JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for managing all aspects of the Public Works Department including: street and drainage system construction and maintenance; storm water system maintenance, enforcement of storm water regulations, and compliance with the City’s TPDES permit; contract management; construction supervision and inspection; overseeing the Public Works budget and capital improvement program budget; performing complex analytical work requiring program contract or budgetary analysis; design and implementation of possible solutions to problems, policy development, special studies, contract and project management; and intergovernmental coordination. The person occupying this position must be knowledgeable in many aspects of organizational and operational processes and specifically related to the provision of Public Works services within a local government environment.  Work must be executed with confidentiality, minimum supervision, and with exercise of independent judgment.  Formal supervision and evaluation are received from the City Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Review, analyze and evaluate all public works related issues; determine methods and procedures to be followed; develop and recommend programs and appropriate revisions based on analyses.
• Develop, implement and manage quality control programs for department administrative functions such as staff reports, correspondence records, budget controls and reports, and contract documents; develop and maintain departmental records and files in accordance with City policy.
• Formulate and implement policies and procedures for the department; prepare and administer department budget and budget process.
• Prepare staff reports for Council and other major documents; compile information for statistical, financial and budget reports; draft documents including contracts, ordinances, resolutions, bids, RFPs, quotes, and grants.
• In coordination with other departments, develop and review bid specifications; prepare bid forms and advertise for bids; formulate recommendations for bid awards; establish escrow accounts, release bid bonds and security deposits; prepare bid reports; maintain insurance.
• Maintain responsibility for departmental purchasing needs, including the issuance of bids/RFPs, and processing of accounts payable requisitions to other departments.
• Oversee contractual services, negotiate scope of services for contracts, monitor contracts for compliance; review invoices and evaluate contractor performance; terminate or close contracts as necessary or appropriate.
• Evaluate and recommend professional consultants and contracts.
• Implement and update the City’s Capital Improvement Program; determine needs for new equipment and facilities, major repair and rebuilding projects.
• Serve as technical advisor to the City Administrator and City Council on public works issues, projects, and programs; develop comprehensive recommendations for management use.
• Coordinate studies and implementation efforts with appropriate City officials, Council, staff, and other governmental entities.
• Coordinate public works activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
• Promote positive public relations by attending community group meetings and making presentations concerning public works projects and programs as needed, serving as professional resource to various organizations and committees; attending and participating in professional group meetings; and participating in public relations activities in support of program.
• Provide education and information to the community by preparing and distributing educational materials.
• Respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Ability to direct, motivate, develop and complete employee performance appraisals, communicate achievements and deficiencies as applicable to assigned staff, establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, provide training, direct workflow, set goals and objectives and manage overall efficiency of the department.
• Facilitate project team meetings or staff meetings as needed; serve as trainer for departmental policies, procedures and systems.
• Attend seminars, conferences, workshops, classes, lectures, and other training required to maintain applicable knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Attend various meetings including City Council meetings.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: 

• Local government administration procedures
• Municipal government budget processes
• Principles and practices of local government Capital Improvement Programs
• General operation of Public Works Department
• Construction techniques involving flood control, streets and roads, and drainage systems
• Principles of design, construction, and maintenance of public works facilities and infrastructure, with special emphasis on streets and drainage
• Principles and practices of public administration
• Principles of project management and customer relations
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation
• Principles of contract preparation and administration
• Methods and techniques for negotiating contracts
• Effective business letter writing, and report and presentation preparation
• Technology and software applications that can enhance the effectiveness of the Department, and pertinent Federal, State and Local codes, laws and regulations

Skills:  

• Working knowledge of Microsoft office including Word and Excel
• Operation of calculator, desktop computer, copier, phone system, etc.
• Interpretation and understanding of APWA standards
• Ability to review the work of professionals and subprofessional technicians
• Accurately coordinate the activities of a number of subordinates
• Supervision of a variety of activities and programs
• Writing specifications for equipment and projects
• Preparing and reading maps and blueprints
• Read, understand and transmit moderately complex instruction in a clear and precise manner
• Communicate effectively with the public, City Officials and departments, and County and State agencies by making presentations, writing reports and other communications practices as required, both orally and in writing
• Apply and interpret departmental policies and procedures
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other municipal officials, government agencies, fellow employees and the general public
• Detailed knowledge of construction practice including building concrete structures, road base work, basic engineering knowledge of drainage structure, proper sizing and material for pipes

Ability to:

• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff
• Operate in the field when necessary
• Participate in the development and administration of goals, objectives and procedures
• Manage and coordinate projects as assigned
• Prepare and administer program budgets
• Perform analytical work of a highly responsible nature requiring program or budgetary analysis
• Gather, assemble, and analyze data
• Effectively manage time and coordinate a variety of projects between various departments in a timely and efficient manner
• Prepare clear and concise administrative, financial and analytical reports
• Determine the feasibility of various municipal projects and coordinate the design, construction, inspection and maintenance activities for a variety of projects
• Effectively present program issues to a variety of audiences; develop policy guidelines and/or decisions;
• Handle stressful situations and effectively deal with difficult or angry people.

Education:  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in business administration, public administration, civil engineering, construction management or a related field; and Texas Professional Engineer License and master’s degree preferred.

Experience:  Six years of professional supervisory experience in the field of Public Works, construction management experience preferred

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above-specified education and experience requirements.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed the field and in an office setting.

The employee may be subject to:

• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts
• Occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration
• Noise level is usually loud in the field and moderately quiet in the office
• Must be physically capable of moving around in construction sites
• Walking, sitting, standing, bending and reaching is required
• Some local traveling may be required 
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions is minimal
• Attendance at night meetings required