Public Works Foreman

Under general supervision, coordinates and supervises activities involving solid waste disposal, refuse collection operations, landfill operations, mulching operations, and general public works facility maintenance operations. Work involves the coordination and scheduling of staffing to support assigned operations, maintaining inventory, performing field work, and performing administrative tasks. This position is a working foreman position, as the foreman is expected to be directly involved in the work assigned and will rotate on schedules as determined by their supervisor. Reports to the Manager, Landfill or Operations Manager. 

Collections Maintenance Specific Job Functions 

• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, and disciplining; conducts interviews and makes hiring recommendations. This position directly supervises maintenance staff associated with maintenance of the collection operation fleet, including coordinating the third-party vendors for maintenance of stationary trash compactors.  
• Utilizes various software packages to ensure that work orders are placed, documented, and completed, as well as applicable maintenance records and inspections.
• Ensures that third-party vendors complete necessary repairs on stationary compactor equipment and that units are maintained per the manufacturer’s recommendation. This includes being on-call on weekends during operational hours to coordinate with third-party vendors for necessary repairs via telephone and email. Foreman may be required to report to duty to facilitate repair activity if necessary. 
• Provides oversight for the recovery of CFCs from refrigerated appliances received at the County convenience centers (excluding Livingston Landfill). This includes auditing of recovery records and ensuring equipment is maintained. 
• Ensures that fleet equipment assigned to the Collection Operation is maintained and repaired per the manufacturer's recommendation.
• Manages and coordinates with staff on the execution of exterior cleaning activities around the compactor bays.  
• Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processes employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals; conducts interviews and makes hiring recommendations.
• Coordinates daily work activities; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise. Continuously reviews operations for improvement opportunities in workflow efficiency. 
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures; ensures adherence to established safety procedures; monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals; ensures operational adherence with proper quality standards, quantity standards, and established deadlines; initiates any actions necessary to correct deviations or violations.
• Operates a variety of machinery, equipment, and tools associated with work activities, which may include light trucks, heavy trucks, heavy equipment, road tractors and trailers, dump trucks and trailers, snowplows, small gas-powered equipment, hand tools, and general office equipment. 
• Coordinates equipment services and repairs. This includes repairs and maintenance of trucks, vehicles, roll-off containers, trash compactors, tarp systems, or other equipment; reviews truck/equipment maintenance records and inspection charts; performs safety inspections of trucks/equipment and ensures all work necessary to keep vehicles, equipment, and tools in operable condition; monitors equipment operations to maintain efficiency and safety; reports faulty equipment.
• Maintains inventory of department equipment, parts, tools, or other materials; ensures adequate inventory levels to conduct work activities; initiates orders for new/replacement parts/materials; picks up or delivers parts as needed; provides specifications and budgetary input for purchase of vehicles/equipment.
• Responds to complaints, questions, or problems related to department operations; provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, daily logs, truck/equipment inspection charts/reports, purchase requisitions, time sheets, payroll documents, performance evaluations, disciplinary reports, accident reports, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, truck maintenance reports, equipment maintenance reports, truck inspection charts, purchase orders, logbook sheets, scale tickets, specifications, policies, procedures, manuals, reference materials, or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards, or retains as appropriate.
• Maintains an awareness of new procedures, trends, and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Assistance with maintaining and implementing various operational tracking programs, including landfill GPS monitoring and fleet GPS tracking. Monitors and reviews data, providing recommendations for work plans based on the information provided. 
• Interacts and utilizes assigned programs, including, but not limited to, KPA and Cityworks. Performs other related duties as required.

Vocational/Technical degree with training emphasis in solid waste collection, mulching operations, and heavy equipment operation; College level course work preferred; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes solid waste collection/transport, landfill operations, processing of solid waste or recyclable materials, mulching operations, heavy equipment operation, and supervision; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. 

Must possess or maintain, within 12 months of employment, a valid Class A Virginia Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) including appropriate endorsement(s). Must be maintained during the duration of employment.

Must have or obtain within 12 months of employment all qualification requirements to perform both the Solid Waste Equipment Operator II (Mulching) and Solid Waste Equipment Operator I (refuse collection vehicle and landfill operator). 

Must possess or obtain within 12 months of employment a Class II Virginia Solid Waste Management Operator License for landfill assignment.  An operator license is preferred but not required for the Collections assignment.

Collections Maintenance shall be EPA 608 Certified in Refrigerant Recovery within six (6) months of hire. 

Must possess or obtain OSHA 30 certification, general industry training, as well as other safety training assigned/required, and maintain established training schedules.

