Assistant Public Works Director

Department/Division: Public Works

Job Type: Full Time

Pay: $75,000 - $80,000 Annually + Benefits

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the Director of Public Works and the City Manager, this position assigns and supervises the construction, repair, and maintenance of municipal infrastructure, including streets, alleys, sidewalks, traffic signals, storm sewers, rights-of-way, and parks. The position also plans, directs, and evaluates the activities of the water distribution and sanitary sewer collection divisions, supervises construction and maintenance crews, analyzes operational needs, and makes recommendations for improvements.

The position assists with reviewing and recommending revisions to municipal code provisions affecting Public Works operations, supports the development of the annual budget, and prepares reports and recommendations for the Director of Public Works, City Manager, and City Council. Additional responsibilities include responding to citizen inquiries and maintaining records related to labor, materials, and equipment.

This position also performs professional engineering work related to the planning, design, and construction of public improvement projects. Responsibilities include reviewing site and subdivision plans, evaluating stormwater management reports, coordinating public improvement projects, and ensuring compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plans, designs, prepares, and reviews engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and related documents for public infrastructure projects, including streets, sidewalks, water systems, sanitary and stormwater systems, and other municipal improvements.
• Reviews site development plans, subdivision plats, and stormwater management reports to ensure compliance with applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations.
• Conducts preliminary engineering studies and directs surveys and data collection necessary for project development.
• Develops construction bid specifications; reviews bids and technical proposals; and maintains engineering project files and records.
• Tracks project quantities and reviews contractor pay applications for accuracy and compliance with contract terms.
• Creates and updates City maps, exhibits, and related engineering documents using appropriate drafting and design software.
• Conducts and oversees inspections of public and private construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, and applicable regulations.
• Directs field inspection activities; reviews field reports; and issues corrective notices or stop-work orders when authorized and necessary.
• Inspects completed work to ensure adherence to established standards and contract requirements.
• Explains applicable building, zoning, and engineering requirements to developers, engineers, architects, contractors, and the public.
• Organizes, plans, and supervises assigned Public Works and Public Utilities operations and personnel.
• Establishes work procedures, schedules, and preventive maintenance programs.
• Provides training and guidance to staff regarding equipment usage, safety practices, and work standards.
• Supervises and evaluates subordinate personnel engaged in construction, maintenance, and repair activities.
• Assists in the administration of collective bargaining agreements and makes recommendations regarding personnel matters, consistent with City policy.
• Coordinates with City departments, governmental agencies, and private contractors in the planning and construction of public improvements.
• Assists in the development and update of long-range infrastructure and capital improvement plans.
• Serves as liaison with external agencies and organizations as assigned.
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the annual operating budget for assigned divisions.
• Reviews and approves expenditures within delegated authority.
• Prepares and presents technical reports and recommendations to City leadership and governing bodies.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and complaints and initiates appropriate follow-up actions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory and Administrative Responsibilities

• Organizes, plans, directs, and supervises the activities of professional and technical staff.
• Develops, reviews, and approves engineering plans, proposals, and technical designs.
• Inspects and approves public works and utility construction and improvement projects.
• Evaluates and documents employee performance and recommends corrective action when necessary.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with staff, officials, contractors, the public, and regulatory agencies.
• Applies knowledge of state and federal assistance programs related to public improvement projects.
• Prepares and presents oral and written technical reports and recommendations.
• Organizes duties efficiently to meet deadlines.
• Communicates effectively in written, verbal, and public speaking contexts.
• Maintains strict confidentiality in all duties.
• Successfully passes required background, security, and credit checks.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Illinois, or the ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Ability to obtain an Illinois Class “D” Water Supply Operator’s License

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of professional civil engineering experience required; seven (7) years preferred.
• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to the design, construction, and maintenance of public improvements.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing public infrastructure projects.
• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and personnel administration practices.
• Skill in interpreting engineering plans and specifications, conducting inspections, and preparing technical reports.
• Proficiency in computer-aided drafting (AutoCAD) and survey equipment is preferred.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license

Work Schedule

The Public Works Office operates Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attendance at City Council meetings may be required in the absence of the Director of Public Works.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 25 pounds using proper body mechanics.
• Ability to stand, sit, reach, grasp, lift and carry, walk, climb, kneel, squat or bend, and push or pull.
• Ability to work in inclement weather as required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical documents and regulations.
• Ability to perform detailed work requiring visual acuity.
• Ability to use non-verbal auditory sources of information, e.g., alarms and cell phones.

Residency Requirement

All applicants shall reside in either Jefferson County or a County adjacent to Jefferson County, including any of the following: Marion, Wayne, Hamilton, Franklin, Perry, or Washington, as their principal place of residence, within six (6) months of hire, and thereafter at all times during the time of their employment by the City. Any employee who shall fail to establish and/or maintain his or her domicile and residency as required herein shall be subject to discharge from employment with the City.

Additional Information

FSLA Classification

Exempt

Pay Schedule

Biweekly (every other Friday)