Director of Public Works

CITY OF BRAWLEY

CLASS TITLE: Director of Public Works Operations

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides executive leadership and administrative oversight for all functions and activities of the Public Works Operations Department, including the City’s Engineering Division, public works operations, and water and wastewater utility operations.

Provides executive leadership for the City's public infrastructure systems by directing the planning, development, operation, maintenance, rehabilitation, replacement, and long-term stewardship of municipal infrastructure in support of the City's strategic priorities, fiscal sustainability, and community needs.

Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager or designee in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned.

The Public Works Operations Department is responsible for the planning, operation, maintenance, management, and continuous improvement of the city’s public infrastructure systems and includes, but is not limited to, the following functional areas:

1. Engineering Division;

2. Capital Improvement Program (CIP);

3. Development engineering and engineering review of public and private development projects;

4. Water treatment, distribution, and storage systems;

5. Wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems;

6. Streets, sidewalks, storm drainage, traffic control devices, and public rights-of-way;

7. Solid waste operations and environmental compliance;

8. Public infrastructure maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement;

9. Asset management and long-range infrastructure planning; and

10. Other related public works operations as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager or assigned management staff. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making within legal, general policy, and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over Departmental management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a Department Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Public Works Operations Department, including the Engineering Division, public works operations, water treatment and distribution, wastewater treatment and collection, capital improvement projects, engineering review, construction management, and the City’s short- and long-range infrastructure planning and operational functions.

The position is responsible for the planning, development, administration, and continuous improvement of departmental policies, procedures, programs, and services. As a member of the City’s executive management team, the Director participates in organization-wide strategic planning, collaborates with other departments to advance Citywide initiatives, and provides policy recommendations and technical expertise to the City Manager, or designee, on matters involving public infrastructure, utilities, capital investment, regulatory compliance, and operational priorities.

This classification provides executive-level assistance and support to the City Manager, or designee, in a variety of administrative, operational, engineering, analytical, and strategic planning capacities, and serves as a liaison with City departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, consultants, developers, and the public.

Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, municipal government administration, public works operations, engineering principles, utilities management, capital improvement programming, and the role of an elected City council. The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment, political acumen, and professional discretion in developing and implementing departmental programs, policies, and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the Department with those of other City departments, regional agencies, regulatory organizations, and community stakeholders; managing and overseeing the Department’s diverse operational and engineering functions; developing long-range infrastructure and asset management strategies; identifying and pursuing grant and alternative funding opportunities; promoting organizational excellence and continuous improvement; and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and exceptional public service. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental goals and objectives while advancing the City's strategic priorities within established policy, fiscal, legal, and regulatory guidelines.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodation so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

The Department Director assumes full management responsibility for all Public Works Operations Department programs, services, and activities, including the Engineering Division, the City's Public Works Operations functions, water and wastewater utilities operations, capital improvement projects, engineering review, construction management, and public infrastructure planning.

