Director of Public Works

The position requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration or a related field, and ten or more years’ utilities experience and at least three years of supervisory or management experience, or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training and/or experience.

Responsible for the administration of a variety of divisions, offices or specialized sections of the department’s operations such as traffic engineering, streets and bridge maintenance, landscaping, facilities maintenance, water treatment and supply, wastewater collection, fleet, and waste and recycling management. Position is primarily focused on directing, coaching, developing, and evaluating other people. Position requires extensive depth of expertise and knowledge in specialized functions or business areas that can be used to develop and implement policies and procedures as well as determining efficient and innovative ways to accomplish the organization’s business strategies.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Directs operations and exercises primary administrative control of the Public Works, Utilities, Sanitation, Fleet, Landscaping, Construction, Capital Improvements and Engineering divisions.
• Plans, organizes, and controls departmental activities and directs subordinate personnel in functions of Public Works Administration, Engineering, Water and Sewer Maintenance and Construction, Street and Street Lighting Maintenance and Construction, and Storm Sewer Maintenance and Construction.
• Prepares proposed and final budgets for presentation to budget committees, the City Manager, and the City Commission.
• Develops, implements, and monitors short and long-term plans, goals and objectives focused on achieving the City’s mission, strategy, and City Commission priorities.
• Manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives, and work standards.
• Coordinates the activities of the department and its subdivisions with other City departments; and when necessary, with comparable organizations in other public and private jurisdictions.
• Meets with Division Heads to discuss priorities, scheduling, assignments, problems and special projects or emergencies to ensure proper and prompt action is taken towards resolving Department situations.
• Directs the review of construction plans for conformity to federal and state regulations, county and City codes, drainage and paving specifications, water and sewer availability, and overall impact on the City’s utility systems.
• Directs the maintenance and updating of engineering drawings, specifications, contracts, and other departmental records.
• Resolves and answers complaints and questions from the Mayor, City Commission and Citizens.
• Assesses personnel training needs of the department to plan, organize and implement appropriate training programs.
• Reviews existing organizational patterns, work relationships, space, equipment, and manpower utilization; promotes effective operations through standardization, improvement, simplification, and installation of new operating systems.
• Provides leadership and works with department staff to develop and retain highly competent, customer service-oriented staff through selection, compensation, training, and day-to-day management practices which support the City’s mission and values.
• Monitors developments related to public works and utilities matters; evaluates their impact on City operations and implements policy and procedure improvements.
• Develops specifications and bid documents for a variety of public works and public utilities-related designs, construction, and maintenance projects; recommends contract awards, negotiates contract provisions under the general guidance and direction of the City Manager, and coordinates, reviews and approves contractor’s performance.
• Reviews and advises on development plans and permits for work in City rights-of-way.
• Promotes the use of new technologies to automate processes.
• Participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees as required.
• Performs other related work as required. 

Supervision:

• Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures and meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends discipline and termination.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of various departmental budgets; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.