Public Works Foreman

Job Title

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of skilled, administrative, and supervisory work in a typical office setting and in the field. The foreman performs and coordinates work activities of various divisions (streets, facilities and public works maintenance, fleet, stormwater) within the Public Works Department. The foreman instructs workers in work methods and procedures, inspects work in progress and upon completion.

Position scope: This is a first line supervisor and an essential personnel position. Position is on standby for emergency calls as needed. May be required to work overtime, or alternate hours, as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.

Illustrative Examples Of Essential Duties

This is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent may be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Prioritizes, plans and supervises work of skilled and unskilled crews engaged in the construction, repair activities and maintenance of city facilities, ROW's and infrastructure.
• Coordinates with vendors and contractors for special projects; evaluates and monitors subcontractor performance and compliance with contracts.
• Develops bid and RFPs in cooperation with the procurement department for on-going maintenance or special projects, evaluates, reviews and makes recommendations that relate to contracted services.
• Manages on-going maintenance and special project contracts to ensure compliance with contract terms, performance, invoice review and payment processing.
• Regularly reviews the work of both in-house and contracted service work and evaluates for cost saving measures and efficiencies.
• Checks for and reports code ordinance violations.
• Maintains records of work, time materials used, location and effectiveness of work, performed; assists in the in-service training of employees; promotes instruction in safety and provides work procedures and methods; observes and enforces prescribed safety standards and rules for staff; estimates and orders parts and materials for work.
• Assigns and supervises maintenance-related work pertaining to: installation, repair and replacement to city right of ways, landscaping, drainage systems, and facility maintenance to include all major components and systems.
• Develops departmental policy and organizational procedures.
• Assist in budget preparation and management.
• Reads and interprets blueprints/construction plans; able to determine material quantities for the ordering of parts and materials to complete a project involving facilities, infrastructure, roads, bridges, and drainage systems.
• Attends meetings as department liaison and prepares and provides reports on public works maintenance-related activities or programs.
• Evaluates and appraises work activities within the department and recommends improvements.
• Assists in performance evaluation of employees under foreman's supervision.
• Ensures training and awareness in compliance with state and federal regulations applicable to the city's public works.
• Prepares and reviews maintenance schedules.
• Ensures work projects/work orders are entered into computer system properly, completed in a timely manner, and appropriately closed out.
• Attends meetings and conferences representing the city on division related matters.
• Provides leadership and support needed to perform quality work and builds a positive attitude among crew.
• Performs any combination of the various technician responsibilities to maintain and repair municipal property and equipment. Identifies opportunity for cost control measures in the delivery of all services and functions in his/her division and under his/her area of responsibility.
• Ensures that crews and operators are properly maintaining all machinery and equipment (i.e., performing pre and post-inspections of equipment), general maintenance on the equipment; initiates machinery and equipment repairs as needed.
• Performs additional tasks as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Considerable technical and functional knowledge of the materials, methods, techniques and equipment commonly used in major public works and utility construction and maintenance activities. Knowledge in the use of MS Word, Excel, and Outlook is essential.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices applied to the construction and maintenance of roads, streets, storm sewers and drainage ditches, or water and sanitary sewer lines.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices applied to the construction and maintenance of facilities and major operational systems including but not limited to roofing, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, AV, commercial kitchen, fire alarms and sprinklers, and elevators.
• Skill in the use of basic hand tools and the operation of related complex power equipment and machinery.
• Ability to understand and follow moderately complex oral and written instructions.
• Sound judgment, highly organized; attention to detail with good interpersonal skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with supervisors, other city employees and the general public; ability to communicate courteously and professionally, orally and in writing, with the public, customers, and personnel from other departments; follows up to ensure problems are solved
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
• Provides leadership and support needed to perform quality work and builds a positive attitude among crew
• Knowledge of effective supervisory practices and techniques.
• Ability to supervise including assigning and reviewing work, evaluating performance, coaching, disciplining and problem resolution. Ability to lay out and supervise the work of a group of skilled and unskilled laborers performing various complex public works and related construction, maintenance and repair tasks in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.
• Ability to prepare business correspondence and reports; basic mathematical knowledge required.
• Ability to learn the operation, policy and procedures of the city and the assigned department or office. Ability to troubleshoot, analyze and interpret technical governmental regulations or procedures.
• Ability to keep records and file reports in the event of an incident that results in damage to truck, equipment or public/private property
• Ability to work outdoors, occasionally under adverse weather conditions.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills for evaluating bids and contractor qualifications.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills to work with vendors, legal teams, and city officials.
• High attention to detail and organizational skills to manage multiple contracts and deadlines.
• Ability to resolve disputes and enforce contract terms in a fair, legal, and efficient manner.
• Knowledge of RFP, RFQ, and ITB development and evaluation processes.

Minimum Requirements

Education & experience: High school diploma or general education degree (GED) supplemented by five (5) years related experience performing construction, maintenance and repair of a variety of public works or related facilities, including five (5) years of supervisory experience; previous supervisory and municipal experience preferred or any acceptable related combination of training and experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities and other competencies.

Associate's degree preferred.

License and/or certifications:

• A valid Florida driver's license is required.
• Commercial driver's license (CDL) preferred.
• Must obtain American Red Cross first aid and CPR certification within 30 days of hire.

• There is a one-year probationary period.
• It is the responsibility of the incumbent to maintain their licenses and/or certifications as a job requirement.
• Background screenings are conducted through the clearinghouse @