Public Works Director

City of Homer Alaska•Homer, AK

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Homer is seeking an experienced Public Works professional to lead its Public Works Department. Homer is experiencing private development and public investment in infrastructure, supported in part by dedicated sales tax funds for roads, trails, water, and sewer. The Director will maintain and expand vital public services and develop a department vision guided by community needs and City Council policy direction. The department includes roads, water and sewer, parks maintenance, building maintenance, janitorial, and engineering. The Director is an active member of the City's leadership team and collaborates to advance the City Manager's and City Council's priorities, engage with the community, and further the department's mission. The role manages all department operations, including water distribution and treatment, wastewater collection and treatment, streets and parks, vehicles and rolling stock, City-owned buildings, grounds and equipment, and the capital improvement program. The Director oversees department staffing and scheduling, establishes policies and objectives, and prepares annual departmental and capital project budgets. Experience administering projects with state and federal funding is highly desired. The position exercises independent judgment in planning major projects, scheduling personnel, and using resources. It manages the Public Works and water and wastewater utility budgets, has maximum budget authority at the department level, and develops City-wide policy and procedures. The role has significant public visibility and potential liability. It involves frequent contact with City personnel, the public, and government officials, and attendance at public meetings. Exposure to hazardous working conditions is low, with infrequent exposure to adverse weather. Council meeting attendance may be required at the City Manager's request. This is an overtime-exempt position.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in planning, construction, maintenance, or operations of public facilities, utilities, or transportation systems.
At least three years of the required experience must be at a managerial level and include responsibility for supervising professional-level staff in government or city service.
Extensive knowledge of Public Works operations and federal and state regulations applicable to Public Works facilities.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with government officials and special interest groups.
Ability to resolve conflict and build consensus among people with differing opinions and interests.
A strong history of developing and implementing programs or services that improve operational efficiency.
Ability to lead professional staff in delivering services to the community.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to exercise independent judgment in planning major projects, scheduling department personnel, and making efficient use of resources.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Planning, Public Administration, or a related field is desirable.
Experience administering projects with state and federal funding is highly desired.

Responsibilities

Develop, review, update, and implement a strategic vision and plan for department employees and infrastructure assets.
Plan, budget, and oversee short- and long-term operations and maintenance of City infrastructure assets and facilities.
Provide input to the Capital Improvement Plan and coordinate the design and construction of approved capital projects.
Hire, review the performance of, terminate, supervise, and direct Public Works employees, subject to applicable personnel regulations and delegated authority.
Prepare and recommend the department's annual operating budget, covering water, sewer, parks, motor pool, road maintenance, cemetery, airport terminal, Port and Harbor maintenance, administration, and capital outlay.
Assist the City Manager and Public Works employees in responding to public inquiries and resolving conflicts or complaints.
Coordinate requests for proposals for consultant design and construction contracts; monitor progress and approve pay requests.
Coordinate acquisition of local, state, and federal environmental and regulatory construction permits.
Assist with grant and loan applications for capital projects and ensure grant and loan conditions are met during design and construction.
Evaluate and recommend maintenance needs and equipment additions or replacements during the annual budget process on a five-year schedule.
Coordinate with the Finance Director or Department to complete paperwork for purchase orders, work orders, and billing of Public Works activities.
Advise the City Manager on proposed City projects and their effects on the Public Works Department.
Attend City Council work sessions and meetings as required.
Perform other duties as directed by the City Manager.
Collaborate with the City leadership team to advance City Manager and City Council priorities, engage the community, and further the department's mission.
Manage department operations covering water and wastewater systems, streets, parks, City vehicles, buildings, grounds, equipment, and capital improvements.