Ted Wolff, who has nearly 34 years of experience in the construction industry, has taken over as director of the public works department at the city of Apache Junction.

Wolf has 23 years of experience in the public sector with Coconino, Pinal and Maricopa counties as well as most recently at the city of Phoenix as street superintendent. He has held similar positions with the counties and as a transportation engineering specialist with the Arizona Department of Transportation. He also has worked as project engineer for private companies in Arizona, according to a release.

The public works department oversees the construction and maintenance of all city streets, traffic lights, street lights and signs. The department also runs the city’s fleet system of vehicles, maintains all city buildings, the graffiti-control program, manages city surplus property and holds events, including the biannual Household Hazardous Waste collection day.

Wolff noted in his application that he has come up through the ranks, starting with operating heavy equipment to being a project engineer and manager.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business from Arizona State University and has additional training in emergency management and project management.

Wolff takes over the department from Mike Wever, who retires at the end of 2022 after five years in Apache Junction and nearly 35 years in the industry. Wolff’s appointment was ratified by the City Council on Jan. 17.