The City of Hilliard is seeking a proactive, people-centered leader to serve as its next Public Service Director. The City seeks someone who brings operational leadership, asset management expertise, and strategic foresight to a department that is deeply committed to service, innovation, and community. This is a unique opportunity to lead a department that is transitioning to a modern, data-informed operation, utilizing a new work order and asset management system. Join a team with a collaborative leadership team, employees who are customer-oriented, and a creative city focused on a healthy organizational culture. The next Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Hilliard’s infrastructure and service delivery.
The Public Service Department (formerly called Operations) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the City’s streets, rights-of-way, traffic signals, street lighting, sewer lift stations, sewers, fire hydrants, walk paths, and other infrastructure. The Operations team also manages the City’s vehicles, public buildings, and grounds facilities. The City Forester also falls within this division and provides urban forestry and horticulture oversight.
The Operations team administers the citywide mowing and landscaping program, solid waste and recycling contract, NPDES Phase II storm water master plan, the Hilliard 311 service request system, and various infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation projects.
The Director leads a management team of two administrators, four maintenance supervisors, and reports directly to the Assistant City Manager, working closely with the City Manager.
This role requires close collaboration with Engineering, Parks, Human Resources, and the City Manager’s Office, particularly in capital project planning, budgeting, and interdepartmental coordination on special events and weather/snow removal. The Director will be expected to champion the department’s needs and ensure that operational realities are reflected in citywide planning and development.
The City of Hilliard’s Promise
In Hilliard, our team of passionate public servants comes to work each day exhibiting “Hilliard’s Promise” with every action we take. We believe and exemplify the following as part of this promise to each other and our community:
Everything we do as a city is designed to improve the lives of the people living and working here.
We work to ensure Hilliard is safe, healthy, vibrant, and welcoming because our ultimate goal is improving the quality of life.
In a resident perception survey performed in 2022, we asked residents how they feel about living in Hilliard. The results were overwhelmingly positive and show our community thinks we are on the right track:
The City receives nearly 74% of its general fund revenue from a 2.5% municipal income tax. In 2021, community voters overwhelmingly approved a 0.5% increase to that income tax, with the additional revenue earmarked for recreation and parks.
In 2023, the City collected $50.8 million in income tax (withholding, business, and individual). Top employers include Advanced Drainage Systems, Amazon Data Services, and Micro Center Inc.
In 2023 and 2024, the City of Hilliard was named one of the Intelligent Community Forum’s Top 21 Smart Cities in the world, an honor that recognizes communities demonstrating best practices in broadband implementation, workforce development, digital inclusion, innovation, advocacy, and sustainability.
Priorities
The Successful Candidate
The next Public Service Director for the City of Hilliard is a collaborative, grounded, and forward-thinking leader who brings both technical knowledge and a people-first approach to public service. This individual is energized by the opportunity to help shape a department evolving to meet the needs of a growing and dynamic city.
The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in public works operations and infrastructure, with experience in asset management, capital project planning, and contract oversight. They understand the needs of field operations and are equally comfortable in a budget meeting or on-site at a lift station. They bring a working knowledge of systems such as sewer collection, traffic signals, fleet, and facilities, and are eager to build a modern, efficient department that reflects best practices in maintenance and service delivery. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, workplace safety, and environmental stewardship.
This leader is a skilled communicator and relationship-builder. They are approachable and visible, willing to roll up their sleeves when needed, and committed to their staff. They listen actively and are also a mentor – someone who supports growth, and who fosters a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
The successful candidate will bring a strategic mindset to organizational structure and staffing, with the ability to assess strengths and gaps, recommend improvements, and align resources with the City’s growth and service expectations. They will be tech-savvy, data-literate, and ready to lead the implementation of new systems like Citiworks and 311. Above all, they will embody the values of service, integrity, and collaboration that define the Hilliard community.
Qualifications
Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and at least ten (10) years of supervisory and managerial experience in public works, operations, or a related field.
Preferred qualifications include a master’s degree in business or public administration, engineering, or a related field. The ideal candidate will have direct experience in municipal operations, maintenance, and/or infrastructure management, and a strong understanding of asset management systems, capital improvement planning, and contract administration. Familiarity with union environments, public sector budgeting, and the life cycle of infrastructure is highly desirable. Candidates who have demonstrated their ability to shift to a data-informed asset management program, have built and maintained a healthy organizational culture, and assessed how to train and align staff in a growing community will be well-positioned for success in this role.
