Demo

Director of Public Works

Kings County
Hanford, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 1/12/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/6/2025
The County of Kings is seeking an experienced and dynamic leader to oversee and manage the operations of the Public Works Department. This executive level at-will position is appointed by the Board of Supervisors and receives administrative direction from the County Administrative Officer. The Director of Public Works is responsible for administering all functions and activities of the Department and may serve as County Road Commissioner for the County. 

For more information about this position, click here.

BENEFITS
This position includes management level I benefits which includes CalPERS retirement (see benefits selection to determine plan/tier placement); fully paid PPO health, dental, vision, and chiropractic health insurance premiums for employee and eligible dependents; Deferred Compensation Plan for every three dollars contributed by the employee, the County shall contribute one dollar to a maximum of $3,500 per year; 12 to 20 days of accrued vacation, based on years of service. The County Administrative Officer may authorize a vacation accrual rate for management employees hired from outside the County at an amount equivalent to what their accrual would be if their service time with other public agencies was earned in Kings County; this position receives an additional 64 hours of management leave of which 48 hours can be cashed out at employee's option. Effective July 1, 2025, this amount will be increased to 80 hours and can be fully be cashed out; 11.5 scheduled paid holidays per year and an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in the holiday closure; 10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave, based on years of service with unlimited accrual; $50,000 term life insurance; onsite health center open Monday through Friday, available to employees and their eligible dependents on County Health Insurance plans. Employees will not be required to use sick or other leave to go to the Health Center during their working hours for their own medical issues. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Public Works Department is divided into six major functional areas: Road, Engineering, Parks & Grounds, Building Maintenance, Fleet, and Administration. The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall administration of the department and its divisions and ensures the construction, operation, and maintenance of public works facilities in a safe, cost effective, courteous, and professional manner. 

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL
The Director of Public Works, a department head, is an "at-will" position, which is not included in the County's classified service and is exempt from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the Board of Supervisors as the appointing authority.

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Assumes full management responsibility for all Public Works Department programs, services, and activities including engineering design of County roads, bridges and other public works facilities; right of way acquisitions, official land surveys, County road, bridge and building construction and maintenance; automotive and road construction equipment repair; and operation, development and maintenance of County parks, grounds and facilities.
  • Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
  • Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department’s budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments.
  • Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns. 
  • Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.  
  • Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
  • Oversees, coordinates and ensures the successful execution of capital improvement projects from initiation through completion; serves as the primary point of contact and oversees the completion of all capital improvement projects, ensures that final inspections and assessments are conducted and that all project documentation is completed.
  • Coordinates with department staff on the maintenance, repair, and construction of County roads; engineering and design of roads and other public works infrastructure; maintenance and inventory of the County vehicle and equipment fleet; land use and acquisition; and maintenance and operations of County facilities.
  • Reviews existing facilities and projects in progress.
  • Confers and coordinates activities with the Board of Supervisors, Administrative Officer, and other County department officials Reviews and approves cost accounting documents and reports, plans and specifications.
  • As appointed by the Board of Supervisors, may perform the duties of Road Commissioner as required by law, depending on qualifications.
  • Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
  • Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate. 
  • Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works.
  • Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Board of Supervisors.
  • Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
  • Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.   A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

  • Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in engineering, public administration, business administration or a closely related field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis. 

Experience:

  • Five (5) years of supervisory or administrative experience in a major public works setting which has included program planning, development, budget preparation and analysis, and administration.

 

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

  • Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment. 

Certifications:

  • Possession of registration as a Civil Engineer in the State of California is desirable.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS 

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check. Must be willing to attend meetings outside regular working hours; work irregular hours as required; travel within and outside the County.

 

A detailed job specification is available by clicking here.

In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience.  This resume must be attached to your application. You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). 

All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. Job offers will be conditional upon passing a drug screening test as well as DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.

VETERAN'S PREFERENCE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Veteran's Preference Application
You must submit a certified DD-214 and a new request form for each application submission prior to the closing date.

Tentative Recruitment Process
Final Date to Apply: Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 
First Panel Interview with Human Resources: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 
Second Interview with Board of Supervisors: Monday, March 10, 2025 

Salary : $144,000 - $204,000

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