Director of Public Works

City of Groton | Groton, CT

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Posted Date 2/12/2024
Description

The Public Works Director, under the general supervision of the Mayor, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs the activities of the various functions of the Public Works Department. The Public Works Director supervises technical staff and subordinate personnel in the planning and implementation of division functions including storm drainage systems, fleet and equipment maintenance, streets, sidewalks, signs, sanitation and recycling, building maintenance and facilities, and performs related work as required in compliance with all Federal, State and local regulatory, operational, procedural and budget guidelines. This position also includes the selection, training, and performance management of Public Works personnel.

Salary: $120,000-$130,000

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and directs, through subordinate supervisor, the activities of the Public Works Department. Oversees the public works crew(s) engaged in a wide variety of tasks to include the operation of the Public Works Department, streets, garbage collection, snow and ice control operations, fleet maintenance, capital improvement projects and building and facilities maintenance crews. Evaluates, recommends and implements improvements to departmental operating procedures, standards and specifications.
• Receives, investigates and appropriately responds to resident service requests.
• Directs the preparation of studies and reports relating to the current and future public infrastructure, facilities, operation needs, including equipment and repair maintenance: develops specific proposals and recommendations to meet these needs and provides technical assistance to staff.
• Develops and administers the Public Works budget.
• Approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Requisitions supplies and equipment as needed.
• Oversees and approves the scheduling, organizing and completing of fleet and equipment maintenance so as to keep all vehicles, equipment and other tools in a good, safe and serviceable condition; recommends vehicle and equipment acquisition requirements; prepares and evaluates equipment purchasing and other specifications and proposals.
• Consults with the Finance Department on related activities.
• Engages employees in analyzing and troubleshooting problems such as street and sidewalk damage or obstructions to include litter pick-up and control.
• Directs the maintenance of the Municipal Building, Operations Building and other properties owned by the City advising the Mayor of any problems that may arise.
• Coordinates with the Purchasing Agent and other appropriate parties to develop specifications and bid documents for a variety of public works projects.
• Recommends contract awards, negotiates contract provisions and coordinates, reviews and approves contractor’s performance.
• Reads and interprets contract plans and specifications.
• Directs the planning and scheduling for facility projects.
• Champions the administration of all Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for Facilities, Public Works and Fleet assets
• Develops, implements and maintains all division records and record keeping systems including but not limited to job and work program planning, financial and budget management; time, attendance and job/work records; as built plans, notes and other job/site documentation; vehicle and equipment service requirements and maintenance; roadway condition and maintenance; industrial and other accidents involving division personnel and other resources; job safety; and personnel training; summarizes data collected into useful information; prepares and presents reports about operations, requirements and related matters.
• Ensures the Department prepares and submits payroll documents, maintenance of staff absence records and ensures compliance by Supervisor of the applicable Federal, State, local safety and health rules and regulations.
• Manages and directs the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.
• Attends hearings and other meetings within the city, region, or state having a bearing on the infrastructure of the City.

Supervisory
• Provides on-site direction and guidance to employees, inspects work in progress and upon completion to ensure compliance with work standards and local codes and proper safety techniques.
• Interviews, hires and trains employees.
• Plans, assigns and directs work.
• Conducts performance evaluations of the Supervisor and the Public Works Services Coordinator.
• Rewards and disciplines employees, addresses complaints and resolves problems. Works with employees to correct deficiencies and ensures equitable use of disciplinary procedures.
• Provides and/or coordinates staff training,
• Oversees supervisory and technical training for employees.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• Experience in civil engineering, construction management or a related field. Seven (7) to ten (10) years of increasing responsible management experience in public works and maintenance or related field.
• Ability to maintain and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those supervised and contacted in the course of work; plan, communicate; delegate and monitor a variety of concurrent projects; prepare, maintain and interpret records and reports; evaluate operations and problems, recommend and implement efficiency and productivity improvements.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively supervise and coordinate the activities of skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled employees performing a wide variety of maintenance, repair and service functions.
• Ability to make sound and timely recommendations for project implementation, and/or modification based upon established department plans and results of personal observations and needs analysis.
• Must have Facility Management experience with a strong knowledge of HVAC, electrical and mechanical systems. Acts as first responder all utility systems failures
• Ensures compliance in regulated equipment maintenance; generator testing, backflow testing, emergency and exit light testing; safety showers and eye wash stations, etc.
• Experience in statistical and mathematical reasoning.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing and establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees and the general public.
• Strong working knowledge of the use of office computers and their applications pertinent to budget preparation and management, highway and equipment maintenance operations, communications and relevant internet research.
• The City reserves the right to accept any combination of relevant education, experience or certifications when determining an individual’s qualifications for this position.

KNOWLEDGE

• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the municipality to include City streets.
• Knowledge of public works, traffic engineering, and maintenance functions, applicable Federal, State and local law, codes and regulations governing the administration of public works functions and activities.
• Thorough knowledge of materials, methods and techniques commonly used in construction, maintenance and repair activities as it relates to assigned areas of specialization.
• Facility MEP systems knowledge
• Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety standards and practices applicable to the work being supervised.
• Working knowledge of Federal, State and local regulations and standards and of City and department policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of the properties, utilization and care of the materials, tools and equipment used by the employees.

COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS

• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and employees.
• Ability to effectively read, write and understand statutory language.
• Ability to write clear and concise documentation for internal and external use.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common department related journals, financial reports and legal documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the business community.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of residents and/or employees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. The employee is regularly required to sit, talk and/or hear, both in person and telephone, use hands and fingers, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment. Some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough, uneven terrain, recurring bending, crouching, stooping and reaching, occasional lifting of moderately heavy items. Employee must be able to lift/move up to fifty (50) pounds. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily performed indoors and outside involving moderate risks, discomfort or unpleasantness such as a high level of noise, dust, grease or mud, moving vehicles or machines, cold and/or wet weather. Normal safety precautions are required and the incumbent may wear some protective clothing and equipment such as rain and snow gear, boots, goggles and gloves.

Attendance at night meetings may be required, and meeting project deadlines may require working more than 40 hours per week. The employee may occasionally encounter stressful situations due to sensitive or complex public issues.

The employer reserves the right to modify the working conditions to reflect changes or modifications in the work performed.

Disclaimer
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

Job Category
Local Government
Career Level
Manager

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