Assistant Public Works and Utilities Director

Job Title: Assistant Public Works and Utilities Director

Department: Public Works

Reports to: Public Works and Utilities Director

Direct Reports: Administrative Assistant, Superintendents of Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Water Treatment Plant, Public Works, and Gas

Employment Status: Full-Time Regular/ Exempt

Grade: Grade 21

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this position is to assist the Director in leading and managing all public works operations including water distribution, wastewater collections, water and wastewater treatment, gas, sanitation, street maintenance, and fleet maintenance. This position develops, implements, and manages complex short and long-term plans for the department.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1. Assists Public Works and Utilities Director with planning and oversight of daily operations and activities of the Public Works and Utilities Department in conjunction with division superintendents; supervises and evaluates personnel; directs and monitors work activities to ensure safe work practices, work quality, and accuracy; ensures compliance with applicable rules, policies, and procedures.

2. Supports other departments in carrying out long term goals and objectives as directed by director; makes recommendations regarding City projects, programs, and policies; develops and implements short-term and long-term plans; develops goals and objectives.

3. Maintains positive public relations; works to resolve public complaints.

4. Reviews plans and specifications for capital improvement projects related to Public Works; attends pre-bid and pre-constructions conferences; participates in decision-making process on capital improvement and construction projects.

5. Assists in bid processes for the department; prepares bid documents, reviews bids received, and awards bids in compliance with state bid laws.

6. Supports other departments in establishing staffing plans, recruitment of new personnel; succession planning.

7. Researches, prepares, and implements training and development programs for department personnel; works with superintendents to ensure employees receive appropriate training and training records are properly maintained.

8. Supports department in preparing operational emergency plans required by the Alabama Public Service Commission.

9. May prepare, review, and approve a variety of memos, press releases, forms, reports, logs, requests, etc. related to day-to-day operations of the department.

10. Ensures maintenance of departmental records in compliance with city, state, and federal recordkeeping requirements.

11. Under supervision of Director supports Departments with preparing department budget; monitors and approves department expenditures.

12. Communicates with the public concerning problems, complaints, or emergency situations related to department activities.

13. Communicates with subordinates, other departments, city officials, inspectors, contractors, engineers, vendors/suppliers, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

14. Attends City Council and Water Board meetings in the absence of the Public Works and Utilities director.

15. Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations and new standards; reads professional literature and maintains professional affiliations.

Essential Job Duties are intended to be examples of duties and are not intended to be all inclusive. There will be other duties as assigned. All incumbents may not perform all job duties listed, and some incumbents may perform duties which are not listed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and best practices including the design and construction of water mains, sanitary sewers, gas mains, roads, other public infrastructure
• Knowledge of department and city policies and procedures, and relevant federal, state, and local laws and regulations
• Knowledge of gas, water, wastewater, and sanitation processes and environmental requirements
• Knowledge of safety procedure, practices, and equipment
• Knowledge and skill in operation and maintenance of utility plants, mains, and heavy equipment
• Knowledge of the layout of the City, including streets and utilities
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs
• Skill in management and supervision of a large department with multiple divisions
• Skill in developing short and long-term plans
• Skill in prioritizing and managing multiple projects
• Skill in oral and written communications
• Skill in resolving conflicts and dealing with difficult or irate customers
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while managing multiple projects
• Ability to think critically and solve complex problems
• Ability to exercise sound judgment within the scope of responsibility
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the public
• Ability to read construction plans and specifications such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, etc.
• Must be able to be on-call and respond to emergency situations including nights and weekends
• Must be able to meet regular attendance requirements
• Must be able to drive to assigned locations
• Must be physically able to move about on construction work sites and under adverse field conditions

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field is preferred; five (5) years’ experience in public works or civil engineering including supervisory experience and experience working with utilities is required. Must possess and maintain a CDL and a valid Alabama driver license. Certification as a Grade IV Water Operator, Grade IV Wastewater Operator, Grade IC Wastewater Operator, and/or Gas Operator is required.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical activities required for this position involve: Frequent sitting, standing, walking, talking, hearing; occasional climbing.

This position requires lifting: Up to 10 pounds occasionally; up to 50 pounds rarely.

This position has the following special vision requirements: Ability to view information both in print and electronically.

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The following environmental conditions and hazards may be encountered while working in this position: Extreme heat and cold, outdoor weather conditions, fumes, odors, vibration, loud noise, bodily fluids/communicable diseases. This position is required to occasionally work in close proximity to moving machinery/equipment and alongside moving traffic on roads.