Director of Public Works
Bargaining Group: Management
Created: 2023; Revised February. 2024
DEFINITION
To plan, direct and review the activities of the divisions comprising the Public Works Department to include Engineering and Maintenance; and to provide professional technical staff assistance.
EQUIPMENT, METHODS AND GUIDELINES
Uses Federal, State and Local laws, policies, procedures and practices; statistical data, knowledge of public works principles and practices; knowledge of statues related to general building practices. Uses City vehicles, telephones, PC terminal and software, calculator, printer and copier. Uses statistical material and a variety of resource materials.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Predominantly inside work. Conditions also involve attendance at meetings, including some that are conducted during the evenings or on weekends. May also include occasional irregular hours.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work emphasizes speech, hearing and vision (including that color vision necessary to accurately interpret visual displays). Ability to lift and carry files, blue prints and plan documents.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.
Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Direct and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
Plan, direct, and review all public works engineering activities including design and surveying.
Plan, direct, and review the design and construction of the City's street and drainage structures.
Select, supervise and evaluate consulting engineering services; prepare requests for proposals; coordinate activities and provide technical assistance.
Confer with and advise administrative staff on problems related to the design and construction of public works systems, the interpretation and enforcement of construction specifications, and the design and operation of traffic systems.
Review plans, engineering reports, budget estimates, and proposed ordinances submitted by department staff and consulting engineers.
Review and sign plans for public works improvement projects.
Serve as technical advisor to the City Manager and City Council on public works, engineering and traffic matters; develop comprehensive recommendations for management use.
May act as the City Engineer and Traffic Engineer and perform related duties as required by state and City laws.
Respond to and resolve difficult citizen inquiries and complaints.
Meet with the public in small and large groups to discuss City public works policies, practices and problems.
Supervise and participate in the preparation and administration of the Department budget.
Coordinate public works and engineering activities with other City departments and with outside agencies.
Select, supervise, train, and evaluate professional, technical and clerical subordinates.
Perform related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of engineering and administration as applied to the design and construction of public works facilities.
Methods, materials and techniques employed in public works construction.
Principles and practices of modern office management.
Recent developments, current literature and sources of information in municipal public works administration.
Principles of organization, administration, budget and personnel management.
Ability to:
Organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of a department in an efficient manner.
Delegate authority and responsibility, and schedule and program work on a long-term basis.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Supervise, train and evaluate subordinates.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of experience, education and/or training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Five years of progressively responsible experience in municipal engineering and public works administration, including two years in a supervisory capacity.
Education:
Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a related field.
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Possession of a certificate of registration as a professional civil engineer in the State of California.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.