BROOKINGS – DJ Buthe started Monday as the City of Brookings’ first public works director, the city has announced. 

Buthe has been the Minnehaha County highway superintendent for the past 10 years. Before his employment with Minnehaha County, he held the position of civil engineer, P.E., project manager for the City of Sioux Falls, where he also worked with the solid waste division. A South Dakota State University graduate, he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in civil and environmental engineering.

“Throughout the search, the city received many qualified applicants from across the nation. The hiring committee focused on the city’s core, organization and community needs,” the city’s press release said.

“The first few months of Buthe’s employment will be focused on establishing relationships and understanding the organization/community.  His phone information is forthcoming, and his office location will be in the City of Brookings Street Department.”