Director of Public Works

City of Newton, Kansas
Job Description

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Department: Public Works
Reports To: City Manager
FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary

Under the administrative direction of the City Manager, the Director of Public Works is an administrative and supervisory position directing the operations for the engineering, code enforcement, inspection, water, wastewater, shop, sanitation, park, cemetery, building maintenance and street maintenance within the Public Works Department. The employee in this position coordinates work with municipal engineering project development, construction, and maintenance. The Director of Public Works provides overall direction and coordination of the divisions. This position has internal control for the administration of the department and responsibility for the supervision of all department personnel.

Essential Functions:

• Plans, directs exercises general supervision over personnel in the department;
• Directs, participates in the development of, and takes overall responsibility for the operating budgets for assigned departments.
• Controls expenditures for assigned departments;
• Directs the municipal equipment replacement program for public works;
• Gives technical advice concerning construction and planning of projects for other municipal departments;
• Advises the Park Division on the maintenance of Sand Creek Flood Control Project;
• Represents public works activities in discussions with the City Manager and governing body.
• Responsible for city compliance with stormwater NPDES MS4 permit and associated programs;
• Assists with property acquisition for various City projects;
• Responsible for all public works maintenance and service operations projects, including general fund and utilities;
• Manages and oversees PWWSD#17 and serves as General Manager;
• Manages and reviews all public building projects;
• Works with all regulatory and funding agencies;
• Prepares and oversees equipment bid specifications.
• Manages City Farming contracts

Marginal Functions:

• Other related duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Position Requirements:

Experience: At least six years’ experience and training in local government public works management.

Licenses: Must possess a valid driver’s license. Licensed professional engineer in the State of KS is preferred.

Education: A bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in civil engineering, environmental science or a related field; with at least six years local government public works management experience.

Skills: Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering as it relates to the preparation of plans and specifications for a wide variety of public works projects. Thorough knowledge of construction and maintenance methods and materials, methods and techniques. Thorough knowledge of computer programs, computers, and office software; thorough knowledge of federal, state and city laws, codes, and ordinances relative to municipal public works. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Budget preparation and expenditure.

Problem Solving: Frequent problem solving exists in determining if and when public works and municipal projects need to be developed or upgraded and best method for handling work to be performed.

Decision Making: Frequent decision making in determining administrative and technical decisions on public works problems which may exist, scheduling work assignments, designs, and interrupting policies, codes, and specifications.

Accountability: Employee is responsible for budgetary control of the department and participates in the annual departmental budget process.

Personal Relations: Frequent contact with other city departments and continual contact with the public.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Employee in this position has supervisory responsibility over subordinate department personnel.

Working Conditions: Adverse working conditions may exist when inspecting job sites and maintenance operations.

Physical Requirements: The Director of Public Works/City Engineer’s physical job demands require Occasional Bend/Crouch; Occasional Climb up to 24 inches; Occasional Foot Coordination; Frequent Hand Coordination; Occasional Lift of up to 50 lbs from Floor to Waist; Occasional Neck Extensions; Occasional Neck Flexion; Occasional Neck Rotation; Occasional Forward Reach; Frequent Sit; Frequent Stand; Frequent Walk. Refer to Job Analysis.

PDC Level: Medium

This description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification.