Public Works Director/Village Engineer - Village of Grafton, WI 

Job Description

The Village of Grafton is seeking a collaborative and innovative leader to join its team as its next Public Works Director/Village Engineer.

Located just 20 minutes north of Milwaukee on I-43, Grafton is a highly desirable community that has a range of housing options for those wanting to live in a safe suburban setting with convenient access to regional assets. The community has a growing population of just over 13,000 residents, and combines small-town charm with all the amenities of a full-service community. The Village boasts a strong local economy, regional shopping opportunities, a high-achieving school district, and a multitude of recreational assets, including 20 parks and open space areas encompassing 144 acres and access to the Milwaukee River. Grafton is very close to Milwaukee’s cultural and entertainment attractions, and is only a two-hour drive to Chicago. Grafton is a community that distinguishes itself as a great place to live, work, play, learn, and visit, while also providing high-quality municipal services. 

Grafton is seeking an individual with strong public works experience, the ability to lead and mentor its great public works team, and who can effectively communicate information to a variety of community stakeholders. The Director plays an essential role on the Village’s executive management team, and leads a department which provides multiple services including Engineering, Facilities, Streets/Operations, Recycling and Sanitation, Stormwater Management, and Forestry. 

The starting salary range is $117,312 to $150,000+ (DOQ) plus excellent benefits, including low-deductible health insurance and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System, which is among the best-funded and best-managed public pension systems in the country. The 2025 total Department of Public Works operating and capital budgets are $9.1M. The Director leads a staff of 18 full-time employees and reports directly to the Village Administrator. The Village is governed by a Village President and six Village Trustees who are elected at large on a non-partisan basis for alternating 2-year terms.