• Provides strategic leadership for the Department by developing long-range infrastructure, utility, and operational master plans; establishing departmental goals, performance measures, and service standards; evaluating organizational performance; leading continuous improvement initiatives; and developing succession planning strategies to ensure organizational sustainability and operational excellence.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the Department's annual operating and capital improvement budgets; directs, in coordination with the Finance Department, the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of, and approves, Departmental expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Identifies, develops, and pursues competitive grant funding opportunities and alternative funding sources for capital improvements, infrastructure rehabilitation, equipment, and operational initiatives; oversees grant administration and ensures compliance with all applicable grant requirements, reporting obligations, and funding conditions.
• In cooperation with the Human Resources Department, selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with Department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Fosters a high-performing organizational culture by mentoring and developing management and supervisory staff, promoting accountability and innovation, encouraging professional development, and implementing best management practices throughout the Department.
• Contributes to the overall quality of the Department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Directs and supervises the Engineering Division, including engineering staff, consultants, and contract engineers; oversees engineering review of public and private development projects, subdivision improvements, capital improvement projects, construction management, engineering studies, and related engineering activities.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP), including long-range infrastructure planning, project development, engineering design, consultant management, construction administration, funding strategies, grant coordination, and interdepartmental collaboration to ensure projects support the City’s strategic objectives.
• Oversees the City's infrastructure asset management program, including lifecycle planning, condition assessments, replacement forecasting, maintenance prioritization, capital investment planning, and long-term infrastructure sustainability.
• Evaluates the need for and develops, plans, and schedules for long-term public works and utilities maintenance and improvement programs; organizes available resources for the maintenance, improvement, and repair of public works facilities, City equipment, water and wastewater treatment plants, pump stations, water reservoirs, and other related facilities; compiles estimates, contract provisions, and specifications.
• Confers with engineers, developers, architects, contractors, regulatory agencies, consultants, and the public regarding engineering, capital improvement, utility, infrastructure, and development-related matters; provides technical guidance and coordinates engineering activities with other City departments.
• Ensures Department compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, permits, and industry standards governing public works, utilities, engineering, environmental compliance, and public infrastructure, including requirements of the Regional Water Quality Control Board, State Water Resources Control Board, Caltrans, FEMA, CEQA, NPDES, OSHA, and other applicable regulatory agencies.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for engineering, construction management, operations, maintenance and other professional services; the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals; recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine City needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and administers consultant agreements related to Public Works Operations, Engineering and Maintenance.
• Represents the Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets Departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of Departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Advises the City Council and City Manager regarding public infrastructure priorities, capital improvement planning, utility operations, regulatory compliance, and departmental initiatives; prepares and presents complex staff reports, technical analyses, policy recommendations, and operational updates to the City Council, boards, commissions, and other governing bodies.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works and municipal utilities maintenance, operations, and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance and retention of working and official Departmental files.
• Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or Departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Represents the City before neighborhood groups, business organizations, professional associations, developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, community stakeholders, and the public; develops collaborative partnerships and promotes effective communication regarding public works programs, infrastructure projects, and departmental initiatives.
• Serves as a key member of the City's emergency management organization and provides executive leadership for Public Works Operations during emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and continuity of operations; coordinates Department resources during declared emergencies and ensures compliance with applicable emergency management requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of executive leadership, organizational development, change management, employee engagement, succession planning, and performance management.
• Organizational and managerial practices as applied to the development, implementation, analysis, evaluation, and continuous improvement of projects, programs, policies, procedures, performance measures, and operational needs within a municipal public works environment.
• Public agency budget development, financial management, capital improvement programming, public procurement, contract administration, grant administration, state and federal funding programs, Citywide administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• The principles and practices of municipal government administration.
• The principles and practices of municipal public works operations, utilities enterprise operations, maintenance management, asset management, infrastructure lifecycle planning, utility system operations, and long-term maintenance and capital investment planning.
• Principles and practices of municipal engineering, public infrastructure planning, construction management, capital improvement project administration, engineering review, infrastructure asset management, and sustainable infrastructure planning.
• Principles of civil engineering applicable to municipal public works and infrastructure.
• Engineering standards governing streets, drainage, water, wastewater, utilities, and public improvements.
• Principles and practices of supervising professional engineering staff and administering engineering consultant contracts.
• Principles and practices of emergency management, disaster preparedness, continuity of operations, and the role of public works in emergency response and disaster recovery.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, funding requirements, permits, and procedures governing municipal public works, engineering, utilities, environmental compliance, emergency management, and public infrastructure.
• Principles and practices of labor relations, employee relations, and collective bargaining in a public sector environment.
• Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Principles and practices of identifying, securing, administering, and managing state and federal grant funding for public infrastructure and capital improvement projects.
• Record-keeping principles and procedures.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination.
• Computers and software programs (e.g., Microsoft software packages) to conduct, compile, and/or generate documentation.
• Select, supervise, mentor, develop, and evaluate management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative staff; foster employee engagement, accountability, succession planning, and continuous professional development while ensuring work is performed effectively and in accordance with Department standards.
• Provide executive leadership and strategic direction for the Department; inspire innovation, lead organizational change, promote continuous improvement, and advance the City's strategic priorities through collaborative leadership and sound decision-making.
• Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, performance measures, and internal controls; evaluate organizational performance and implement strategies to improve operational efficiency and service delivery.
• Prepare and administer operating and capital budgets; allocate limited resources effectively; balance competing operational, maintenance, and capital improvement priorities; and identify opportunities to maximize available funding.
• Direct, supervise, and evaluate the work of the Engineering Division, including engineering staff and consultants.
• Plan, administer, and oversee engineering projects, capital improvements, subdivision improvements, and construction activities.
• Analyze infrastructure conditions, operational needs, and organizational priorities to develop balanced short- and long-term strategies for infrastructure investment, maintenance, and service delivery.
• Coordinate engineering activities with Development Services, Finance, and other City departments.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate organizational issues, service delivery methods, operational alternatives, and emerging best practices; develop sound recommendations and prepare effective technical and administrative reports.
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of programs and administrative activities.
• Conduct effective negotiations; build collaborative partnerships; effectively represent the City and the Department before governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, elected officials, community organizations, developers, professional associations, and regulatory agencies; and resolve complex, politically sensitive, and controversial issues through diplomacy and sound judgment.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Effectively manage and coordinate engineering, operations, and maintenance functions while establishing priorities among competing operational and capital improvement needs.
• Establish and maintain a variety of Departmental filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems in compliance with record retention requirements.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Effectively engage and represent the Department and the City before governmental agencies, community groups, neighborhood organizations, business organizations, developers, regulatory agencies, and the public while building collaborative partnerships and fostering public trust.
• Learn and understand the organization and operation of the city and of outside agencies as necessary to successfully assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively, both verbally and in writing; present complex engineering, infrastructure, financial, and operational information in a manner that is understandable to elected officials, community stakeholders, and non-technical audiences.
• Exercise sound political judgment, maintain confidentiality, and make effective decisions involving complex operational, financial, regulatory, and policy matters while balancing competing community, organizational, and stakeholder interests.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, Business Administration, or closely related field; and
• Five (5) years of management experience in municipal public works, engineering, utilities, construction management, or a closely related field. This experience should show proven leadership capabilities by supervising/directing the work of professional and sub-professional personnel.
• Previous experience at the level of Deputy or Assistant Director of Public Works or Utilities and a master's degree are desirable.
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer (PE) in the State of California is highly desirable but not required. Candidates possessing a current California PE license are strongly encouraged to apply. The City recognizes the additional expertise and leadership a licensed Professional Civil Engineer can provide in the oversight of engineering functions, capital improvement planning, development review, and infrastructure management.
• Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license upon appointment.
• Possession of Water Treatment Plant Operator, Water Distribution System Operator, and/or Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator certifications (as issued by the State of California) are desirable.
• Possession of a Class B General Building Contractor License is desirable.
• May be required to complete National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Ability to:

