Director of Streets

Primary Purpose

The Director of Streets provides executive leadership for the planning, operation, and improvement of the City’s street and transportation systems. The Director sets strategic direction, ensures effective service delivery, and oversees all divisions of the Street Department. This role ensures safe, efficient, and equitable mobility for residents, businesses, and visitors, while advancing the City’s long-term infrastructure, environmental, and economic goals.

The position reports to the Executive Director of Operations (Chief Operating Officer) for the Mayor, who provides overall administrative and strategic direction.

Incumbents work under administrative direction, exercising broad authority to establish objectives, policies, and strategies. The position requires balancing day-to-day operations with long-term planning, ensuring compliance with City, State, and Federal requirements, and delivering measurable improvements in service, safety, and quality of life.

The Director provides oversight and leadership for the four divisions of the Department of Streets:

• Traffic Division – Manages traffic control systems, signals, signs, markings, and programs to promote safe and efficient mobility.
• Refuse Division – Oversees residential solid waste collection, recycling services, bulk pickup, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Street Division – Directs street maintenance, snow and ice removal, alley repairs, and street cleaning operations.
• Towing Division – Improves the safety of the City's streets by removing vehicles that are illegally parked, abandoned, or that are impeding the flow of traffic

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an executive-level position with primary responsibility for the overall performance of the Department of Streets.

The Director:

• Develops citywide strategies for transportation, street, and refuse infrastructure.
• Directs staff, resources, and operations to meet service and safety standards.
• Advises the Mayor, Executive Director of Operations (Chief Operating Officer), Board of Public Service, and other senior officials on infrastructure and mobility issues.
• Represents the City in regional and national transportation forums.

Examples of Work

• Leads the planning, operation, and maintenance of all City streets, right-of-way, traffic control, and related infrastructure.
• Advances service equity by ensuring consistent, high-quality service delivery across all neighborhoods.
• Directs operations of the Refuse Division, including solid waste collection, recycling, bulk pickup, and related programs.
• Champions initiatives that improve roadway and traffic safety, including safe street design, traffic calming, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
• Oversees capital improvement planning and execution, including roadway reconstruction, bridge maintenance, and streetscape enhancements.
• Secures and manages federal, state, and regional funding for major projects; ensures compliance with grant requirements.
• Implements sustainability measures such as green infrastructure, stormwater management, and energy-efficient street lighting.
• Directs workforce management, safety programs, and labor relations, promoting training, career development, and strong partnerships with labor organizations.
• Oversees use of technology, data, and performance management systems to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.
• Coordinates with utilities, developers, and regional partners to ensure alignment of street-related projects.
• Serves as a member of the Board of Public Service and other advisory committees on transportation and infrastructure.
• Represents the City at public meetings, media events, and civic forums, providing clear communication about street programs and priorities.
• Responds to service issues and escalated complaints not resolved at lower levels.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Ability to set vision, build consensus, and lead a large workforce delivering essential public services.

• Transportation & Engineering Expertise: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering (ABET accredited); preferred registered Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri; knowledge of roadway design, traffic engineering, maintenance operations, and safety standards.

• Technology & Data Use: Proficiency in applying GIS, asset management systems, and performance dashboards to guide decision-making.

  Collaboration: Strong skill in engaging residents, community organizations, elected officials, contractors, and union representatives.
• Service Equity: Ability to identify and address disparities in service delivery across neighborhoods.
• Sustainability & Resilience: Understanding of green infrastructure, stormwater systems, and strategies to mitigate climate impacts on transportation.
• Financial Acumen: Ability to plan budgets, manage capital investments, and secure outside funding.
• Crisis & Emergency Management: Ability to direct snow/ice control, emergency roadway clearance, and disaster response.

Terms & How to Apply

Salary Range: $131,000 - 171,000
Application Deadline: Tuesday September 30th at 5PM.

Interested applicants should send their resume, cover letter, references to Office Manager, Rochelle Pruitt, at pruittr@stlouis-mo.gov by 5PM on Tuesday September 30th.

EOC

The City of St. Louis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of St. Louis will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the City.

Published: September 9, 2025