Public Works Director

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

Performs a variety of professional and administrative duties related to planning, organizing, coordinating, controlling, and directing all phases of town-wide public works operations, including contract engineering, mapping, waste water, streets, project management, and capital improvements.

Education, Training, Experience, Certifications, Licenses and Registrations

Education / higher education : Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, civil engineering, or a related field; AND Five (5) years of experience in a comprehensive public works program; experience in the administration and management of materials and personnel necessary for the development and maintenance of public works; OR An equivalent combination of education and experience.

For required college degrees, applicable field(s) of study : Civil engineering, construction management, or directly related discipline.

Minimum number of years of directly related experience : Two years of work experience in municipal engineering to include transportation or water and wastewater engineering.  In lieu of a degree incumbent must possess 5-6 years of experience.  

Education and/or experience preferences : None

Driver’s License requirement : Infrequent Driver -- Regular Driver's License , Required Endorsements:   None

Required certifications, licenses or registrations : None

Time given after hire/promotion to obtain certification or licenses : Ability to obtain a Sewer Operator Level II certification within one year.

Preferred certifications, licenses or registrations : Registration as a Professional Engineer or Engineer in Training is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge : General civil engineering principles and practices; legal environment associated with public works projects, construction and maintenance; current methods, principles and practices of sewer, road and street construction; equipment and materials used in construction and maintenance operations; safety practices and principles involved in public works; current codes, standards, safety practices and principles involved in public works.

Skills : Must be able to type rapidly and accurately enough to successfully produce documents/spreadsheets, communicate via e-mail, or perform data entry as necessary to accomplish the essential functions of the position. Use of technology, equipment and software typically used in the office environment. Reading and interpreting engineering plans, Town codes and related ordinances, and developing reports. Operating a computer for word processing, spreadsheets, databases and engineering and computer mapping and modeling software. Review engineering drawings and specifications.

Abilities : Plan, coordinate; interpret laws, ordinances and regulations common to public works operations; keep operating records and prepare reports; to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and the public. Effectively utilize personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database; phone; and copy machine.

Interaction with Groups/Agencies/Entities:

Internal: Works with engineering contractor, Town Council members, Town Clerk, and Town Attorney. Maintains harmonious, courteous, and understanding relationships, while fostering a collaborative teamwork environment.

External: Works with contractors, developers, government agencies, consultants, and the general public on planning and implementing Town infrastructure projects and resolves complaints and issues. Presents a friendly, courteous image for the Town to the general public, customers, and public officials.

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this position. The omission of specific functions does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment for this position. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Serves as administrative advisor and liaison to town council, committees, and boards as needed to inform and apprise on public works issues; provides technical insight and recommendations related to determining public works policies, goals and objectives; receives directives, formulates implementation options and strategies, directs research, converts strategies to action plans with timetables and deadlines; evaluates public works needs and formulates short and long range plans to meet needs in all areas of responsibility, including, street, water, sewer, drainage and light, maintenance.

Participates in public meetings and hearings as needed to solicit public response and apprise of policy and project options; educates the public through media, reports, public meetings and presentations.

Assists with the development or update of the Comprehensive Sewer Plan, Comprehensive Water Plan, the Capital Improvement Program, and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure; develops, organizes and facilitates comprehensive capital improvement program; allocates resources to research, evaluation, analysis and implementation of project phases; participates with and cooperates in interagency, intergovernmental and private enterprise programs and projects which enhance the quality of life for town residents.

Meets with public, developers, entrepreneurs, and contractors; discusses capital improvement and public works issues; interprets information in town ordinances pertaining to department responsibilities; supervises the review of private project development plans for compliance with codes, regulations, and standards, adequacy of applications for permits and compliance with approved plans.

Determines work priorities and delegates assignments to subcontractors; develops guidelines and deadlines, initiates studies; provides quality assurance review of work in progress; monitors and administers consultant service contracts; oversees project management for the construction of the municipal public works projects; oversees assigned projects to ensure contractor compliance with time and budget parameters for the project; performs critical incident or emergency decision making related to town service systems and commits town resources.

Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the administration of the department including all aspects of street construction and maintenance, engineering, storm drain, and sewer, etc.; implements town policy related to department functions; develops and recommends policy changes consistent with established master plans and goals.

Identifies sources for alternative funding related to special projects; assists with application activities and assists to monitor grant compliance to assure effective working relationships with funding agencies.

Assists with the preparation and development of project budgets and monitors fiscal controls to assure conformity with established financial constraints; develops bid specifications for projects and equipment acquisitions; oversees the preparation of engineering plans and specifications, and the competency of contractors and vendors.

Performs other related duties as required.

Authorities and Accountabilities

Level of independent decision making : High--incumbent is expected to analyze complex situations and take appropriate action

Budgetary/Financial/Asset accountability : Low -- Position cannot make major decisions or obligate the Town without prior approval from the Mayor

Span of control :   Responsibility for own work

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Daily activity level : Primarily sedentary

Physical characteristics : Job requires oral and aural communication; Job requires reading and comprehension of written materials; Job requires normal vision; Must be able to distinguish colors; Must be able to see in dim light; Exposure to high noise levels; Grasping with hand, gripping; Keystroking or repetitive motion of hands/fingers/arms; Work activities produce impact on hand, wrist, forearm, elbow from vibration; Involvement in verbal or physical confrontations; Bending/kneeling/crawling ; Lifting/carrying/push/pull up to 50 lbs.; Working while standing for prolonged periods of time; Walking long distances

Exposures : None

Extraordinary working conditions : None

Hazardous equipment/machinery used : None

Required personal protective equipment if on site : Safety Glasses with or w/o side shields; Reflective vest; Ear Plugs; Hard hat; Protective gear