Public Works Director

Northport, City of•Northport, AL

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general direction of the Deputy City Administrator and within guidelines set by policies, rules, and regulations, this position is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of the Public Works Department. The Director carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities may include administering and developing through subordinates the operations and management of the City’s rights-of-way, beautification, storm drainage, traffic control systems, facilities maintenance, fleet, and garbage, trash, and recycling programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field
Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the civil engineering, public works, or a related field
Equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience in a supervisory role required
Possession of a valid, State of Alabama driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle.
Must have the ability to coordinate, manage, and lead multiple individuals/groups.
Knowledge of City ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
Skill in planning and organizing work.
Consulting experience with a focus on operations management.
Nimble business mind with a focus on developing creative solutions.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs)
Strong project reporting skills, with a focus on interdepartmental communication.
Skill in utilizing such office equipment as a calculator, facsimile machine, and copier.
Skill in interpersonal relations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the general public.
Skill in verbal and written communication.
Skill in using small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.
Skill in using computers for data entry, word processing, and/or accounting purposes.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
Must exhibit an ability to be a self-motivated leader.
Exhibit decision-making skills to promptly resolve issues facing the division.
Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the public.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with various concrete variables in situations with limited standardization.
Ability to interpret various instructions furnished in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to organize and communicate effectively.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the public.

Responsibilities

Develops and implements immediate and long-range plans; establishes goals and objectives; consults with the Mayor, City Council, City Administrator, Deputy City Administrator, and other regulatory agencies; implements city and departmental rules, regulations, and policies.
Responsible for implementing the City’s personnel policies as they relate to the employees of the Public Works Department.
Supervise division administrators and department support staff, either directly or through subordinates.
Assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures.
Establish, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Works Department; interviews candidates for employment.
Explain, justify, and defend department programs, policies, and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues.
Ensures compliance related to the areas of oversight; reviews the work of department personnel to ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and requirements.
Prepares annual operating budget and fiscal spending requirements; reviews/approves requisitions for equipment, materials, and supplies based on budget allocations and control guidelines; monitors expenditures for fiscal compliance.
Plans and makes recommendations for needed equipment and supplies; reviews and/or prepares requests and bid specifications for materials, equipment, and construction activities; reviews distribution of garbage carts.
Establish and maintain a customer service orientation within the department; respond to and resolve sensitive and complex community and organizational inquiries, issues, and complaints.
Serve as the representative of the Public Works Department to other City departments, elected officials, and external agencies; attend City Council meetings and departmental meetings.
Attends and interacts in professional and community meetings and participates with various boards, commissions, and committees as required.
Provide staff assistance to the City Administrator and Deputy City Administrator; participate on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
Serve as the Department’s primary contact with the Emergency Management Agency (EMA) and serve as the Department’s emergency preparedness coordinator.
Incorporates continuous quality improvement principles in day-to-day activities.
Follows State Health Department guidelines in planning and enforcing solid waste/recycling programs.
Directs, coordinates, and completes special and ongoing projects and tasks as assigned.
Stay current on issues relative to the field of engineering and public works and services.
Demonstrate ability to be a dynamic, self-motivated leader and change agent.
Be accessible at all times, including outside of standard business hours.
Attends all department head meetings, City Council pre-meeting, and City Council meetings.
Performs other reasonable duties in a safe manner as assigned and/or as required.