Deputy Public Works Director

About the position

Plans, directs and supervises the activities and operations of the Engineering, Project Management, Facilities, Water Conservation and all other non-operational divisions within the Public Works Department; oversees and participates in the planning, designing, contracting, and inspection of complex public facility improvement projects; supervises division personnel; prepares, reviews, and ensures proper maintenance of public records; and performs other work as assigned. Coordinates with Public Works Deputy Director of Operations with the operational responsibilities of the department. Manages long range facility and utility master plans including capital improvement planning and assists in preparing and implementing the total Public Works budget. The Deputy is a single position classification responsible for supervising and overseeing the day-to-day work assignments of all personnel assigned to engineering, water conservation and project management, as well as the implementation of the Capital Improvement Program of the Engineering Division. The Deputy also provides highly advanced technical project management expertise as well as responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Public Works, and may serve in the capacity of City Engineer to assume overall responsibility for ensuring the adequacy and soundness of internally and externally prepared engineering designs; and may serve as Director in her temporary absence.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct the activities and programs associated with City engineering projects; develop work plans; determine and assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Supervise and evaluate the work of subordinates, including supervisors; interview, select, assign, direct and evaluate employee; effectively recommend disciplinary actions as needed; hear grievances and resolve complaints; ensure that subordinates receive adequate training.
• Provide technical engineering assistance and direction to subordinate staff; review designs and recommendations; provide coaching regarding problem solving; respond to and resolve the most difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints.
• Review and perform complex engineering design work and calculations pertaining to Public Works infrastructure projects, such as storm drain systems, water distribution and sewer collections systems, streets, bicycle lanes, bridges, retaining walls, etc.
• Prepare requests for proposals for design, bid and construction contract documents and administer Public Works contracts for various infrastructure projects including airport improvements; review recommendations for approval of Public Works improvement plans prepared by staff or other private engineers; prepare and administer emergency contracts for public works activities during emergencies.
• Along with the Surveyor, review land descriptions for property purchases, foreclosures, right-of-way, and easement acquisitions; contact and negotiate with property owners to acquire easements, water rights, and right of ways for streets and utilities through purchase or through gifting; prepare applications and administer special financing efforts for Public Works infrastructure construction projects.
• Conduct research, prepare reports, and provide information to commissions and the general public regarding engineering practices; respond to questions and complaints received from the public regarding areas of responsibility; represent Public Works at Commission meetings as assigned.
• Provide technical and managerial support to the Director Public Works; provide briefings on current and emerging issues in engineering as well as staffing issues; prepare staff memoranda, reports, and Council correspondence as needed; assist in the preparation of the annual budget and administer the budget on an ongoing basis; research, prepare and administer grants.
• Coordinate assigned activities with those of other departments, outside agencies and organizations; represent the City at various meetings and events.
• Follow all safety rules and procedures established for work areas.

Requirements

• Possession of a bachelor's degree with major coursework in civil engineering.
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional engineering experience, including at least two (2) years in the public sector.
• Current registration as a Professional Civil Engineer with the Oregon Board of Examiners for Engineering and Land Surveying, or registration as an Oregon Land Surveyor; or equivalent licensing from another state with the ability to register in Oregon within six months of appointment.

Nice-to-haves

• Knowledge of AutoCAD and GIS computer software and systems.
• Registration as Water Rights Examiner in the state of Oregon.
• Project Management Professional certification.
• Professional engineering experience in a municipal government that is similar to or larger than the City of Ashland.