New Public Works director hired in Oak Ridge

Shira McWaters, a civil engineer who is now an associate at a company in Arizona, has been hired as Public Works director in Oak Ridge.

McWaters will replace former Public Works Director Gary Cinder, who retired in September 2015.

The appointment was announced by Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson.

McWaters will administer all Public Works activities for the city. The Public Works Department, with approximately 100 full-time employees, is responsible for the maintenance of city streets, all city-owned buildings, stormwater management, water treatment, distribution, and wastewater collections systems, and for the maintenance, service, and repair of all city automotive vehicles, heavy equipment, and stationary equipment.

The Department also prepares and administers the Solid Waste Collection contract and provides staff representation to the Traffic Safety Advisory Board.

“I was truly pleased and challenged by the depth of experience seen with the candidates for Public Works director,” Watson said. “However, Shira McWaters demonstrated a maturity and knowledge level that is exceptional. She was recognized by each of our city personnel as someone who can take our department to the next level. Her background in the private sector will be helpful in addressing the many diverse elements of the Oak Ridge Public Works operations. We are glad to welcome her to the team!”

“My family and I are very excited to make Oak Ridge our new home,” McWaters said. “I believe my knowledge, skills, and ability will complement those of existing staff. I look forward to working together with all of you in achieving the goals and objectives for sustainability and success in our future. I appreciate the opportunity the city has provided me in this exciting new position and look forward to work for the betterment of the community.”

McWaters is a professional engineer with more than 22 years private sector engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry, with expertise in leadership, management, evaluation, design, and construction, a press release said.

She is presently employed with the firm Tata and Howard in Flagstaff, Arizona. She has been there since June 1993, or more than 22 years, according to her LinkedIn profile. Her job responsibilities include project management of municipal and private water utility projects design, bid and construction administration services; capital improvement planning; criticality and asset management assessments; and management, leading, mentoring and training of engineers.

On her profile, McWaters said she has more than 22 years of experience in the water industry “with a proven history of successfully assisting municipal and private clients meet their water needs.”

McWaters has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and professional engineering licenses in the states of Massachusetts and Arizona. Her salary is $105,000.

Copyright 2016 Oak Ridge Today. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.