Superintendent of DPW

Department of Public Works Superintendent

Distinguishing Features of the Class: Work involves management and complete operation of the Public Works Department, including highways, buildings, parks, water and wastewater treatment plants and other public works functions. Work is performed under the general direction of the Mayor in conjunction with policies established by the Common Council, with wide leeway for independent decisions in scheduling and planning of work methods and procedures. Does related work as required.

Typical Work Activities:

Directs and supervises the safe and efficient operation of the City’s public works department;

Prepares and maintains work schedules;

Develops and implements policies pertaining to the public works department;

Prepares budgets and administers budget appropriations;

Implements approved plans and specifications for public works projects;

Prepares specification for public works contracts;

Preforms routine inspections of plants, buildings and equipment;

Makes recommendations for necessary repair, maintenance and/or replacement;

Aids in the development of personnel policies, municipal bargaining strategies and labor contracts;

Serves in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and other government officials as it relates to the public works department;

Serves as City representative to various local, county, regional, state or national organizations and agencies which formulate policies and develop planning criteria or methods for assessing merits of various public work programs;

Represents the City in discussions with other governments, organizations, agencies, and individuals as they relate to public works programs and functions.

Full Performance knowledge, skills, abilities and personal characteristics:

Thorough knowledge of the practices used, and equipment required as they relate to the municipal operation of streets, parks, various types of water and wastewater systems, and computer systems as they relate to the public works function. Ability to understand and carry out oral and written directions. Ability to communicate effectively with superiors and subordinates and with the public verbally and in writing. Good knowledge of planning and supervising the work of others efficiently. Good knowledge of standard budgetary procedures. Good knowledge of reading and working from engineering drawings and schematics. Thorough knowledge of common personnel procedures and practices, including staffing, supervision, and deployment of personnel. Ability to set and meet goals. Sound judgement, integrity, discretion, and resourcefulness. Physical condition commensurate with the duties of the position.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field and four years’ experience in public works operations or a related field; or
• Possession of an associate degree in civil or environmental engineering or a related field and seven years’ of progressively responsible experience in public works operations or a related field; or
• Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and ten years of progressively responsible experience in public works, with a minimum of four years’ experience in public works management; or
• An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of the above, sufficient to demonstrate the ability to perform the work.

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  Note: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of education/U.S. Secretary of Education. If your degree was awarded by an educational institution outside the United States and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of acceptable companies who provide this service can be found on the internet at http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfm. You must pay the required evaluation fee.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must possess a valid NYS driver’s license at time of appointment.
• The following licenses are preferred but not required:
  • Grade III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators certificate issued by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation.
  • Grade D, C, IIB and IIA Water Treatment Operators Certificate issued by the NYS Department of Health. IA and IB certificates are desirable.
  • 5A NYS DEC Aquatic pesticide Certificate.