Inside the Department
The City of Hilliard’s Public Service Department is a vital, service-oriented team responsible for maintaining and enhancing the City’s infrastructure, public assets, and community spaces. The department oversees the operation and maintenance of streets, rights-of-way, traffic signals, street lighting, lift stations, sewers, fire hydrants, walk paths, and other critical infrastructure. It also manages the City’s fleet, public buildings and grounds, facilities, and provides urban forestry and horticulture oversight through the City Forester.
The Public Service team administers a wide range of essential programs and services, including the citywide mowing and landscaping program, solid waste and recycling contracts, the NPDES Phase II storm water master plan, and the Hilliard 311 service request system. The department plays a key role in infrastructure maintenance and rehabilitation projects and is currently leading the implementation of Citiworks, a new work order and asset management system that will support a more proactive, data-informed approach to service delivery.
In 2025, the department is supported by 45 full-time employees and 10 seasonal workers. This includes a newly added Deputy Director position, two Administrators, four Maintenance Supervisors, 24 Maintenance Technicians, and a mix of administrative and custodial staff. The department’s total operating budget for 2025 is $4.18 million.
The Public Service Department works closely with Engineering, Transportation & Mobility, Parks & Recreation, and other departments to deliver coordinated capital improvement projects and long-term infrastructure planning. It is funded through a combination of general and special revenue sources, including auto license fees, gas tax, and utility surcharges.
The next Public Service Director will have the opportunity to help shape the future of service delivery in one of Ohio’s most vibrant and forward-looking communities.
Our Community
Hilliard is a growing, vibrant and innovative city, balancing scenic beauty and residential diversity with dynamic businesses and corporate development.
More than 1,100 businesses call Hilliard home. Two-thirds of our workforce is white-collar, and our median household income is more than $116,000 per year.
And Hilliard is a safe community; 89 percent of our surveyed residents report they feel secure in the City.
But just 15 minutes from Hilliard’s quiet, tree-lined neighborhoods is downtown Columbus, the heart of the 14th largest city in the United States. That means Hilliard residents enjoy big-city amenities such as an eclectic dining scene, ranging from more than 60 regional craft breweries (including Hilliard’s own Crooked Can) to fine restaurants.
There’s family fun, from the internationally acclaimed Columbus Zoo and Aquarium to professional sports, including Columbus Blue Jackets hockey, Columbus Crew soccer, the PGA’s Memorial Golf Tournament, and Columbus Clippers’ minor league baseball (not to mention The Ohio State University Buckeyes!).
Residents and corporate citizens enjoy high-quality, dependable city and safety services, 25 developed parks, more than 36 miles of scenic multipurpose trails, popular recreational programs, diverse community celebrations, and a variety of safe and attractive neighborhoods.
In April 2023, the City broke ground on its largest capital project in history, a recreation and wellness campus that will include a 105,000-square-foot community and fitness center and numerous new athletic fields. Set to completion in 2025, this $105 million project is being funded thanks to a 0.5% income tax increase passed by voters in 2021.
Hilliard City School District (hilliardschools.org) is one of Ohio’s largest, with more than 16,000 students. It is also one of the state’s most highly regarded, fulfilling its mission in preparing every student to be “Ready for Tomorrow.” The Division of Police maintains a mutually beneficial partnership with the school district, including a team of SROs in the buildings who work hand in hand to ensure our schools are safe.
Quick Facts
• Population: 37,114
• Median household income: $116,287
• Education: 57% have a bachelor’s degree or higher
• Median Age: 36.2
Compensation and Benefits
The expected hiring range for the Public Service Director is $120,000 – $150,000, depending on qualifications. The City of Hilliard offers a competitive benefits package that includes participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), twelve (12) paid holidays, two (2) personal days, and tuition reimbursement. Additional benefits include generous vacation and sick leave accruals, health and dental insurance, and access to professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Applications will be accepted electronically by Raftelis. Applicants complete a brief online form and are prompted to provide a cover letter and resume. The position will be open until filled with a first review of applications beginning September 4, 2025.
Questions
Please direct questions to Catherine Tuck Parrish at ctuckparrish@raftelis.com and Kelsey Batt at kbatt@raftelis.com.
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