Public Works Director

Job Title

Job Description

Performs difficult professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing a variety of public works activities including street maintenance and repair, equipment services, building & grounds maintenance & repair.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of municipal operations and services. The employee provides technical advice and assistance to the City Manager in the improvement of streets, buildings and grounds insuring that modern, safe, effective and efficient practices are utilized by municipal work crews. Work also includes contract management, handling citizen issues, and budget and personnel administration of the department. The employee represents the City to a wide variety of citizens. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the City Manager and other City departments. The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments. The employee is also subject to various hazards such as working in close proximity to heavy equipment, loud noises, electrical current, oils, and working in narrow or enclosed spaces. The employee also may be subject to the final standards of the OSHA blood borne pathogens. Work is performed under the general direction of the City Manager and is reviewed by review of reports, conference and acceptance of the community.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Participates in the long-range planning for infrastructure and service needs of the City for public works, building & grounds. Conducts or supervises various studies and advises City Manager on related issues; writes, reviews, interprets and administers policies for the department.
• Plans, organizes, and directs either staff or contracted operations of street maintenance, storm water management, cemetery, building & grounds.
• Manages and plans the activities of all public works staff; ensures coordination of activities with other departments.
• Reports to and advises City Manager on public works projects and activities.
• Researches and recommends operational changes to the City Manager to increase departmental effectiveness and enhance customer service.
• Reviews construction plans for compliance in conjunction with the City Engineer; researches, recommends and administers storm water regulations; makes field inspections of public works projects to review progress and ensure completion; performs subdivision review.
• Performs selection, promotion, training, counseling and evaluation of department personnel in consultation with City Manager; meets with subordinate supervisors to solve complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction.
• Engages in considerable personal contact with citizens, contractors, builders and other City departments, county and other governmental agencies concerning service request and complaints; investigates and decides or recommends actions; coordinates projects with other departments; attends City Commissioner meetings to represent the department.
• Prepares and reviews departmental operating budget; monitors and approves expenditures; participates in preparation of capital improvement budget.
• Responsible for preparation, maintenance and quality of a variety of reports such as annual financial audit, Street Survey, Solid Waste Management Annual Report, Yard Waste Report, and State Reports, Annual Fuel System and Monthly Fuel Reports and various annual reports for the Manager.
• Supervises changes in regulations regarding storm water, safety and other related issues.
• Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers and contractors.
• Prepares or coordinates work for various plans and projects as directed by the City Manager; supervises survey, construction inspection and map preparation.

Additional Job Duties

Performs other duties as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public works, administration, planning and construction.
2. Thorough knowledge of related public works, storm water, City policies, state and federal laws and regulations.
3. Thorough knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the construction and maintenance of streets.
4. Considerable knowledge of engineering design principles and ability to apply them to designated projects.
5. Considerable knowledge of governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices and related City policies and procedures, and public personnel laws and regulations.
6. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices, laws and regulations relating to supervised functions.
7. Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department including GIS, spreadsheets.
8. Ability to supervise subordinate supervisors including effective leadership, communications, motivations, staffing, conflict resolution, and coaching.
9. Ability to prepare complex and detailed records and reports.
10. Ability to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other public officials, employees, contractors and the general public.
11. Ability to present ideas effectively in oral and written form.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical life functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or constantly.
• Must possess visual acuity to produce and review written reports and records including mathematical calculations, analyze data, and to read maps, schematic drawings and plans.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in public or business administration civil or environmental engineering or related field, and 5-7 years of experience in a responsible management position in the public works including considerable supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.