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Licenses and Certifications:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites, and the vision to inspect and operate equipment. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier—in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS

This position is primarily administrative in nature, working indoors a majority (up to 75 percent) of the time. The position also requires field visits to satellite public works facilities and work sites (up to 25 percent of the time), with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspaces, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.

The position typically completes tasks such as reading and reviewing reports, papers, and other documents, and writing reports, papers, correspondence, and other documents. This portion of the job will require good mental skills, a lengthy attention span, and involves intermittently sitting (approximately 50 percent of the time), walking (20 percent), and standing (25 percent). Work requires a high degree of manual skill, the ability to hear, focus on close work, and the use of hands and fingers. Interaction with co-workers is an everyday occurrence and requires the ability to successfully direct, negotiate, and mediate. The ability to properly operate or use the following equipment is necessary for this position: telephone, personal computer and associated software, fax machine, photocopy machines, calculator, other office equipment, and personal or City vehicle.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City of Brawley employees are, by state and federal law, Disaster Service Workers. The roles and responsibilities for Disaster Service Workers are authorized by the California Emergency Services Act and are defined in the California Labor Code. In the event of a declaration of emergency, any employee of the City of Brawley may be assigned to perform activities which promote the protection of public health and safety or the preservation of lives and property. Such assignments may require service at locations, times, and under conditions that are significantly different than the normal work assignments and may continue into the recovery phase of the emergency. If a "Local Emergency" is declared during the employees’ shift, employees will be expected to remain at work to respond to the emergency needs of the community. If a "Local Emergency" is declared outside of the employee's shift, employees must make every effort to contact their direct supervisor or department head to obtain reporting instructions as Disaster Service Workers.