Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutPublic Works Director 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: 630 Hours: Full Time Effective date: Feb. 17; May 2026 Reports to: City Manager Civil Service: No JOB SUMMARY Under general direction of the City Manager, provides executive-level management oversight of a comprehensive public works program including the Engineering, Water Distribution, Water Treatment, Water Resources, Wastewater Treatment, Biosolids/Compost, Streets/Stormwater/Sewer, and Fleet Divisions. Serves as primary contact for solid waste services contract and solid waste management in Jefferson County. Serves as a City representative of official boards, such as SWAC, WUCC, MRC, and the Ferry Advisory Board. Participates in all collaborative public engagement strategies and effective community outreach efforts for public works initiatives. Serves as a key member of the executive leadership team in advising the City Manager, other departments, and City Council on all relevant City matters. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • 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, which includes assisting the Director of Finance and Technology Services 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. • Create a positive work environment emphasizing teamwork, training, and collaboration. Direct and supervise functions of assigned management staff. Supervise, select for hiring, train, and conduct performance assessments for department staff. Ensure staff compliance with City Public Works Director policies and procedures. Responsible for and/or oversee and provide guidance to staff responsible for various committees and advisory board and reports to City Council. • 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. • Respond to resident 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. • Foster a positive and safe work environment among all public works staff based on respect, integrity, fairness, and teamwork. • Be a visible and accessible leader 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. • Attend and participate in professional group meetings, maintaining an awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to this position; incorporate new developments as appropriate and ensures related process, policies and practices are applied consistently and effectively. • Provide leadership and knowledge on emergency response/emergency operations and recovery activities. • May serve as Acting City Manager in the absence of the City Manager as assigned. 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 and understanding of procurement policies and methods that ensure the best value at the best price while maintaining strict compliance with state bidding and procurement laws. • 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. • Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people. • Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness. • Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, elected officials, community groups, other agencies, volunteers, customers, and the general public. • Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, the general public, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues. • 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 Public Works Director 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. • 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 seven years of professional level public works experience with at least three years of 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. • Valid Washington Driver’s License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier. 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. Public Works Director 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 (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. All employees must comply with all City policies and procedures relevant to their position as a condition of City employment. 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.