Public Services Director

City Of Alachua•Alachua, FL

54d

About The Position

This position is highly responsible managerial, technical and administrative work that oversees and guides the department. Directs all activities of utility (electric, water, and wastewater), mosquito, warehouse, public works and solid waste divisions. Provides administrative guidance to department to ensure best practices are applied for the maintenance, repair and expansion of infrastructure, customer/citizen-oriented policies and practices are implemented and organizational goals and objectives are met. Work is performed under the general direction of the Assistant City Manager.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Civil, Electrical, or Environmental Engineering or related field.
Seven (7) years of experience in progressively responsible positions in utility and public works operations, with a minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience
Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Florida.
A comparable amount of training, education or experience can be substituted for the minimum qualifications.
Knowledge of all phases of utilities and public works areas.
Knowledge of electric utilities substation and distribution principles, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of water treatment and distribution, as well as wastewater treatment and collection.
Knowledge of modern techniques, methods, procedures, principles, and practices of all phases of public works.
Knowledge of personnel, finance, general office and business administration, and the ability to apply them.
Knowledge of management principles and practices.
Knowledge of the principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of the equipment, tools and supplies required to accomplish utility and public works operations.
Skill in the use of microcomputers and the programs and applications necessary for successful job performance.
Ability to plan, direct and coordinate a wide range of utilities and public works systems and activities.
Ability to supervise a large number of employees through divisional supervisors.
Ability to express ideas on technical subjects clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to comprehend technical reports.
Ability to plan, assign, instruct, review, and evaluate work assignments of managerial, professional and technical personnel.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by the work.
Ability to prepare, develop and present utility and public works plans and programs.
Ability to address civic organizations or other public or private groups on subjects relative to utilities and public works programs and projects.
Ability to communicate and supervise professional, technical and clerical employees.
Ability to deal effectively with general public, officials, and superiors, and other employees.
Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
Ability to create a positive image to the public relative to public services programs.

Responsibilities

Manages all divisions (i.e. Administration, Engineering, Electric, Water, Wastewater, Public Works, Distributions & Collections, Warehouse, and Mosquito) including the development and implementation of department goals, objectives and budgetary priorities.
Directs all divisions of Public Services; plans, assigns and directs the employees through subordinates.
Provides leadership and motivation for all subordinates of the department, promoting unity and cohesion, and maintaining positive working relationships between all department personnel and other city officials and employees, as well as other state, county, and local officials.
Manages the planning, design, construction, and coordination of a large number of various municipal infrastructure projects including electric, water, and wastewater utility infrastructure, storm water facilities, streets, sidewalks, and parking lots. Management of such projects to include but not limited to selection of engineering firms, review of project drawings and specifications, bidding of work, evaluation of bids and proposals, review of shop drawings, management of construction contracts including review of work, applications for payment, and change order review/negotiations, management of engineering observation contracts. Work also includes in-house development of bid documents, design and specifications.
Leads key staff in formulating and executing strategic and long-range plans for the department including master plans, short and long range goals, capital improvements and maintenance and replacement programs.
Reviews conceptual plans, site plans, and construction plans for conformance to City's Land Development Regulations and utilities and public works infrastructure standards. Reviews developer's agreements and ensures compliance with City responsibilities.
Responsible for maintenance of rate setting models used in the City's utility operations.
Develops staffing requirements for utilities public works, mosquito control, and warehouse operations areas including hiring, discipline, dismissal, advances, transfers of staff and resolution of grievances.
Completes performance evaluations for departmental supervisors.
Coordinates work activities and programs of the department with other City, State and County programs and projects, and with private entities, as applicable.
Ensures departmental compliance with applicable local, state and federal regulations.
Prepares reports, correspondence, and agenda items for public meetings.
Attends and participates in conferences and meetings of department heads, the City Commission and others.
Recommends modifications to City programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Develops/maintains emergency response plan for City's utilities and public works areas.
Responsible for development of personnel, operating, and capital improvement budget for all Public Services Divisions.
Reports on activities of department including status of initiatives and projects.
Oversees the bidding and purchasing of supplies, equipment, and services utilized by the department and controls expenditures in accordance with city policies.
Reviews expenditures of all department budgets with staff to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Participates in special projects as assigned.
Represents the City in regulatory proceedings, legislative proceedings, and on various administrative and industry committees at the local, state, and federal level.
Answers periodic inquiries by legislative members of the government and interfaces with all governmental agencies relative to the Department.
Supervises and reviews legislation and ordinances relative to the areas of responsibility involved and prepares preliminary studies, reports, and recommendations for the City Manager.
Represents the City Manager on various committees and at various meetings as directed.
Represents the Department/City at various state and national meetings.
Safeguards the confidentiality of city administration by exercising appropriate discretion in communicating information to employees, residents, property owners, officials, administrators, consultants, and the general public and in handling departmental records and files, personal actions, performance evaluations, merit, promotion, and tenure decisions and similar confidential materials.
Meets with citizens regarding complaints and responds.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.