Assistant Director

City of East Chicago Public Works Department OPENING DATE: October 14, 2024 CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled Position Status: Regular Full Time Department: Public Works Reports to: Director Pay Range: $55,000.00 - $65,000.00 JOB SUMMARY Under the general guidance of the Director of Public Works, play a key role in managing, planning, organizing, and directing activities within the Department of Public Works. Exercise considerable professional judgment and initiative within the established regulatory framework, policies, and procedures. Responsibilities encompass the oversight of various operations, including sanitation, street maintenance, fleet management, building oversight, parks maintenance, capital improvement project management, workplace administration, and budgetary management. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This a summary of major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Operational Leadership: Assist in directing the overall operations, employees, programs, projects, and activities within the Department of Public Works. Provide valuable recommendations for the preparation and implementation of department budgets, capital improvement plans, and relevant master plans, aligning with standard operating procedures and department priorities. Strategic Planning and Analysis: Conduct comprehensive research and prepare detailed management reports. Perform departmental analyses for various facilities, offering insights to enhance operational efficiency. Record Management and System Utilization: Propose, analyze, and design departmental record-keeping procedures to streamline record management. Leverage computer information systems to maintain and effectively utilize department databases. Personnel Management: Participate in personnel matters, including interviewing and selecting employees, appraising productivity, and efficiency, reviewing performance evaluations, and offering guidance. Handle employee complaints and contribute to fostering a positive work environment. Operational Oversight: Review and monitor sanitation, street, and fleet maintenance operations within the city. Provide hands-on oversight of all capital improvement projects to ensure successful execution. Work Schedule: On-call availability as needed, 24/7/365, reflecting a commitment to ensuring continuous operational readiness and responsiveness to emergency situations. Budgetary Stewardship: Assist in preparing the annual department budget and maintain fiscal responsibility in budget management. Communication and Presentation: Prepare and present staff reports, presentations, and other pertinent information to the City Council, boards, commissions, and interested citizen groups. Citizen Interaction: Resolve and respond to citizen complaints or inquiries regarding public works programs and operations. Conduct field inspections of work in progress or upon completion to ensure quality and compliance. Compliance: Adhere to all written City policies, procedures, and ordinances, and ensure alignment with regulatory standards. Emergency Preparedness: During emergency conditions, be prepared to respond to disaster situations such as snowstorms or other emergencies. Perform emergency service duties as assigned, showcasing dedication to public service and The City of East Chicago. This briefly outlines the major duties and responsibilities of the position, highlighting key areas of focus and the commitment to operational excellence and community service. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE Associate or Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university, a minimum of work experience of two (2) years in municipal government performing similar work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above qualification may be an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education experience requirements. LICENSES & CERTIFICATES Possession of a valid driver’s license. CPR & First Aid Certifications or within six months NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT Comprehensive Screening: Successful employment contingent on passing a thorough drug (hair) test, ensuring a commitment to a drug-free workplace. Background Check: Subject to a rigorous background check to verify suitability for the role, ensuring alignment with the standards and expectations of the City of East Chicago. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES Effective Communication: Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with the Administration, Director, peers, supervisors, subordinates, and service recipients, fostering a collaborative and informed work environment. Outcome-Oriented Performance: Exhibit the ability to produce desired work outcomes, emphasizing quality, quantity, and timeliness to meet organizational goals and standards. Strategic Planning and Organization: Possess the capacity to plan and organize work, time, and resources, including those of subordinates when applicable, contributing to efficient and well-coordinated operations. Emergency Response: Demonstrate the ability to respond effectively to safety and emergencies, ensuring a swift and appropriate course of action. City Navigation and Driving: Proficiently navigates through city streets and holds the ability to drive, facilitating mobility and operational efficiency. Budgetary Knowledge: Showcase knowledge of budget projection, development, management, and justification practices and procedures, contributing to sound fiscal decision-making. Building Maintenance Expertise: Possess knowledge of building maintenance, ensuring the upkeep and functionality of city facilities. Inventory Control and Purchasing: Exhibit proficiency in inventory control and purchasing procedures for all divisions within the department, contributing to optimal resource management. Understanding of City Policies: Demonstrate knowledge of city policies, procedures, and ordinances, and ensure alignment with organizational standards. Problem Identification and Solution: Display skill in identifying problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options, and implement effective solutions. Troubleshooting Expertise: Showcase skill in troubleshooting and problem-solving related to streets, parks, and city buildings, ensuring smooth operations. Project Planning and Calculation: Exhibit skill in analyzing and calculating the quantities and types of equipment and material needed for streets and maintenance and improvement projects, contributing to project success. Tactful Communication: Demonstrate the ability to speak and deal tactfully and effectively in high-pressure situations, maintaining composure and professionalism. Integrity and Dependability: Embody a high level of integrity and dependability, coupled with a strong sense of urgency and results orientation. Flexibility and Adaptability: Offer flexibility and adaptability, particularly during times of change, contributing to a resilient and responsive work environment. Effective Communication Skills: Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, ensuring clarity and understanding in all interactions. Relationship Building: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, elected officials, contractors, vendors, etc., fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential function of this job. Environment: In this dynamic role, individuals will experience a versatile work environment that seamlessly integrates office-based responsibilities with extensive utilization of computer workstations. A significant portion of the role involves outdoor activities, exposing individuals to diverse weather conditions and elements. Field assignments encompass navigating city streets, rights-of-way, and areas near roadway traffic, showcasing adaptability to varying work scenarios. The outdoor work setting may entail exposure to noxious fumes and the presence of heavy equipment, emphasizing the need for individuals to demonstrate versatility in handling diverse conditions. The nature of the position may require flexibility in the work schedule, including evening and weekend commitments, ensuring a responsive and efficient approach to departmental responsibilities. Physical: The primary functions of the role demand sufficient ability and mobility to thrive in a fast-paced Public Works setting. This includes the capacity to sit, stand, walk, or run, and occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, reach, and twist. Individuals should be capable of lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling light to moderate amounts of weight, with repetitive hand movement for efficient task execution. Verbal communication skills are essential for exchanging information effectively. Occasionally, there may be a need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, underlining the physical demands associated with the role. This comprehensive overview emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the position, requiring individuals to possess both adaptability and physical capability to excel in their responsibilities. Vocal: Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas using spoken words, and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly, or quickly. Vision: See in normal visual range with or without correction. Hearing: Hear in normal audio range with or without correction. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. HOW TO APPLY Submit an up-to-date application, cover letter, and resume to the Department of Human Resources. Mail: City of East Chicago Human Resources Department ATTN: Loretta Vaughn, Secretary 4525 Indianapolis Blvd. East Chicago, Indiana 46312 Fax: (219) 397-5755 or Email: ecapply@eastchicago.com Please type on the subject your name and the job/department applying for. For example: Sue Smith, applying for Assistant Director - Public Works Department The City of East Chicago does not discriminate in its employment decisions based on race, color, religion, gender, age genetic information, disability, national origin, ancestry, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time Pay: $55,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year Benefits: Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Retirement plan Vision insurance Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday License/Certification: Driver's License (Required) Ability to Commute: East Chicago, IN 46312 (Required) Ability to Relocate: East Chicago, IN 46312: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person

Salary : $55,000 - $65,000