Utility Supervisor - Solid Waste

City of Fargo•Fargo, ND
•Hybrid

About The Position

Under direction, the Utility Supervisor plans and organizes the activities of a work unit responsible for carrying out public works functions and projects. This position supervises equipment operators, and maintenance personnel and other seasonal/temporary employees in performing manual and skilled duties. The Utility Supervisor supervises assistant or maintenance supervisors and other assigned staff.

Requirements

  • High school diploma or its equivalent (G.E.D.)
  • Six or more years of progressively responsible experience in waste collection supervision or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
  • A valid driver's license with specific endorsements may be required.
  • Knowledge of the proper and safe operation, servicing and maintenance of material moving equipment
  • Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding the operation or maintenance of equipment and public works projects and operations
  • Knowledge of public work procedures, practices and common structure and relationship within the City, etc.
  • Knowledge of governmental administrative practices including budgeting, purchasing and policy formulation
  • Knowledge of human resource management practices such as training, discipline, delegation, etc.
  • Skill in organizing and prioritizing work
  • Skill in providing instruction, training and work direction to others
  • Skill in performing basic mathematical computation such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
  • Basic computer skills and the ability to learn new computer applications
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms, and have strong public relations skills
  • Ability to interpret technical manuals and reports
  • Ability to select competent personnel and to train them to perform their duties in an effective and efficient manner
  • Ability to supervise personnel in a manner conducive to efficient performance and high morale
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Nice To Haves

  • Specific certification requirements apply to special assignments to the Water Plant, Wastewater Plant, Landfill and Lift Station.

Responsibilities

  • Plans and organizes work unit activities including prioritizing and delegating projects to each shift based on scheduling of staff, time, staff's expertise to perform the function, etc. to ensure efficiency and quality of process.
  • Evaluates work unit procedures and makes adjustments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Visually inspects completed work and work-in-progress to determine if proper procedures were followed and if work meets departmental, state and federal guidelines; Works with staff to identify, develop and implement improvements to operations; Serves as a resource to staff in resolving technical problems; Develops, recommends and implements training and standard operating procedures for staff to follow to ensure their safety and the efficient operation of equipment.
  • Using independent judgment provides supervision and leadership to department personnel under the span of control. Participates in decisions on matters of hiring, transfer, suspension, lay off, recall, promotion, discharge, assignment, reward, adjusting grievances or disciplining employees under the span of control; Sets goals and objectives for others to work towards and monitors performance; Leads unit in creating and maintaining a positive work environment and fostering effective performance of staff; Conducts ongoing feedback, coaching, mentoring, and collaborates with the responsible supervisor and recommends performance review content for assigned employees; Oversight of workplace performance issues with recommendations to Director. Provides training and work direction, ensuring the employee knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; ensures that each employee: Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner. Plans the work schedule to meet department demands and to limit overtime costs to reasonable and necessary levels; Encourages employee growth and development by providing or encouraging learning opportunities; Assesses staff development needs and directs the provision of staff training; Participates in decisions regarding the content of jobs and the number of staff within the functional areas under the span of control.
  • Gathers and maintains records of work unit activities. Oversees compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies. Prepares a variety of reports and reviews those prepared by staff relating to operating conditions, equipment, and compliance with department rules and local, state and federal rules and regulations. Responsible for maintaining a thorough understanding of applicable regulatory standards relevant to specific Solid Waste programs and prepares mandated compliance reports.
  • Oversees the work performed by contractors and other outside vendors to ensure contract specifications are met and compliance with city standards and specifications. Direct involvement including monitoring and reporting of all capital improvement projects.
  • Maintains inventory of materials and supplies. Orders appropriate quantities of materials based on inventory on-hand, consumption rate, delivery times, available storage space, etc
  • Assist in the planning and implantation of needed or elected building modifications or improvements at the various operational sites.
  • Communicates courteously and professionally and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions. Frequently interacts with the work unit, the public, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information; represents the Division at various meetings and community education events. Interaction occasionally includes negotiations involving convincing the other party to do something to achieve a basic work related objective; Communications include responsibility for maintaining relationships that are key to the function; Responds to informational inquiries, complaints and requests from the general public, etc. regarding specific work situations, departmental policies and procedures, records and other matters concerning assessments. Resolves problems and concerns as necessary. Serves as main point of contact for media relations as they pertain to daily operations within each Solid Waste Department. Understands and evaluates potential implementation of compatible emerging technologies. Direct involvement with equipment and procurement process with recommendation to Director.
  • Serves as back-up for other Utility Supervisors in their absence.
  • On Call 24/7 on a rotational basis and for all snow events.
  • Reviews industry standards and requirements as it relates to residential and commercial waste collection and applies necessary changes under direction of Director.
  • Reviews and analyze equipment needs to efficiently manage various Solid Waste and Landfill activities such as Residential, Commercial and Roll Off Collections.
  • Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
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