Director of Public Works

GENERAL RESPONSIBLITIES

This position is a senior level management position, appointed by the First Selectman, with general overall duties to administer and supervise the Department of Public Works.  The Department of Public Works consists of Public Works Operations, Engineering, and Solid Waste and Recycling and additional functional areas.

• Administer and supervise the Department of Public Works;
• Have charge and control of all buildings, materials, apparatus, equipment, and documents of the Department of Public Works;
• Be chief technical advisor of the Town and all departments, except the Board of Education, in all matters concerning the physical deployment of the Town and design construction, and maintenance of its physical plant;
• Be an ex officio member without vote of the Town Plan and Zoning Commission with respect to planning and of the Parks and Recreation Commission;
• Make and enforce reasonable rules and regulations not inconsistent with the Town Charter or the General Statutes necessary to efficiently exercise all powers and duties imposed on the Director of Public Works and the Department of Public Works;
• At the request of the Selectmen, furnish technical advice reasonably required for the physical functioning of the Town or its government;
• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the internal and contracted activities of several functional areas; confer with subordinates to discuss work programs and problems, gives administrative and technical directions necessary;
• Work with managers to prepare and present annual budgets and to maintain an up to date, fleet replacement schedule, preventive maintenance program, and an ongoing project’s list;
• Make presentation(s) for budgets, projects, and appropriations to the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Representative Town Meeting;
• Regularly oversee and participate as necessary, in the department’s handling of citizen service requests and complaints to assure that the department is meeting quality service goals; address public and private groups on public works programs; promote and maintain responsive community relations;
• Coordinate the preparation and review of plans, specifications and cost estimates for construction and repair projects; review progress of planning and construction to assure conformity with goals, estimates and time tables; take corrective actions with budget as required;
• Review and participate as necessary in the preparation of Request for Proposals and Bid Documents for programs and projects;
• Effectively communicate with the First Selectman and other senior staff on the status of projects and programs to make them aware of any variances that warrant their attention;
• Routinely evaluate the ability to deliver DPW services, programs and projects in-house compared to an outside vendor;
• Work with the Grant Manager to ensure the Town takes maximum advantage of grant funding opportunities and complies with grant contracts;
• Ensure compliance with state and federal agencies as required; works in conjunction with the Safety Coordinator to ensure compliance with required training;
• Assist with the Town’s efforts to achieve energy reduction, and take advantage of clean energy alternatives and other environmental initiatives;
• Attend meetings and serve in an advisory capacity to Boards and Commissions, including internal and external committees, dealing with Town-wide policies, programs and building projects;
• Must be available 24/7 as necessary to coordinate DPW’s response to natural or man-made emergencies; and
• Perform other reasonably related duties as directed by the Selectman.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES 

• Comprehensive knowledge of the methods, materials, and equipment used in the maintenance and construction of municipal roads and drainage systems;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the methods, techniques, materials, and equipment used in road repair, construction, and reconstruction operations;
• Knowledge of Water Treatment Plant  Regulations;
• Thorough knowledge of park and playfield maintenance, turf management, and landscaping
• Thorough knowledge of fleet management;
• Comprehensive knowledge of transfer station operations, including recycling;
• Comprehensive knowledge if safety procedures and regulations for working in roads, working with hazardous materials, working with heavy equipment and mechanical equipment;
• Thorough knowledge of work hazards, safety practices and federal and state laws relating to safety;
• Strong knowledge of emergency management;
• Basic GIS experience; strong ability to  read and interpret plans, designs, maps, drawings and specifications;
• Knowledge of computer applications appropriate for office such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint;
• Knowledge of municipal public works budgeting;
• Strong supervisory skills; ability to  motivate and direct supervising employees;
• Aptitude for working with people and maintaining effective working relationship with various groups; and
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Civil Engineering or related discipline;
• 10 years of progressively responsible related experience
• 5 years supervisory experience
• Knowledge of Municipal Wastewater Treatment, surveying, CAD and GIS are desirable

LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS

Must have and maintain a valid Driver’s license.   

Must be a registered Professional Engineer (PE) by the State of Connecticut within 6 months of employment.

PTO

Medical /RX

Dental

Vision

401(a) Retirement Savings Plan with Match