Durham Public Works - Deputy Director

Town of Durham•Durham, NH

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Director provides senior managerial, administrative, technical, and operational leadership for Durham Public Works. Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works, the role supports the operation, maintenance, and construction of municipal infrastructure and services, including roads, sidewalks, traffic controls, stormwater and drainage, bridges, dams, water and wastewater coordination, buildings and grounds, cemeteries, fleet maintenance, solid waste and recycling, and capital improvements. The Deputy Director coordinates division supervisors and staff, establishes priorities, manages resources, and works to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. The position combines office, field, and jobsite work, with travel between Town facilities and sites. It requires independent judgment, collaboration with Town and community partners, and availability for emergency operations at any time, including nights, weekends, winter weather events, building system failures, and water system emergencies. The role directly supervises and provides functional oversight to division supervisors and employees and may act on behalf of the Director when designated.

Requirements

Associate degree in Engineering Technology, Public Administration, Construction Management, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
Five years of progressively responsible experience, including three years in a combination of highway maintenance, construction, and buildings and grounds maintenance.
Two years of supervisory experience.
Valid Class B CDL with air brake endorsement, or ability to obtain it within one year of hire.
Valid Grade 1 Water Distribution and Treatment Operator’s License, or ability to obtain it within one year of hire.
Knowledge of construction and maintenance methods for streets, roads, sidewalks, stormwater, drainage, water collection and distribution systems, winter operations, and municipal facilities and infrastructure.
Knowledge of fleet equipment, vehicle licensing requirements, and public works equipment and machinery.
Knowledge of management, team building, supervision, employee and labor relations, personnel management, public procurement, budget management, workplace safety, and applicable environmental and operational requirements.
Familiarity with Federal, State, Town, and Department policies and procedures, zoning, building systems, and ordinances.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, specifications, and work plans, and understand construction methods and materials.
Ability to assess infrastructure, evaluate alternatives, set priorities, organize competing demands, and make timely decisions in routine and emergency situations.
Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to work constructively with employees, officials, residents, institutions, contractors, utilities, and outside agencies.
Collaborative, service-oriented leadership style, initiative, flexibility, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Skill using Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, work-order, and asset-management systems, or ability to learn them.
Ability to meet the 24/7 emergency-response availability requirement.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage day-to-day operations across the Highway, Buildings and Grounds, Cemeteries, Solid Waste and Recycling, Fleet Maintenance, Traffic Control, and Water divisions.
Work with division supervisors to establish seasonal schedules, assign personnel and equipment, monitor progress, and address operational challenges.
Assist the Director in planning and implementing short- and long-term projects, seasonal projects, departmental goals, policies, work plans, performance measures, and long-range priorities.
Establish annual goals, objectives, and strategies for divisional projects and programs.
Help develop and execute maintenance programs and capital projects for roads, sidewalks, drainage, utilities, facilities, and other municipal assets, coordinating contractors and consultants.
Inspect and evaluate roads, drainage systems, facilities, and other infrastructure; recommend maintenance priorities, repair methods, and improvements.
Implement and manage snow and ice control, severe-weather response, and other infrastructure emergencies, including coordinating personnel and contractors.
Develop the roadside tree trimming and removal program, designate trees for removal, and ensure work conforms to requirements.
Develop, recommend, and implement the Public Works Employee Safety Program; train employees in safe procedures, equipment operation, standard operating procedures, and regulations; and conduct field observations and audits.
Prepare and recommend operating and capital budgets, monitor expenditures, and prepare purchase specifications, procurement documents, material requisitions, and project estimates.
Evaluate fleet equipment condition, oversee fleet maintenance, and recommend priorities and specifications for fleet replacements and additions.
Maintain and improve operational records, work orders, project cost tracking, materials, timekeeping, schedules, and infrastructure information systems.
Recommend divisional operating policies and procedures, oversee their implementation, and identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, asset management, technology use, and customer service.
Handle personnel matters, including hiring recommendations, onboarding, coaching, performance evaluation, discipline, workplace concerns, leave approvals, and payroll in accordance with Town policies.
Communicate and coordinate with residents, businesses, contractors, UNH, utility providers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to resolve service requests and advance projects.
Represent the department as assigned and provide operational supervision as directed by the Director of Public Works.
Perform special projects and other related duties as required or directed; maintain regular attendance at the workplace.