The Town of Nashville is looking for a high-level leader to fill our Public Works Director position. This position is part of senior leadership. Please see the job description below. 

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult professional and managerial work planning, organizing, and directing the operations, maintenance, and analysis of public utilities including well production, distribution and collection system maintenance and repair, meter reading, and pumping station maintenance and repair and public works functions including street maintenance, solid waste collection and disposal, building and grounds maintenance, storm water management, central maintenance and repair, and cemetery operations and maintenance; performs related work as required. 

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class plans, organizes, and directs the operations and maintenance of the well production, distribution and collections systems, pumping facilities, and related facilities and equipment. The employee serves as Operator in Responsible Charge (ORC) for the C well system, water distribution, sewer collection, and cross-connection systems. Work also includes responsibility for a wide variety of utility capital improvement projects including coordination of design, bidding, construction management, inspection, and acceptance for the Town. Work is performed in accordance with state and federal laws and regulations. Work involves responsibility for department staffing, capital, and operating budget development and administration, assistance with and advising the Town Manager and Council on long range planning for facilities and system capacity and technical compliance needs, establishing and maintain records and reports necessary for full compliance with all regulations and for effective management decision-making, representing the Town in multiple regional and state issues, and insuring effective productivity of assigned personnel. Work involves considerable public contact, initiative, and judgment. The employee may occasionally enter confined spaces and come in contact with other hazards. Employee may also be subject to OSHA’s standards for blood borne pathogens when working with sewer crews or collecting garbage/solid waste. Employee may be required to wear a respirator. General administrative direction is received from the Town Manager regarding matters of policy, budget, long range plans, personnel matters, and work priorities. Work is evaluated through conferences and reports for productivity, compliance with required laws and regulations, and annual performance reviews.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Plans, organizes and directs the work of subordinate employees engaged in well operation, distribution and collection system operations and maintenance, pumping stations, meter reading, preventative maintenance and repair, street maintenance, solid waste collection and disposal, and building and grounds maintenance.
• Advises management and participates in planning for current and future capacity needs and system modifications for increased efficiency or regulatory compliance; manages the budgeting, design, construction, and inspection of a wide variety of capital projects for capacity or environmental compliance, service extension, etc.
• Manages the hiring, promotion, training, discipline, evaluation, and other personnel actions and decisions for the department in consultation with the Town Manager; plans and implements safety programs including training, procedures, and equipment as necessary.
• Researches and recommends strategies for meeting new regulatory requirements.
• Evaluates utility customer service policies and procedures, coordinates evaluation of fee structures; recommends improvements.
• Oversees the meter reading system including evaluation and recommendation for increased use technology.
• Plans and supervises contracted construction and maintenance projects; insures proper inspection and adherence to plans and standards prior to Town acceptance.
• Establishes, maintains, and analyzes a variety of reports as required and as needed for effective management decision-making including tracking daily water usage, sewer flow, runtime for wells, sewer lift station run times, and related data; coordinates trouble shooting and other issues with Rocky Mount staff as needed.
• Directs the acquisition and usage of technology systems to enhance operations and record keeping.
• Coordinates contracted asphalt resurfacing, sidewalks, storm drainage, water and sewer line construction and repair, and other maintenance and repair projects.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the maintenance and repair of water and sewer pumping stations, elevated storage tanks, and related facilities; supervises the installation of water taps and meters; supervises the meter reading program, water service connections and disconnections, and related works customer response.
• Oversees response to citizen complaints, service requests, and other response; insures excellent customer service.
• Requests capital and operating budget resources as part of annual budget process; controls allocated resources once approved; participates in capital budgeting to construct and maintain utility infrastructures.
• Participates in development review; approves all plans and specifications regarding utility systems.
• Performs related duties as required.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of wells, water and wastewater distribution and collection transmission lines, pumping stations, metering, and other utility system appurtenances.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of public works construction methods, materials, and maintenance practices involving streets, storm water, water and sewer line maintenance and repair, and related issues.
• Thorough knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations in services and operations supervised.
• Thorough knowledge of the Town budget, purchasing, and personnel policies and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of effective management practices including staffing, motivation, communications, delegation, discipline, performance review, and other practices.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department.
• Working knowledge of engineering principles and their application to utilities construction and maintenance.
• Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and electronic trades as applied to wastewater treatment facilities and equipment maintenance and repair.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Ability to provide leadership to staff in multiple locations providing around the clock service.
• Ability to analyze information and make effective decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town officials, industrial officials, regulatory officials, contractors, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to prepare, present, and interpret complex records and reports.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform medium work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently or constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity necessary to inspect schematic drawings, prepare and analyze figures and data, perform extensive reading, and operate a computer.

Desirable Education and Experience

• Graduation from college with a degree in business or public administration, environmental sciences, civil engineering, chemistry, or related field and extensive experience managing water and/or wastewater distribution and collection systems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Prefer supervisory experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid North Carolina Driver’s License.
• Possession of well operator grade C certification.
• Prefer possession of grade B distribution system operator and grade II collection system operator certifications.
• Prefer possession of Cross-Connection Control Certification.

The Town of Nashville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.