Public Works Director

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Department: Public Infrastructure

Reports to: Public Infrastructure Officer

Hiring Range: $73,885 - $92,357 (based upon qualifications and experience)

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult professional, technical, and administrative work planning, organizing, and directing a variety of public works activities including facilities and grounds maintenance, maintenance and repair of streets, storm drainage systems, and other COKM appurtenances, solid waste management, city cemetery operations, and fleet services.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Public Works Director leads, plans, and organizes the work of employees engaged in a variety of public works activities. The Public Works Director provides technical advice and assistance to the Public Infrastructure Officer and the City Manager in the management of solid waste, fleet maintenance, and improvement of streets, sidewalks, and storm drains; ensures that effective and efficient practices are utilized. The overall scope also includes contract management, handling citizen issues, capital and operating budget development and implementation and personnel administration of the department. The Public Works Director represents the city to a wide variety of citizens, and other local officials, state and federal regulatory officials, etc. Work is performed independently and in coordination with the Public Infrastructure Officer and is evaluated by review of reports, conferences and annual evaluations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and plan the operational activities of all Public Works departments.
• Reports to and advises Public Infrastructure Officer and City Manager on public works projects and activities.
• Oversees the selection, promotion, training, counseling and discipline of department personnel in consultation with the Public Infrastructure Officer; meets with subordinate managers to solve more complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction.
• Engages in considerable personal contact with citizens and other City agencies and participates in development review; coordinates projects with other departments; and attends City Council meetings, as needed, to represent the department.
• Prepares departmental operating and capital budgets; monitors and approves expenditures; conducts or oversees rate analysis and recommends rate structures and amounts.
• Conducts field inspections of public works projects to review progress and ensure completion; coordinates the maintenance of city buildings and grounds, including, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, renovations, and horticulture.
• Investigates customer complaints and develops solutions or recommends corrective actions.
• Insures that adequate management information is collected and maintained for trend analysis.
• Researches and supervises changes in governmental rules and regulations regarding storm water, solid waste management, street maintenance, safety, and other related fields.
• Recommends and supervises a variety of contracted work; coordinates with City Engineer or consulting engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public works administration, planning, and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of City policies, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Knowledge of the equipment and materials used in the Public Works department and the occupational hazards associated with the tasks required.
• Ability to interpret and prepare complex and detailed records and reports.
• Thorough knowledge of modern governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices, and information systems applications to functions managed as well as related City policies.
• Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work of the department.
• Ability to supervise subordinate supervisors including effective leadership, communications, motivations, staffing, and performance coaching.
• Working knowledge of civil engineering design principles and engineering practices as applicable to departmental functions.
• Skill in collaborative conflict resolution.
• Demonstrated skill in long range planning for infrastructure needs.
• Aptitude to maintain effective working relationships with City officials, other public officials, employees, contractors and the general public.
• Effective oral and written skills to prepare and present to a variety of key stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the physical life functions of manual dexterity, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally; up to 10 pounds of force frequently and/or constantly.
• Must possess visual acuity to produce and review written reports and records including mathematical calculations, operate a computer terminal, analyze data, and to read maps, schematic drawings and plans.

Education, Experience and Special Requirements

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, civil or environmental engineering, or a related field, and considerable experience in an increasingly responsible management position in the field of public service; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Salary : $73,885 - $92,357