Public Works Manager

Public Works Manager

The City is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Public Works Manager to assist in leading the operations, administration as well as process improvements with the Public Works Department. This key leadership position works closely with the Director of Public Works in overseeing essential departmental functions including public works maintenance, utilities operations, environmental compliance programs, capital improvement projects, budget coordination, and administrative services.

The City offers an excellent work-life balance with a 36-hour work week and Fridays off. The City is looking for a candidate who demonstrates excellent communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to build positive working relationships with employees, City officials, outside agencies, and the public, and a commitment to delivering high-quality public services. Experience preparing staff reports, presenting information to City Council, managing complex projects, and responding effectively to public concerns is highly desirable.

Under general direction, assist the Director of Public Works in the administration and management of the Public Works Department, including public works maintenance, utilities operations, environmental compliance programs, departmental administration, budget coordination, capital improvement program implementation, and supervision of administrative support functions. Performs highly responsible professional, technical, and administrative work in support of departmental operations, fiscal analysis, regulatory compliance, infrastructure delivery, and strategic initiatives. This position serves as a key operational and administrative leader within the department and supports multiple Public Works divisions in delivering essential public infrastructure and municipal services.

General supervision and direction is provided by the Director of Public Works. Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, maintenance, and administrative support staff. Indirect supervision may be exercised over division managers, supervisors, and other assigned personnel.

The list of duties and functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this classification. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position:

• Assists in the planning, directing, and monitoring of all public works and utilities maintenance and service operations and functions.
• Assists in preparation and administration of the annual Department and Divisional budget; ensures adherence to and compliance with established budgetary parameters.
• Develops, administers, and manages Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), bid documents, consultant agreements, construction contracts, and related procurement documents.
• Coordinates and participates in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the department operating budget and Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including compilation of division budget requests, expenditure monitoring, budget forecasting, and project tracking.
• Assembles and prepares a variety of information and data for the preparation of reports, both written and oral, to the Public Works Director, City Manager and City Council.
• Administers and monitors various restricted revenue programs (Proposition C, Measures R, M and W), grant-funded projects, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Managing the City's solid waste, recycling, bulk trash collection and disposal programs including disposal and recycling processing contracts, household hazardous waste disposals, and residential bulk trash drop off.
• Coordinates and ensures compliance with the City's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permits and related environmental regulations.
• Oversees or coordinates Cal Recycle compliance and reporting requirements related to solid waste, organics/recycling, beverage container recycling, and used oil recycling programs.
• Coordinates departmental activities and projects with other City departments, outside agencies, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Investigates citizen complaints and handles inquiries from the public.
• Meets with the public in small and large groups to discuss City public works policies, practices, and problems.
• Issues press releases and responds to inquiries from the media.
• Serves as Acting Director of Public Works as assigned.
• Supervises and coordinates departmental administrative support functions and assigned administrative support personnel.
• Attends City Council and Council Committee meetings as warranted.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles of organization, public administration, budget and personnel.
• Principles and practices in public works administration, project and construction management, and contracts and grant administration.
• Principles and practices of engineering, maintenance, and administration as applied to the design and construction of public works and utilities, facilities, and technical inspection services.
• Familiarity with a variety of environmental and health programs including the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) municipal permit, drinking water quality regulations, and water conservation programs.
• Principles and practices of public agency procurement, contract administration, and consultant management.
• Principles and practices of grant administration and restricted revenue program management.
• Federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to stormwater, solid waste, recycling, and public works and utility operations.
• Knowledge of legislation and regulatory standards affecting streets/stormwater construction projects, preventive maintenance, and regulatory reporting.
• Preparation of staff reports for and presentations to City Council and various committees.
• Principles and practices of emergency management.
• Principles and practices of modern office management.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and compile complex departmental budgets and administrative reports.
• Conduct complex studies and manage projects with minimal supervision and present such information in an appropriate format.
• Effectively manage multiple concurrent capital improvement and operational projects.
• Interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations, permits, policies, and technical standards
• Coordinate effectively across multiple operational divisions and with outside agencies.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external customers.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with city officials, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Schedule and program work on a long-term basis.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate subordinates.
• Respond as necessary to emergencies to facilitate repairs and recovery.

Experience and Education:

Four (4) years of increasingly responsible public works administration, utilities operations, capital improvement project management, environmental compliance, and municipal infrastructure maintenance experience.

Equivalent to a Bachelors Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public works administration, civil or environmental engineering, construction management, or related field.

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver's license.

Possession of a Grade 2 or higher certificate issued by the California State Department of Public Health in both water treatment and distribution is desirable.

Possession of a Professional Engineering (PE) is highly desirable.

Ability to operate computer, calculator, telephone and portable radio. Ability to understand and respond to the public's and staff's requests for assistance both on the phone and in person. Ability to prepare detailed narrative reports, perform complex numerical analyses and sort/file documents. Ability to sit for up to two hours at a time. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to climb on a stool or ladder for the purposes of retrieving records out of storage. Ability to get from one location to another in the course of doing business. Ability to make oral presentations.

The City of La Verne strives to maintain a full range of efficient municipal services to preserve our hometown charm and quality of life while being responsive to the community's current and emerging needs. La Verne is a city of more than 30,000 residents and a well-balanced community with a good mix of residential, commercial, and industrial features. La Verne maintains a council-manager form of government. Residents in five districts elect their district council member to represent them and oversee a total annual budget of over $71 million. The five council members select a mayor amongst themselves. La Verne is a close-knit community that is home to many fine institutions and facilities which include the University of La Verne (founded in 1891), Brackett Field Airport, and public and private schools. As one of the more desirable communities in metropolitan Southern California, La Verne is a progressive city that has retained much of its small town charm. The City is interested in hiring an individual who exemplifies the values that make La Verne a safe, desirable, and engaged place to live.

The City reserves the right to select applicants for further consideration who demonstrate the best qualifications match for the position. Meeting the required minimum qualifications does not guarantee an applicant an invitation to the next step(s) in the selection process. Those candidates whose experience and training most closely match the City's needs may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a combination of written exercise, panel interview, or other testing deemed appropriate.

Prior to hire