The City of Amesbury announces the hiring of Joseph Buckley as the new Director of the Department of Public Works (DPW). Buckley comes to the position with over 25 years of public work service here in Massachusetts.

Joseph began his career in 1995 in the City of Worcester, managing the Sewer Operations Division for 12 years as Assistant Director. Since 2019, he has held the position of Director of Public Works in the Town of Rutland Massachusetts until accepting his position with Amesbury. 

Joseph Buckley holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from The University of Massachusetts at Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Local Government Leadership and Management from Suffolk University in Boston. 

Mr. Buckley’s start date will be May 15, 2023, with City Council appointment expected to be on May 23^rd.

Joseph replaces Rob Desmarais, the former DPW Director, after his departure on December 30, 2023. The search for a new director immediately followed. Rob worked for the city for over 24 years, beginning his career in October of 1998. 

The DPW supports and enhances the quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors by providing services to manage and upgrade the city's infrastructure in the most efficient manner.  It provides design, construction and maintenance solutions for buildings, roads, traffic and drainage systems, trees, parks and cemeteries, sanitary sewers, water production and distribution, snow and ice management and solid waste and recycling collection to the public. 

“Peter Manor did a great job as our Interim Director allowing us the time to engage in a thoughtful search process to find the right candidate for this position. I look forward to having Joe on our team. He has the experience and skillset we were looking for, values communication and quality, and articulated a thoughtful approach to this important work”, said MAyor Gove

Joe Buckley said, “Whether as an engineer or a manager, throughout my career I have worked as a problem solver. I believe a Public Works Director is simply that, a day-to-day problem solver, keeping the roads functional and the sanitary conditions of the city acceptable. It is easy to get wrapped up in the public works projects people see, like a newly paved road or walkway, or critical operations like snow plowing, but I also have experience in the important tasks people sometimes take for granted, like safe drinking water, responsible operations of sewer systems, drainage infrastructure, and impacts to river systems.  Amesbury Public Works supports the folks who live, work, and simply stop by there. I am honored and looking forward to being part of the team whose goal is to meet those needs today and into the future.”