HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW Director Job Description Final rev 2017
City of Port Townsend Job Description
Public Works Director
Classification title: Public Works Director Working title: Public Works Director
Department: Public Works Union: No
FLSA status: Exempt Wage Classification: Non-represented
Hours: Full Time Effective date: 2-1-17
Reports to: City Manager Civil Service: No
JOB SUMMARY
Provides executive level management oversight of a comprehensive public works program including
the Engineering, Water Distribution, Water Quality, Wastewater Treatment, Biosolids, Wastewater
Collection, Stormwater, Streets and Transportation, Solid Waste and Equipment Rental Divisions.
Participates under the direction of the City Manager in all collaborative public engagement strategies
and effective community outreach efforts for public works initiatives. Serves as a key member of the
management team in advising the City Manager, other departments and City Council on all city matters.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following is presented and described as a guide
to the job expectations and outcomes, but may not present every detail relating to the position.
• Organize and direct public works activities to optimize the use of human, physical, and financial
resources.
• Set long and short range goals for the department, identify major objectives, and evaluate staff
performance in the accomplishment of these criteria.
• Review, approve, and submit the annual department budget involving all capital expenditures,
personnel, and operating costs and revenues; monitor the status of the budget and make
recommendations for adjustments to the budget throughout the budget year; includes assisting
the Finance Director with forecasting, cost analyses, rate studies, financial performance audits
and reports.
• Oversee development of appropriate policies, procedures, and plans to ensure the successful
completion of public works projects in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and
maintain accurate records of project costs, revenues, and progress.
• Oversee the development review process to ensure the fair, consistent, and timely
implementation of code and engineering design standards for all development projects.
• Study major public works issues and report to the City Manager and City Council with
recommendations for change in areas of special concern or needing improvement.
• Coordinate Public Works department activities with other departments, jurisdictions, and
agencies.
• Attend City Council, Planning Commission, and a wide range of other public meetings related to
public works activities and projects; and speak on public works topics with the City Council and
the public.
Public Works Director
• Respond to citizen requests and concerns related to public works activities, addressing
complaints and resolving problems.
• Assist department and other city staff by providing financial, engineering and public works
expertise and regulatory guidance as it relates to their area of operation.
• Knowledge and understanding of procurement policies and methods that assure the best value
at the best price while maintaining a strict compliance with state bidding and procurement laws.
• Foster a positive and safe work environment among all public works staff based on respect,
integrity, fairness, and teamwork.
• Be a visible and accessible manager to all staff and the public.
• Oversee the preparation of applications and administer federal and state grants for capital
improvement programs; ensures coordination of grant program administration with financial
grant administration.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings maintaining an awareness of new
trends and developments in the fields related to this position; incorporates new developments
as appropriate and ensures related process, policies and practices are applied consistently and
effectively.
• Provides leadership and knowledge on emergency response/emergency operations and
recovery activities.
• Other duties as assigned such as acting as the City Manager in the Manager’s absence.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Knowledge of principles and practices of various engineering disciplines related to the planning,
design, construction, and operation of public works infrastructure and municipal facilities.
• Knowledge of principles of leadership, management, staff development, and performance
evaluation in a professional, technical, administrative, union/non-union environment.
• Knowledge of principles of municipal financing as related to public works activities. Knowledge
of budgeting principles; demonstrated ability to prepare budget plans that achieve the
department activities, projects and goals.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local statutes and regulations related to the execution of the
spectrum of public works missions.
• Ability to lead, manage and act as a mentor for a diverse group of engineering, professional,
technical operators, field and administrative staff in the accomplishment of wide-ranging
municipal public works functions.
• Ability to develop departmental goals, objectives and plans for public works systems.
• Ability to absorb and analyze complex technical information quickly, draw logical conclusions,
and make sound decisions of major scope with full awareness of technical, legal, and financial
consequences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the City Manager, City
Council, and City staff as well as neighboring jurisdictions, external agencies, and the public.
• Ability to address multiple types of public audiences and to communicate openly and directly at
all levels on technical subjects and sensitive topics in a clear, objective, and persuasive manner.
• Ability to manage projects with time sensitive deadlines, challenging situations and monetary
budget constraints.
• Ability to foster a goal-oriented environment that exhibits tangible results while maintaining
attention to the details.
Public Works Director
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office suite of programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Civil, Mechanical, or
Environmental Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of professional level public works experience with supervisory and
managerial responsibilities including working knowledge of public works administration,
wastewater, water, transportation and maintenance operations in a municipal agency.
• An extensive combination of directly relevant experience and training may substitute for formal
education.
Preferred
• A Master's degree in a related field.
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed mostly in an office environment and often requires sitting at a desk or in meetings for
extended periods of time, and repetitive movement of the wrists, hands and/or fingers. Routine field
work is performed at times to review sites, observe infrastructure, project construction progress and
interact with the people and businesses impacted by construction. Physical effort may be required to lift
equipment and system parts, which weigh up to 50 pounds. Occasional field work and reconnaissance
in rugged terrain may be necessary. Physical hazard may occur from exposure to traffic and heavy
equipment, rugged terrain, and utility operations. Frequent local travel is required using City-owned
vehicles. Occasional statewide or out-of-state travel may be required.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to
successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to
enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OTHER CITY REQUIREMENTS
• Punctual and consistent attendance.
• Possess a Washington Driver’s License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s
insurance carrier.
• Dress and grooming appropriate to the position.
• Safety attire, equipment and practices appropriate to the position.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees.
The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains,
promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-
related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied
without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation
Public Works Director
(including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic
information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee
occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any
other job related duties requested by their supervisors.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee
and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.