TITLE: COMMISSIONER OF PUBLIC WORKS

DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC WORKS -- ADMINISTRATION

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This is highly responsible facilities and services management work in directing the Department of Public Works.

Work involves responsibility for planning, organizing, directing and controlling city programs and services for highway and parks maintenance, storm sewer maintenance, bulk refuse collection, building maintenance, recycling, engineering services, vehicle maintenance and capital improvement programs. Duties include administrative responsibility for new construction, department budget preparation and control, and the supervision and inspection of the construction and maintenance of drainage, roads and other facilities. This position also has the responsibility for making difficult public works technical decisions. The work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in every phase of the public works field.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general direction of the Mayor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Supervises large department through several Division Superintendents and other supervisors.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Plans and directs the work of the Public Works Department.

Meets with key supervisors, individually and in groups, to discuss, schedule and review work of the various divisions such as highway, parks maintenance, storm sewer maintenance, recycling, and capital improvements.

Conducts on-site inspections of work in progress. Oversees operations of compost site.

Confers with consultants, contractors, and vendors relative to public works projects.

Investigates drainage and road complaints and responds to citizen's groups or individuals, through conferences, correspondence, or telephone in order to resolve problems or to supply information.

Prepares for approval, and controls approved departmental budget. Prepares reports requested by the Mayor's office or other city officials.

Participates personally in crisis situations such as flooding, major snow operations, disasters or loss of power. May direct on-the-scene activities.

Assists in personnel actions such as hiring, termination, assignment, evaluation and labor relations including grievance handling.

Supervises the activities of the city's engineering division as they relate to public works projects.

NONESSENTIAL DUTIES

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of municipal public works functions and services.

Thorough knowledge of established principles and practices of public works administration.

Thorough knowledge of the geography, public works facilities, services and operations of the city.

Good knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices as applied to municipal public works.

Good knowledge of the public administration principles and practices as applied to a public works operation.

Considerable ability to plan, develop, and implement programs for the department, and to direct the activities of a large number of employees through key supervisors.

Considerable ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, associates, subordinates, attorneys, contractors, officials of other agencies, and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor's degree in business or public administration or civil engineering from a recognized college or university, plus seven years of progressively responsible public works administration experience including at least three years in a supervisory capacity, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid C.D.L. Driver's License.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required in the inspection of various land use developments, construction sites, or public works facilities. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The

employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, talk or hear, and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in high, precarious places and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.