• Thorough knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the County and of department practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Public Works Foreman. 
• Thorough knowledge of principles and methods pertaining to the collection, hauling, and processing of solid waste materials and recyclable materials per established standards. 
• Thorough knowledge of principles and methods pertaining to the grinding/mulching of wood waste into mulch materials. 
• Thorough knowledge of the safe operation and maintenance of heavy equipment and machinery associated with the position. 
• Thorough knowledge of occupational hazards and safety practices/procedures. 
• Comprehensive knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department. 
• Considerable knowledge of the laws, ordinances, standards, and regulations pertaining to the essential duties and responsibilities of the position. 
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. 
• Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, policies, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. 
• Ability to effectively supervise, lead, and motivate assigned staff. 
• Able to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, supervisors, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department. 
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. 
• Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant. 
• Ability to handle required calculations using percentages and decimals. 
• Knowledgeable and proficient with computers. Able to read, understand, and interpret financial, technical, and computer reports and related materials.
• Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high-quality communication and interacts with all County departments/divisions, co-workers, and the general public.
• Assumes responsibility for doing assigned work and meeting deadlines. Completes assigned work on or before deadlines in accordance with directives, County policy, standards, and prescribed procedures. Accepts accountability for meeting assigned responsibilities in the technical, human, and conceptual areas.
• Adheres to County policies and procedures. Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant, and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountabilities. Strives to anticipate work to be done and initiates proper and acceptable direction for completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.
• Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies/procedures and with minimal errors. Seeks expert/experienced advice and researches problems, situations, and alternatives before exercising judgment.
• Accepts supervisory instruction and direction and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same. Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified, i.e., poor communications, variance with County policy or procedures, etc. Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the County.
• Shares knowledge with supervisors and staff for mutual and County benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all County employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff, managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public to maintain goodwill toward the County and project a good County image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions, and complaints from other departments and persons to maintain goodwill within the County. Interacts effectively with fellow employees, supervisor, professionals, and the general public.
• Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates the expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends meetings, planning sessions, and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules. Maintains a calendar for meetings, deadlines, and events.
• Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the County and various regulatory agencies. Sees that the standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.
• Plans, directs, and uses information effectively in order to enhance activities and production of the department. Knows and understands the expectations of the County regarding the activities of the department and works to see that these expectations are met. Designs and formulates ways, means, and timing to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the County. Within the constraints of County policy, formulates the appropriate strategy and tactics for achieving departmental and County objectives. Organizes, arranges, and allocates manpower, financial, and other designated resources in an efficient and effective way so as to achieve the goals and objectives of the department and the County.
• Organizes work and that of subordinate staff well. Ensures that staff members know what results are expected of them and that they are regularly and appropriately informed of all County and department matters affecting them and/or of concern to them.
• Works with other County officials and management to select and recommend employment of personnel for the department who are qualified both technically and philosophically to meet the needs of the department and the County. Personally directs the development and training of department personnel in order to ensure that they are properly inducted, oriented, and trained.
• Provides a work environment that encourages clear and open communication. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective leadership and how such principles are to be applied. Exercises enthusiasm in influencing and guiding others toward the achievement of County goals and objectives.
• Provides a work environment that is orderly and controlled. Coordinates manpower and financial resources efficiently and effectively. Coordinates, audits, and controls the utilization of materials and equipment efficiently and effectively. Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of County standards, methods, and procedures.
• Assigns additional duties to staff as necessary and/or appropriate in order to meet department goals, enhance staff abilities, build confidence on the job, and assist staff members in personal growth. Has confidence in staff to meet new or additional expectations.
• Uses discretion and judgment in developing and implementing courses of action affecting the department. When a particular policy, procedure, or strategy does not appear to be achieving the desired result, moves decisively and definitively to develop and implement alternatives.
• Regularly seeks new and improved methodologies, policies, and procedures for enhancing the effectiveness of the department and the County. Employs imagination and creativity in the application of duties and responsibilities. Is not adverse to change.
• Strives to develop and maintain good rapport with all staff members. Listens to and considers suggestions and complaints and responds appropriately.   Maintains the respect and loyalty of staff.
• Has a clear and comprehensive understanding of County policies regarding the department and County function. Adheres to those policies in the discharge of duties and responsibilities.
• Keeps abreast of changes in operating philosophies and policies of the County and continually reviews department policies in order to ensure that any changes in County philosophy or practice are appropriately incorporated. Also understands the relationship between operating policies and practices and department morale and performance. Works to see that established policies enhance the same. 
• Requires the ability to read a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.  Requires the ability to prepare forms/reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice.
• Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
• Ability to communicate professionally and respectfully.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery, tools, and equipment, such as a roll-off truck, tandem axle dump truck, landfill compactors, bulldozers, excavators, track loaders, rubber tire loader, track bulldozer, tub grinder, forklift, compactor, chain saw, mechanic’s tools, hand tools, and general office equipment. Tasks require the regular and, at times, sustained performance of moderately physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of climbing and balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds). Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually, with job-related equipment. Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using machinery, equipment, and tools, and in operating trucks and vehicles.  Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, equipment, control knobs, switches, etc.   Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motions while coordinating the other hand with different activities.  Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.  Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color. Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving the nature of sounds by ear).

Salary : $57,694 - $81,926