Assistant Public Works Director

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult professional, technical, administrative, and supervisory work assisting the Public Works Director in planning, organizing, coordinating, and directing City public works operations including streets, storm drainage, solid waste, facilities and grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, and fleet services.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class assists the Public Works Director with the overall administration, operation, and strategic direction of the Public Works Department. Work includes supervising and coordinating multiple operational divisions; assisting with personnel administration, budgeting, capital planning, contract administration, project oversight, regulatory compliance, emergency response, and resolution of complex operational and citizen concerns; and identifying opportunities to improve safety, service delivery, efficiency, and public trust. Employee provides technical guidance to supervisors and staff, coordinates activities with other City departments, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the public, and exercises considerable independent judgment in establishing priorities and resolving operational issues. Employee serves as the Public Works Director in their absence.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Assists the Public Works Director in planning, organizing, coordinating, and evaluating the activities, programs, projects, and personnel assigned to streets, storm drainage, solid waste, facilities and grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, fleet services, and other assigned functions;
• Performs duties of Public Works Director in their absence;
• Provides leadership, guidance, and technical support to division supervisors and staff;
• Establishes priorities and deadlines, coordinates work assignments, evaluates operational needs, and assists in resolving complex problems;
• Participates in recruitment, selection, training, career development, performance evaluation, counseling, and discipline of departmental personnel in coordination with the Public Works Director and Human Resources Department;
• Promotes and enforces compliance with applicable safety policies, procedures, work practices, and specifications;
• Conducts field inspections of City and contracted public works projects to evaluate progress, workmanship, safety, regulatory compliance, and conformance with plans, specifications, schedules, and contractual requirements;
• Affords assistance with the development and administration of operating and capital budgets; prepares cost estimates and recommendations, monitors expenditures, reviews purchasing needs, and supports responsible use of departmental resources;
• Affords assistance with capital improvement planning, infrastructure assessment, contract administration, procurement, and the development and implementation of short- and long-range departmental goals;
• Investigates and responds to citizen inquiries, service requests, and complaints; coordinates appropriate follow-up and develops or recommends practical and timely solutions;
• Collaborates with other City departments, contractors, consultants, utility providers, governmental agencies, regulatory officials, and community stakeholders;
• Participates in development and plan review activities and provides technical input regarding streets, stormwater, solid waste, facilities, fleet, and other public works considerations;
• Maintains regular communication with the Public Works Director regarding departmental operations, projects, personnel matters, risks, priorities, and emerging issues.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public works administration, operations, maintenance, construction, and service delivery;
• Knowledge of methods, materials, equipment, and safety practices used in streets, storm drainage, solid waste, facilities and grounds maintenance, cemetery operations, fleet services, and related public works functions;
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting, purchasing, contract administration, personnel management, project management, and capital improvement planning;
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, standards, and permitting requirements affecting public works operations;
• Knowledge of modern technology, information systems, asset management tools, and data applications used to support public works operations;
• Ability to supervise, motivate, develop, and evaluate employees and subordinate supervisors while promoting accountability, teamwork, safety, and high-quality service;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, department heads, governmental officials, City employees, and contractors;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to prepare and maintain accurate records and reports.

Education And Experience

• Graduation from high school, or possession of General Education Diploma;
• Associate degree in business administration, construction management, or related field is highly preferred;
• 2-4 years of progressively responsible experience in supervising or managing public works operations, infrastructure maintenance, or construction is required;
• Or an equivalent combination of education and experience providing the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities to adequately perform the essential duties may be considered.

Supervisor Responsibilities

Provides direct and indirect supervision to all Public Works personnel.

Working Conditions

• Work is generally performed in both inside and outside environmental conditions in which the employee is subject to workplace hazards including exposure to operating mechanical equipment creating fumes, odors, and dusts and atmospheric conditions with extreme cold and heat for extended periods of time.
• The employee is subject to a level of noise requiring workers to shout in order to be heard above the ambient noise level.
• In addition, the employee is subject to a chance of injury from walking or standing in a construction site.
• Work involves emergency call-back service.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to perform the basic life operational skills of climbing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform heavy work exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
• Must possess visual acuity to read maps and diagrams; to operate a vehicle; and to read, analyze and prepare reports.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

Special Requirements

• Legally eligible to work in the United States.
• Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License.