Assistant Director, Public Works

Title: Assistant Director, Public Works

FLSA Status: Exempt

Status: Onsite, Full-Time

JOB PURPOSE:

The Assistant Director of Public Works performs complex administrative, technical, and professional work in assisting the Director of Public Works with the planning, coordination, and implementation of Public Works operations, projects, and programs.

The primary responsibility of the Assistant Director is to coordinate and guide the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Division and other departmental activities as assigned by the Director. Areas of focus include the planning, design, and implementation of public improvements; stormwater and land development review; management of rights-of-way and easements; floodplain management; traffic, parking, and public utilities; utility and construction inspection; construction and project management; collaboration with other divisions and outside agencies; and providing highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Public Works.

The Assistant Director provides operational leadership and technical guidance to staff, consultants, and contractors, while formal supervisory and personnel authority remains with the Director of Public Works. Work is performed under the general direction of the Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties and assignments may overlap depending on the operational needs of the department and staffing levels. The following are typical for this position, and incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties to address departmental needs and practices.

1. Provide leadership, coaching, technical guidance, and operational coordination to department employees in support of departmental goals and Director priorities.
2. Work collaboratively with all divisions to achieve common goals and deliver transparent, customer-focused services.
3. Provide excellent customer-focused, results-oriented service to residents, businesses, and stakeholders.
4. Communicate and coordinate with residents, businesses, other City divisions/departments, and various governmental agencies.
5. Exercise operational oversight and coordination responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Public Works; formal supervisory authority remains with the Director unless otherwise delegated.
6. Guide and manage the work of consultants and contractors in accordance with City policies, contracts, and project requirements.
7. Assist in the preparation, administration, and monitoring of the annual operating and capital budgets.
8. Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommend policies and procedures for Director review and approval.
9. Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; recommend improvements, service levels, and staffing needs to the Director.
10. Coordinate and review engineering division work plans; assist with assigning work activities as directed by the Director; review work products, methods, and procedures; meet with staff, consultants, and contractors to identify and resolve issues.
11. Assist the Director in the selection, training, and development of personnel; help identify training needs; work with employees to address performance issues; support the implementation of discipline and termination actions as directed by the Director.
12. Participate in general administrative operations of the Department; respond to and help resolve difficult and sensitive resident inquiries and complaints.
13. Assist in the development and administration of divisional budgets; participate in forecasting funding needs; monitor expenditures and recommend adjustments for Director approval.
14. Serve as a liaison with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; assist in negotiating and resolving sensitive and controversial issues.
15. Serve as a staff liaison to boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and related correspondence.
16. Assist the Public Works Director and Division Supervisors in establishing the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and developing CIP work plans.
17. Initiate, review, and coordinate traffic and parking studies; provide recommendations to the Director.
18. Coordinate project activities with other City departments and external agencies; provide project status information to stakeholders and the public; represent the City on assigned matters; prepare verbal and written project updates, including reports to the City Manager as directed.
19. Provide responsible and confidential staff assistance to the Public Works Director.
20. Conduct organizational and operational studies; analyze findings and recommend program, policy, and procedural improvements to the Director.
21. Attend and participate in professional meetings; remain current on industry trends, regulations, and innovations in engineering and public works.
22. Perform other duties consistent with the responsibilities of the classification and necessary to departmental and City-wide operations.
23. Serve as Acting Director of Public Works in the absence of the Director, with full authority as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Extensive knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices.
• Extensive knowledge of contract requirements and contract management.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Considerable knowledge of construction methods, materials, and techniques.
• Considerable knowledge of office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applicable software applications.
• Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Considerable knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and plotters.
• Considerable knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local rules, codes, and regulations.
• Knowledge of operational coordination and technical guidance in public works projects and departmental functions.

Ability to:

• Assist in the management and coordination of Public Works department operations.
• Coordinate and provide technical guidance to staff, consultants, and contractors as directed by the Director.
• Assist in staff development, training, and performance improvement initiatives under the direction of the Director.
• Participate in the development and administration of department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and assist in administering large and complex budgets.
• Analyze programs, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of departmental goals.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, codes, and regulations.
• Operate office equipment, including computers, plotters, and other supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, other departments, agencies, and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Training:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field from an accredited college or university, with major coursework in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Project Management, Public Administration, or Business Administration.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is highly preferred. A Master's degree is desirable.

Experience:

• Five years of progressively responsible public works experience directing, coordinating, and managing engineering, construction, and capital improvement projects, including at least three years of administrative and operational responsibility.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License required
• Experience in construction project management, inspections, site plan reviews, traffic engineering, stormwater and floodplain management, recordkeeping, and document production to meet legal and financial audit requirements.
• Experience with public works tools and methods, including mapping, utility services, dedication and vacation of public rights-of-way and easements, and Neighborhood Improvement District projects.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate staff, consultants, and contractors effectively in support of departmental objectives under the direction of senior management.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain MoDOT LPA certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain OSHA - 30 certification.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain registration as a Certified Floodplain Manager.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain a professional engineer in the State of Missouri.
• Possession of registration as a Certified Professional Erosion and Sediment Control is desired.
• Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector designation is desired.
• L-TAP Road Scholar certifications/designations are desired.
• NIMS certifications are desired.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

• Environment: standard office setting; must also be able to inspect existing sites and active construction projects often requiring walking or climbing elevated structures, may be exposed to inclement weather while in the field. Subject to call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, on limited occurrences.
• Physical: sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment
• Vision: see in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.
• Hearing: hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.