Commissioner of the Department of Public Works

City of Somerville•Somerville, MA

31d•$155,000

About The Position

The Commissioner serves in an administrative and supervisory capacity overseeing the provision of excellent public works for the people of Somerville. This includes the maintenance of all school and municipally-owned properties, street lights, traffic signals, fire alarms, city streets, sidewalks, city fleet, school custodians, snow fighting and removal operations,; and oversees trash contracts Employee is required to perform all similar or related duties.

Requirements

Position requires a College degree oand more than ten- (10+) years work related experience in construction, operations, administration of direct city services, of which three were considered as being in direct responsible charge; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Must possess an OSHA 10 card (minimum), OSHA 30 card recommended
A valid Massachusetts Class D driver’s license preferred
Working knowledge of city government; working knowledge of departmental operations including civil engineering and costs associated with building maintenance and rehabilitation practices and procedures.
Working knowledge of other city departments, state and federal agencies; working knowledge of personnel and state procurement regulations and Chapter 90 regulations; working knowledge of department budgetary procedures, record keeping, cost accounting and information flow techniques and practices; working knowledge of municipal water and waste water treatment operations and related distribution and pumping systems.
Working knowledge of ground and facility maintenance techniques as they pertain to buildings, roads, water mains, sanitary and water drains, electrical lines and conduits.
Ability to communicate work assignments and supervise subordinates; ability to express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing; and the ability to develop and monitor the effectiveness of short and long range operational plans.
Ability to deal tactfully with disgruntled members of the public.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, the public, local officials, state and federal regulatory authorities.
Ability to manage subordinates and delegate management responsibilities.
Skilled in capital cost estimating for budget purposes; skilled in public relations and management supervisory skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Proficient building maintenance and rehabilitation skills.

Responsibilities

Supervises city staff in carrying out high-quality maintenance and services.
Supervises the work of all consultants that work for the department including trash pick up, engineering and snow removal services.
Administers the application for and administration of County, State and Federal Aid for the provision of public works-related services keeping accurate records and maintenance of such funds and projects
Prepares all bids and advertising of bids for services, equipment and various other items or materials to be purchased for the public works department.
Prepares and implements all department programs, rules, regulations, practices and policies.
Prepares and administers the department’s annual operating and capital budgets.
Serves as a member of the City’s collective bargaining team.
Represents the city with various local, state and federal agencies.
Serves as Chairperson of the Traffic and Parking Commission.
Prepares and presents materials to City Council and Committees.

Benefits

4 weeks annual vacation for non-union positions.
Medical insurance through the Group Insurance Commission (GIC) - 80% of premium costs paid by City
Dental coverage low and high plans through Cigna
Vision care through Vision Service Plan (VSP)
Long term disability through Sun Life Group and voluntary life insurance through Boston Mutual
Health Care and Dependent Care flexible spending through Benefit Strategies
Deferred compensation plans through a choice of three vendors
Free, confidential services through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by E4Health
Annual cancer screening & wellness release
Somerville Retirement Pension System
Tuition reimbursement
MBTA pass program
FREE Blue Bikes membership
Eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)