Director of Public Works and Transportation
City of St. Joseph, MO
Saint Joseph, MO
Full-time
Management
Posted on May 25, 2022
Director of Public Works and Transportation
DEPARTMENT: Public Works & Transportation
DIVISION: Administration
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR: City Manager
FLSA STATUS: Exempt
SALARY: (Negotiable depending on qualifications)
Job Summary/Scope
Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Director of Public Works and Transportation manages and directs all public works and transportation activities and operations including, but not limited to, street and infrastructure maintenance and repair; wastewater utility; stormwater; landfill and solid waste; oversight of public infrastructure development and improvements; engineering, construction inspection, and project management; airport; transit (bus) system; and metropolitan planning organization. Plans for future public works department projects and oversees daily departmental operations and budget administration. Prepares preliminary and final budgets for all divisions within the Public Works and Transportation Department. Provides highly responsible, technical, and complex administrative support to the City Manager and other City departments.
Supervisory Responsibility
Integral to the position of Director of Public Works and Transportation is the responsibility for developing subordinates to their fullest potential by exercising appropriate degrees of coaching, training, guiding, evaluating, correcting and, if necessary, disciplining.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees daily operations of the Public Works and Transportation Department, including development and administration of budgets.
- Utilizes organizational objectives to develop and manage implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for each assigned service area.
- Provides capital improvements planning guidance and recommends options for capital projects and capital improvement programs.
- Facilitates development through administration of ordinances and policies governing stormwater, public infrastructure, and right-of-way management.
- Provide managerial direction in all hiring, training, and evaluations of personnel within each area of responsibility.
- Ensures contractual agreements are met and that the City is properly served by the construction and installation of facilities and improvements made by contractors.
- Works closely with other City departments to develop capital project plans and implement those plans
- Responds to citizen concerns and questions about department projects or maintenance problems.
- Attends meetings of the City Council, staff meetings, board and commission meetings, meetings of organized citizen groups, and other community meeting at the local and state levels.
- Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
- Prepares and evaluates cost estimates in construction and repair projects.
- Supervises capital improvement projects; reviews specifications; reviews plans; coordinates schedules for architects, engineers, and contractors; prepares requests for bids; and coordinates all phases of construction.
- Remains current on possible federal and state grant opportunities and organizes submissions and administration.
- Participates and negotiates, as authorized, in resolving public works issues, claims, and lawsuits.
- Reviews current and proposed state and federal regulations that affect Public Works and Transportation operations.
- Provides staff assistance to the City Manager and, as assigned, other department directors; participates on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; prepares and presents technical reports and other necessary correspondence.
- Effectively and courteously communicates with the public and employees, in person, on the telephone, and in writing.
- Communicates on a proactive basis to resolve citizen complaints as they arise.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Employee Behavior and Conduct
City employees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner and shall exhibit and extend such professional conduct appropriate for the circumstances to those with whom they come into contact both internally and externally during the performance of their duties. Examples of professional conduct include, but are not limited to, being communicative, informative, fair, honest, and respectful.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Experience working with the public to achieve multifaceted objectives.
- Skills in effective oral and written communications.
- Skills in public relations.
- Experience as licensed professional engineer preferred.
- Knowledge of methods, techniques, and applications of civil engineering.
- Five to seven years of experience managing a public works department or similarly related field.
- Must develop a general knowledge of City Code of Ordinances, State and Federal laws and regulations pertaining to general public works operations within six months from date of employment.
- Knowledge of municipal budgeting procedures and personnel management.
- Ability to organize, lead, and direct a large municipal department.
- Valid driver’s license.
- Prior experience in labor relations desirable.
Material and Equipment Directly Used
Regular use of office equipment such as personal computer, calculator, printers, copiers, and other related office equipment. There may be times when a personal vehicle may be required.
Working Environment/Physical Requirements
Majority of work is performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. May need to perform on-site inspections. Work involves oral communication through the use of telephone or in person. Seldom need to lift more than 10 to 20 pounds. Some overnight or day travel may be required for business purposes. Vacation and other leave scheduling shall be requested of and approved by the appropriate supervisor.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, public administration, business administration, political science, planning, or public works-related field required. Master’s degree in the aforementioned desirable.
Passing of a drug screening required prior to appointment.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City is a Governmental entity subject to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires that otherwise qualified handicapped individuals be protected from discrimination.