Under administrative direction, to provide general management and long range planning for all activities of the Public Works Department, including the construction and maintenance of streets, storm drains, sewer facilities, parks and equipment and to perform field and office engineering under the direction of the City Manager; and to do related work as required.
$142,188.00 - $190,536.00 Annually
Examples of Duties
Essential Duties:
- Exercises general administrative supervision over the activities of all divisions by setting policies, advising and assisting on difficult problems and evaluating results;
- Oversees capital improvement program and the engineering of public and private projects; Manages, coordinates and participates in design, bidding, construction and grant management of the City's wastewater facilities capital improvements;
- Oversees administration of the City's industrial source control program;
- Represents the City as liaison to regulatory agencies and serves on a variety of committees to work with the public, elected officials, and other agencies;
- Plans, organizes and directs the construction, maintenance and repair of City streets, sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and driveways;
- Directs the repair of storm drains, drainage ditches, traffic signals and street traffic signs;
- Directs the painting of traffic lines, crosswalks and curbs;
- Directs the program of street sweeping and cleaning;
- Directs the installation of sewer lines and related facilities;
- Assures that all equipment is maintained in a safe and efficient operating condition;
- Plans, lays out, and supervises the work involved in developing, caring for, and improving City parks and recreational areas;
- Supervises assessment district projects;
- Oversees maintenance of city-owned buildings;
- Directs purchase of equipment designed to improve work of the department;
- Oversees preparation and implementation of the departmental operating budget;
- Inspects work in progress by contractors and City crews to ensure work is in accordance with established standards;
- Oversees the maintenance and repair of City motorized vehicles and equipment;
- Directs the assignment of personnel and training of new employees;
- Prepares reports to the City Council as required;
- Resolves work and disciplinary problems;
- Prepares and reviews reports of employee performance;
- Plans and installs improvements in the organization and work of the department;
- Directs the maintenance of records on work progress and prepares periodic reports of department activities;
- Meets with City Manager to discuss problems concerning work of the department;
- Establishes priorities in construction and maintenance work;
- Answers questions and complaints from the public regarding work of the department;
- Attends City Council meetings as required.
Marginal Duties:
- Performs related work as required.
Typical Qualifications
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Education, Experience and Licenses:
Any combination equivalent to graduation from an engineering school of recognized standing with major work in civil engineering and extensive experience in progressively responsible professional civil engineering work, some of which shall have been in a supervisory capacity and included the design, construction and maintenance of public works facilities; possession of a certificate to practice as a registered professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California is required; possession of a valid California motor vehicle operator's license.
Ability to: Effectively plan, organize and direct public works programs; prepare accurate budget estimates; reason and learn new techniques and equipment such as computer hardware and software; read, comprehend and apply official documents and instruction manuals; follow oral and written instructions; instruct subordinates in proper work methods and to supervise their work; establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, other City departments, contractors and the general public; analyze data and prepare clear, comprehensive written reports and oral presentations; establish sound work priorities; exercise good judgement and tact; develop and install improvements in organization and work procedures; participate with top management on a team basis; recognize and resolve complaints; and exhibit initiative and resourcefulness in handling complex technical and managerial problem.
Knowledge of: Basic principles and practices of civil engineering as related to public works projects; equipment, materials and methods used in the construction, maintenance, cleaning and repair of public works facilities; materials and labor costs in public works construction work; designs plans and specifications related to municipal utilities and public works facilities; surveying and engineering design of sewer systems, streets and storm drains; principles of organization, supervision and employee training; governmental operations and budgeting; state regulations as applied to public works projects; and contract and bidding procedures.
Supplemental Information
The ideal Public Works Director candidate is as follows
1. Works as a reliable partner with the City Manager, executive management team, and staff in a flexible, collegial, and responsive manner.
2. Skillful at managing multiple public works priorities and moving projects across the finish line in a timely fashion.
3. Has a public service mindset, cares about the community and is eager to embrace the opportunities of working in a smaller city government.
4. Comfortable with public speaking in a variety of settings including conversing with residents at a neighborhood meeting, presenting at City Council meetings, participating at regional meetings.
5. A mentor who is approachable and committed to staff training and development and leads by example.
As a member of the Executive Team, the Public Works Director will provide advice and assistance to the City Council and City Manager on complex public works and engineering issues; will respond to staff and citizen inquiries; and will coordinate with the other City Department on all matters involving public works and civil engineering issues.
Priority projects for the incoming Public Works Director include:
• Moving toward a decision regarding future wastewater facility use and upgrade options.
• Expedite critical road and culvert repair projects as part of the 2023 winter storm damage recovery.
• Oversee the implementation of CMMS system.
• Lead traffic study and signaling improvement options on Mount Hermon Road, the 2nd most heavily traveled street in Santa Cruz County.