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Associate’s, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, construction management, or a related field desirable.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works, utilities, engineering, or municipal functions demonstrating supervisory, project management, and strategic planning skills.

Required Licenses & Certifications:

Valid Illinois CDL Class B (or higher) with air brake endorsement, or ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of hire.

Compensation & Benefits:

The anticipated starting salary range for this position is $75,000-$85,000 +/-, depending on qualifications. The Village of St. Joseph offers a competitive benefits package including 100% employer-paid health, dental, and life insurance for the employee; participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF); generous paid time off; and a Health Reimbursement Account. Residency is not required for this position, although residing within a reasonable distance of the Village is required. The Village is open to negotiating a relocation allowance to meet this requirement.

How to Apply:

Questions should be directed to Village Administrator Joe Hackney at joe.hackney@stjosephillinois.org. Application materials should include a cover letter, resume, and three professional references, and can be submitted by clicking this link. The position will remain open until filled, with the first review of applications scheduled for February 23, 2026.

The Village of St. Joseph is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Village of St. Joseph will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Applicants who require accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the Village Administrator’s Office.

Village of St. Joseph

Latest Jobs

Public Works Director - St. Joseph, Illinois