Public Works & Utilities Director

Performs managerial, administrative, professional, and technical, work in directing the department. Plans, organizes and directs a variety of public works activities including: storm water management, streets maintenance, solid waste management, and fleet maintenance.

An employee in this class is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the work of employees engaged in streets, cemetery and grounds, fleet maintenance, and stormwater systems construction, maintenance and repair and in solid waste management. Work includes providing technical guidance and support to management, elected officials, various boards and commissions and City staff. Work involves participation in long range planning for infrastructure needs, regulatory compliance, and service excellence; preparation and administration of capital and operating budgets; participating in oversight of capital improvement projects; addressing citizen issues and problems; and staff hiring and management. Work requires strong management knowledges and skills in budgeting, staff management, some engineering design knowledge, project management skills, and knowledge of human resource management and supervisory principles, practices and laws and regulations. Work subjects employee to inside and outside environmental conditions while construction projects are in process. The employee may be exposed to noise, equipment, fumes, and other possible safety hazards when inspecting projects. Considerable tact and courtesy are required in frequent public contact. Work is performed under direction of the City Manager and is evaluated through periodic conferences, written reports, and public acceptance of the utilities services and quality of water.

Researches and recommends long range plans and strategies for meeting citizen service needs; plans for short and long-range solid waste operations, streets construction and maintenance; stormwater management; maintenance and repair of public buildings; and maintenance and repairs or replacement of equipment; plans and projects related continuation and capital improvement budgets including contracts and internal projects.

Researches and recommends policy changes to the City Manager and Board.

Plans, manages and administers budget; oversees and approves expenditures; reviews invoices daily for purchases and reviews monthly statements from finance; consults with and/or keeps City Manager informed on major expenditures; develops and administers grants.

Advises the City Manager, elected officials and various boards on a wide variety of public works matters; construction, improvement, environmental compliance, citizen and intergovernmental relations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints regarding streets, sidewalks, and stormwater issues; attends staff meetings and Board meetings to make presentations of provide advise as needed.

Reviews and prepares plans and specifications for maintenance, repair and construction projects; coordinates changes with contractors; monitors compliance with plans and specifications during the construction process; administers a wide variety of contracts.

Reviews site plans for development and ensures construction meets City needs; participates in technical review of all projects in the City, public and private..

Manages and supervises staff through supervisors; selects, hires, and promotes staff in collaboration with the City Manager; ensures appropriate training and maintenance of certifications, ensures staff performance excellence; meets frequently with subordinate supervisors to solve more complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction on daily and weekly basis to division supervisors; oversees and conducts performance evaluations, and handles disciplinary action for all employees; keeps Manager informed.

Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers and contractors; makes field inspections of public works and utilities projects to review progress and ensure completion.

Engages in considerable personal contact with citizens, contractors, builders, and other City departments, county and other governmental agencies concerning service requests and complaints; investigates and decides or recommends actions; coordinates projects with other departments.

Ensures OSHA compliance in all phases of the department’s work; ensures safety training is provided and work is performed in compliance with safety standards and rules.

Responsible for preparation, maintenance and quality of a variety of reports such as Powell Bill data and Street Survey, Solid Waste Management Annual Report, and various annual reports for the Manager, Mayor and Board; ensures department maintains necessary data for management decision making.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, local ordinances and standards, and departmental policies and procedures affecting municipal public works functions.

Thorough knowledge of the application of information technology to construction monitoring, office systems, and mapping.

Considerable knowledge of the coordination and administration of governmental capital projects.

Considerable knowledge of the City’s budgeting, purchasing, and personnel policies and procedures.

Considerable knowledge of and demonstrated skills in using effective leadership, management and supervisory skills including hiring, mentoring, training, delegation, communication, motivation, and performance coaching and evaluation.

Knowledge of laws and regulations related to staff hiring and management.

Some knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices.

Skill in collaborative conflict resolution, public speaking and customer service excellence.

Ability to perform cost estimations, plan, design, and manage large municipal projects.

Ability to interpret prepare clear and concise reports and present findings and recommendations.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships and communicate effectively with City, State, regional and local officials and community leaders, other department heads, supervisor, employees, general public, and contractors.

Ability to present ideas effectively in oral and written form.

Ability to exercise sound judgment and initiative.

Ability to be tactful and to use diplomacy in dealing with the public, especially in handling and resolving complaints.