City Accepting Applications for Public Works Director

The deadline for the open Powder Springs director position is June 30.

The position requires the managing, planning, organizing and directing of the city’s Public Works Department, according the job posting on the city’s website. Services provided by the department include sanitation, street upkeep, water, sewer, storm water, and building and ground maintenance.

The director oversees three supervisors and 23 staff members, the posting says.

“The director will also be expected to develop policies and procedures in order to improve programs and processes and is responsible for monitoring and ensuring compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances,” the posting reads.

The retirement of the current director, Rodger Swaim, in early April. He had served in the role for the last seven of his almost 30-year-old career in the public works sector.

“I’ve always wanted to work with city government, and I wanted to experience that whenever the opportunity came up,” Swaim, a Powder Springs resident since 1972, . “I was elated that I had the opportunity to do it here.”

The position requires:

• A bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field
• 10 years of “progressively responsible” public works experience, including at least five years of supervisory and management experience or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• A valid Georgia’s driver’s license
• A satisfactory motor vehicle record

“All selected applicants will have to undergo an extensive background investigation,” the application reads.

The salary depends on qualifications, and “competitive benefits” are included. Swaim’s salary was just under $74,200.

The top candidate must be nominated by City Manager Rick Eckert and approved by the City Council. It was unclear how many people, if any, have applied so far for the position, as messages left for city officials were not returned this week.

 For the full application and how to apply, click here.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misspelled Rodger Swaim's first name as Roger.