JOB
THE DEPARTMENT
The County of Tuolumne Public Works Department is proud to build and maintain safe, reliable infrastructure that allows for a high quality of life for those who travel within our beautiful county. Our 62 staff members make up a highly skilled workforce who perform their duties with focus and dedication to public servitude and consists of the following divisions and budgets:
The Public Works Department has an annual operating budget of $14M and 52 employees, as well as a capital construction budget of $34M. The Department is responsible for maintaining 610 miles of County roads and the Engineering team brings in millions in grants each year for bridge and road safety projects. The Fleet Division provides services to all County departments with the exception of Fire.
The Public Works Director also oversees two airports with 5 employees and an operating budget of $1.1M and the Solid Waste Dept. with 5 employees and an operating budget of $4.2M. The Solid Waste Dept. has two closed landfill locations with one operating a transfer station under contract.
Department responsibilities:

• Identifies, plans, engineers, constructs, and maintains a safe and effective road and street system. Identifies and captures state, federal and private revenue streams available for master planning, development, design, and construction of public works CIP. Design oversight and administration for permanent repairs to infrastructure following emergencies, such as storm damage and forest fires.
• Reviews, issues and inspects grading, driveway and utility encroachment permits along with permitting of special events held in the County road right-of-way.
• Assists the general public and other County departments with their request for surveying and mapping information.
• Performs maintenance and snowplowing activities for over 600 miles of County-maintained roads and bridges as well as collaborating with emergency personnel to assess damages and develop responses. Our staff plays a critical role in the County’s response plan during vehicle accidents, weather events, and natural events, such as wildfires and flooding.
• Conditions proposed development projects to ensure effective road systems for orderly and convenient movement of people and goods.
• Oversees the collection, transportation, and disposal of solid waste within the County and is responsible for the development, implementation, and promotion of recycling programs, hazardous waste collection, used oil and oil filter collection, electronic waste collection, compliance of illegal dumping, and monitoring of two closed landfills.
• Coordinates the budgets and maintenance plans for County Service Areas, Permanent Road Division Zones and Lighting Districts.
• Public Works currently has 13 ongoing storm projects occurring in 2018, 2023, and 2024, and 28 ongoing capital projects.

THE POSITION
The Director of Public Works will plans, organizes, manages and provides direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Public Works Department, including Survey, Solid Waste, Engineering, Road Operations, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Business, Fleet Services and Airports; provides expert professional assistance to County management staff, the County Administrator’s office and the Board of Supervisors; and performs related duties as assigned. This position is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the Board of Supervisors and serves under administrative direction of the County Administrative Officer.
Key areas of responsibility:

• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the division’s annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the department’s service by developing, implementing and monitoring policies, procedures, and service delivery to meet legal requirements and County needs;
• Interprets and ensures department compliance with all County policies and procedures, standards of quality and safety, and all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations
• Personally performs professional-level work in related fields including writing ordinances and regulations, conducting studies and overseeing large development projects as necessary.
• Confers with engineers, developers, architects, and a variety of outside agencies and the general public in acquiring information and coordination of engineering, public works, utilities, streets, and related matters; provides information regarding these matters.
• Oversees the development, evaluation, and recommendation of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes;
• Oversees and directs airport management in maintaining safety and compliance with FAA and Caltrans requirements;
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; performs financial review of matters pertaining to the various committees.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Administrator.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Ensures training in and promotion of accountability for safe work practices and working conditions for employees.
• Manages effective working relationships with the County’s management team, employees, community members, and elected officials.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Our new Director will have extensive experience in Public Works programs, environmental regulations and compliance, and have an acute political acumen. It is expected that you effectively partner with stakeholders and members of the community while establishing yourself as a responsive professional with exceptional communication skills.
As a valued member of our Public Works team, you will professionally advocate for “Gold Standard Service” to the County’s customers, see the big picture perspective regarding the division’s budget and programs, act as a catalyst for ongoing process improvement, remain calm and collected in high-pressure situations, operate with a high level of collaboration and engagement, and make sound, independent decisions within established guidelines.
THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering. A Master’s degree in civil engineering, public administration, business administration or related is highly desirable.
Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience management level experience in engineering.
Licenses and Certifications: Ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s License by time of appointment, and registration as a Civil Engineer with the California Board of Registration for Professional Engineers