Assistant Director - Public Works Operations

TOWN OF DURHAM, NH

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for coordinating, managing, and directing the operations, maintenance and construction  of the Town’s public works infrastructure including roadway systems, traffic controls,  sidewalks, stormwater, bridges, dams and water systems along with  fleet maintenance, solid waste, buildings and grounds maintenance.

Responsible for maintaining and improving upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under their direction and control. Performs varied and responsible duties requiring a thorough knowledge of departmental operations and the exercise of judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. Incumbent is called upon to handle a significant number of details, each varying from the other in substance and content, requiring incumbent to approach workload with flexibility.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the supervision of the Public Works Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Directly supervises the activities and performance of and provides functional oversight to divisional employees. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with  policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and making recommendations to the Director of Public Works.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

(The listed examples are illustrative only, and may not include all duties found in this position.)

• Coordinates and manages the day-to-day operations of the Buildings and Grounds, Highway, Solid Waste, Equipment Maintenance, Traffic Control and Water divisions.
• Assists Director in planning and implementing short term, long term, and seasonal projects.
• Establishes annual goals, objectives and strategies for divisional projects and programs to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
• Implements and manages snow and ice control operations and other emergency responses on a 24 hour – 7 day per week basis.
• Develops roadside tree trimming/removal program, including designating trees to be removed and ensures work is completed to conformance.
• Develops for recommendation and implements Public Works Employee Safety Program.
• Instructs employees regarding safe work procedures and equipment operation including drainage structure construction, snow and ice removal and roadway resurfacing, and ensures those procedures are being followed.
• Assures that safe work practices and standard operating procedures are followed; instructs and trains employees in safety regulations and practices; informs employees of changes and new regulations and practices as necessary; conducts audits to confirm environmental, safety, DOT, and other objectives are achieved.
• Prepares and recommends operating and capital budgets, monitors expenditures, and prepares material requisitions and specifications for repair and maintenance of highways, buildings, parks and cemeteries and other Town infrastructure.
• Inspects and evaluates roadway pavement, drainage and infrastructure condition and recommends priority and method of repair to Public Works Director.
• Maintains records for project costs, materials, time keeping, and scheduling.
• Recommends new divisional operating policies and procedures and oversees and monitors their implementation and effectiveness.
• Handles personnel issues including disciplining employees, resolving personnel problems, evaluating, and recommending candidates for hire and termination of employees, approving leave requests, payroll and developing work methods.
• Interacts frequently with citizens, businesses, and institutions to coordinate work, resolve issues and respond to requests.
• Evaluates fleet equipment condition, oversees fleet maintenance, and recommends priority and equipment specifications for fleet unit replacements/additions.
• Provides operational supervision, as appropriate and directed by the Public Works Director,
• Performs special projects and related responsibilities as initiated and requested.
• Performs other related duties as required, directed or as the situation dictates.
• Regular attendance at the workplace is required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Expertise in construction and maintenance methods of streets and roads, stormwater and water collection and distribution systems and other related municipal facilities and infrastructure.
• Knowledge of safety programs and vehicles licensing requirements.
• Ability to read blueprints, understand construction techniques and environmental requirements.
• Proficiency in Federal, State, Town and Department policies, procedures, zoning, building systems and ordinances.
• Knowledge of effective management practices/labor relations, personnel management, procurement, including the principles, practices and techniques related to Public Works management.
• Skill in the use of equipment and machinery used in the operation of Public Works functions.
• Ability to establish and maintain working relationship with department heads, employees, Town Council, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both written and oral form. Ability to communicate effectively with the public, co-workers, other employees, departments, officials, and other agencies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, GIS, work order systems, construction plans and specifications.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Duties require knowledge obtained with an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology, Public Administration, Construction Management, or similar field with five (5) years of progressively responsible experience including four (4) in highway maintenance and repair, buildings maintenance and recreational facilities, two (2) years of which shall be in a supervisory capacity.  Years of experience may be substituted for formal education.

LICENSES REQUIRED

Valid Class B CDL license with airbrake endorsement or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Salaried Position. Must be available 24/7 for emergency operations such as winter maintenance, building system failures and water main breaks.

DISCLAIMER

This class specification is descriptive of general duties and is not intended to list every specific function of this class title.