Job Description

ASSISTANT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

JOB CODE 74820

Effective Date:	09/96A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to direct a major functional area of the Public Works Department and manage highly complex and multi-disciplinary activities. The incumbent exercises considerable independence in working with division heads and managers of other City departments on problems relating to Public Works activities. Work involves representing all major program areas of the department in liaison activities and to coordinate special projects across divisions. Work assignments are broad in scope and require the use of independent judgment and initiative in making technical and managerial decisions of considerable difficulty. Work is performed under the general direction of the Public Works Director, and performance is evaluated through reports and conferences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Acts on the Public Works Director's behalf by assignment or delegation in director's absence;
• Develops and interprets policy and provides staff direction on implementation of policies and procedures;
• Directs employees involved in Administrative Services, Equipment Management, Facilities Management, and/or Solid Waste Management activities;
• Advises Deputy Directors on issues related to Public Works activities;
• Provides for administrative, technical, clerical, mechanical and physical support for divisional and departmental operations;
• Reviews plans for present and future programs and needs including equipment and facility requirements;
• Reviews technical reports, budget estimates and contracts submitted by Deputy Directors;
• Prepares, interprets and explains complex financial and administrative reports;
• Directs and participates in management studies and analyzes programs and problems;
• Negotiates contract terms and enforces warranty and contract agreements;
• Interacts with other City departments and represents the City when dealing with federal, state, county and local agencies and media regarding Public Works Department operations and issues;
• Serves on and leads various interdepartmental project groups, special projects and task forces;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and problems of public administration.
• Municipal finance, budget and control.
• Principles and practices of leadership, personnel administration, and management.
• Federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to City and Public Works Department operations.

Ability to:

• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Evaluate technical information and statutes and arrive at valid recommendations based on the data.
• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, and the public using a telephone or in a one-to-one or group setting.
• Comprehend and make inferences from materials written in the English language.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly-organized thoughts with proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Provide leadership in implementing City and department policies and programs.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential or marginal functions.
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Five years of responsible experience in planning, organizing and directing a large public works or related operation, including three years in an administrative and supervisory capacity, and a bachelor's degree in public administration or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.