Director Of Public Works

Job Summary

The position is an at will management employee of the City of Maquoketa. Director of Public Works plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities, projects, and operations of the Public Works Department including street maintenance and construction, storm sewer maintenance, airport maintenance, park maintenance, City contractors, City building maintenance, and coordinates Public Works Department activities with other City departments and outside partners. Executes major Capital Projects as they occur serving as the City's representative. Provides highly responsible and administrative supports to the City Manager's office on behalf of the City Council's objectives.

Lines of Authority

This position is directly supervised by the City Manager. City Manager has the responsibility to hire, evaluate, and terminate this employee.

Nature of Work

This is supervisory and technical work. Work typically includes but is not limited to street and storm sewer maintenance and repair, park maintenance, airport maintenance, various private contract management on behalf of the City's interest to serve the public. The position oversees maintenance of other City facilities as needed. The position directly ties to the City's Water-Wastewater Resources contractor as needed and needs foundational level knowledge of Water-Wastewater systems.

Work requires a high degree of ethical responsibility and an unbreakable commitment to serving the best interest of the City. Work includes a wide latitude to make management decisions on behalf of the City Manager and City Council.

Work involves the responsibility for planning, scheduling, organizing, directing, and participating in activities related to maintenance and repair of streets, storm sewers and other assigned functions.

Assignments require controlling work, contracted or internal, to assure timely performance in adherence to maintenance standards. Assignments will require coordination of work with contractors, utility companies, and other city departments. Work programs are planned with the City Manager and other City officials. Performance is evaluated annually with the City Manager.

Essential Functions and Duties

• Supervises all street and storm sewer maintenance work whether contracted or internal.

• Supervises maintenance and repair of sidewalks, alleys, and curb & gutter systems.

• Inspects street repair projects, such as crack filling, sealcoating, patching, total street replacements, and curb repairs when performed under contract.

• Directs the maintenance and upkeep of all City parks and recreational areas.

• Supervises painting of traffic and parking lines.

• Directs the maintenance and erection of traffic signs and markings.

• Assures that subordinates comply with applicable safety and occupational health standards.

• Manages and maintains discipline of subordinates. Evaluates staff annually. Hires and terminates as required by City policy and procedures.

• Assigns personnel and equipment to maintain scheduled operations.

• Trains personnel in the operation of machinery, and in methods and approaches to assign tasks.

• Schedules personnel and equipment for snow removal, street salting, and other work to meet and anticipate municipal requirements.

• Coordinates operations with utilities and other City departments.

• Participates in the operation of equipment and the performance of manual tasks as required.

• Performs or assigns annual survey of all public sidewalks and reviews ADA compliance as it relates to sidewalk maintenance.

• Provides information and advice to the City Manager and City Council on strategic planning and accomplishment of City goals and objectives. Participates in organization-wide strategic planning.

• Ensures the financial well-being of the Department by establishing cost control measures and monitoring all fiscal operations of the Department.

• Prepares annual budget and justifies budget requests and amendments.

• Submits routine City bills for payment in execution of the City's overall goals. Codes said bills appropriately to the required budget lines.

• Ensures the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, labor, materials, facilities and time.

• Responds kindly to all City service related complaints as needed. Exercises complaint empathy and respects all who are concerned.

• Maintains records, prepares annual department budgets, complies with State and Federal Regulations and submits periodic reports of operations.

• Forecasts needs for supplies up to a year in advance.

• Performs related work as required by the City Manager in the best interest of the City Council.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or graduate of a skill related trade school. Preferred education credentials would include at least an associate's degree.

• Ability to analyze a complex problem by producing a public problem statement, develop solution options through research, and firmly recommend an action to City Management and City Council considering public interest, financial, and legal implications. Must have an ability to demonstrate this qualification through written and oral explanations as needed.

• Thorough knowledge and experience in street maintenance and repair work, including 2-3 years supervisory experience.

• Thorough knowledge and experience of storm sewer maintenance and repair requirements, and work methods.

• Foundational level knowledge of Water-Wastewater Municipal systems.

• Ability to perform minor equipment maintenance tasks. Ability to follow standard safety practices and procedures common to maintenance and construction work; ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

• Basic knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and plumbing construction. Working knowledge of tools and equipment used in general maintenance, construction and repair of City facilities.

• Ability to plan and schedule personnel, equipment and material requirements related to assigned public work.

• Strong ability to adhere to an assigned, large municipal budget and plan for future budget implications.

• Ability to learn the City Fund's Accounting system specific to the Public Works Department and comprehend monthly financial reports as provided by the City's Finance Clerk.

• Ability to specify and produce valid requests for proposals in accordance with the City's Purchasing Policy.

• Identify and respond to verbal and written complaints made by the public.

• Must have a valid US Driver's License.

• Must have a CDL or obtain one within one-year of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Engineering licensure or Water-Wastewater experience preferred. City Park management experience or expert knowledge of City Park management is preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will have a technical skill with administrative capabilities and a willingness to work within the Public Works team on all operations.

Working Conditions

Office/fieldwork conditions. The position is inherently management of all Public Works operations. Approximately 40% of time will be expended on administrative tasks. All remaining time would routinely be operational support with the Public Works Department.

Sufficient physical strength, endurance and agility to perform assigned tasks. Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual tasks and work in all types of weather.

Residency Requirement

Must reside within Maquoketa City limits.

Salary

$82,000 - $110,000 hiring range based on knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities. City Manager to recommend starting Salary to City Council.

Job Type

Full-Time

Location

Maquoketa, IA

Department

Public Works Department