Director, Construction

DATES POSTED: 02/17– 02/27/2026

Position Summary

Under general direction, the Director, Construction is responsible for the strategic oversight of employees and project work of the Construction division. This includes planning, scheduling, budgeting, and providing operational oversight for the installation and maintenance of large/small diameter gas/water mains, and gas services throughout the distribution system. This position is also responsible for ensuring construction adherence to standards, upholding safety/compliance procedures for the department, as well as stakeholder engagement and working with peers effectively to achieve District goals.

Education

• Required - Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, Construction Management, Building Science, or equivalent. and
• Required - Non-degree candidates must be able to demonstrate significant technical experience and ability in construction and operations. Must have significant relevant experience with compliance and day-to-day construction operations.

Minimum Requirements

• Required - Minimum of 8 years of increasingly responsible experience in construction, engineering, operations, or equivalent. and
• Required - Minimum of 6 years of direct or indirect leadership experience in a supervisory position. and
• Required - Experience working independently and as a member of a team to meet deadlines, goals and objectives. Demonstrated success meeting long and short-term goals, identifying non-compliances and implementing corrective actions. and
• Required - Experience maintaining strong, professional, and effective relationships across the various departments within the District.
• Preferred - Experience managing union/non-union employees, interpreting labor agreement language to effectively balance operational needs.

Licenses, Certifications and/or Testing

• Required - Have and maintain a valid driver’s license Upon Hire
• Preferred - Professional Engineer (PE) License in the state of Nebraska Upon Hire
• Required - Employee(s) in this position are covered under the Department of Transportation Drug and Alcohol testing provisions. This includes post-offer, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, follow-up, and return to duty testing. Upon Hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Efficient written and verbal communication skills, in English, to assist internal and external customers, co-workers and management professionally, regardless of provocation. (Advanced proficiency)
• Proficiency with personal computers, tablets, and/or other electronic devices to include familiarity with, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, Word) and enterprise wide software (e.g., SAP). (Intermediate proficiency)
• Ability to learn new or upgraded computer software as required. (Intermediate proficiency)
• Must be available for stand-by status and emergency call-outs. (Advanced proficiency)

Essential Functions

• Prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of the Construction division by leading with a safety-first mindset.
• Ensure injuries, vehicle accidents, machine damages are properly reported, tracked, and investigated. This includes site visits, personnel interviews, and timely communication with Safety, Security, Claims, as well as Transportation.
• Provide oversight for external hiring and internal promotion activities within Construction.
• Work collaboratively with other divisions to establish/manage construction projects costs and schedules.
• Ensure the Construction complies with all City, County, State and Federal codes under areas of responsibility.
• Ensure Construction understands and is properly trained to comply with all District Construction Standards, Safety Standards and Operating Procedures.
• Monitor/Evaluate the work of a large, diversified workforce including office and field personnel.
• Understand and participate in business process initiatives to provide quality improvements, cost reductions, and productivity increases. Assist with cost metrics for project production and employee utilization.
• Provide overall leadership for the installation and maintenance of gas/water mains, gas services, and work associated with gas/water system leaks. Work with Construction Managers and Foremen to plan, schedule and provide supervision to department crews.
• Ensure all pertinent installation, repair, and maintenance records are updated accurately, processed, and maintained in a timely manner.
• Provide general oversight and coordination of Construction's participation in District wide initiatives, development, and mentoring programs.
• Work closely with the Transportation Division on matters relating to the purchase and maintenance of vehicles and equipment for the Construction division.
• Guide, supervise, and evaluate employees in career paths that report to the Construction Division, including performance tracking, coaching, motivating direct reports, job selections and personnel matters.
• Ensure efficient, effective, and utilization of a large volume and variety of materials, supplies, tools, equipment, machine, etc.
• Lead construction operations coordination meetings, as needed to ensure projects/communication is effective across mutiple divisions within the District.
• Prepare and recommend budget requests and ensure compliance with the established budget.
• Work closely with the Purchasing and Stores Divisions to review/recommend inventory levels of special material and its availability for emergency repairs, special projects, as well as routine construction activities.
• Determine the need for materials, equipment, tools, supplies, and initiate requisitions for these items as needed.
• Coordinate the construction of District distribution facilities with outside agencies, designers, and contractors in a manner to facilitate completion of projects within prescribed schedules.
• Ensure that pre-construction meetings are attended in order to schedule and coordinate District construction work.
• Oversee the scheduling of main extension and relocation work.
• Coordinate new construction of distribution facilities with municipalities, utilities, developers, engineering firms and contractors.
• Coordinate with and assisting the District’s Engineering Divisions in determining distribution system work to be contracted.
• Maintain the capability for providing manpower, equipment, tools, parts, and materials for emergency repairs.
• Must be available 24 hours/7 days in the event of an emergency.
• Must be available for stand-by status and emergency call-outs.
• Develop talent: coach and mentor employees; support employee growth and development through leadership opportunities and professional development.
• Provide employees feedback through completion of performance appraisals and employee one-on-one meetings.
• Manage employee unacceptable behavior, poor work performance or policy violations, including the use of discipline when appropriate.
• Maintain financial oversight of budget or works with financial responsibility in mind.
• Plan for attrition through awareness of separation risks, cross-training, employee development and succession planning.
• Handle stresses related to effectively completing the above referenced requirements.
• Fulfill responsibilities common to all Supervisory, Professional, and Administrative positions as stated.

Required for All Jobs

• Perform a variety of other duties as assigned
• Understand and comply with all District policies and procedures

In contributing to the objectives of the District, this role is responsible for the initiation, cultivation, and maintenance of strong relationships of a business and professional nature. This position requires good communication skills and tact in order to maintain professional relationships with the following, but not limited to:

-Board of Directors

-All levels of District

-Internal and external customers

-Federal, State, and local agencies

-Community organizations and partners

-Consultants, contractors and other third-party organizations that fall within the scope of this role

-Professional, industry, trade, and civic associations

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Combination: Work may be performed in an office setting amid normal conditions of dust, odors, fumes, office lighting and noises, but field/plant visits are required.

*Please see job posting on Careers page for a full list of physical demands

*Please ensure the application is filled out thoroughly to be considered for this position

An Equal Opportunity Employer “Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran/Gender Identity/Sexual Orientation"