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, assigns and supervises the construction, repair, and maintenance of municipal streets, alleys, sidewalks, traffic signals, storm sewers, right-of-ways, and parks. The Assistant also plans, directs, and evaluates the activities of the water distribution and sanitary sewer collection divisions; supervises the work of construction and maintenance crews; analyzes the needs of each division; and makes recommendations for improvements. He/She also reviews and recommends revisions to the municipal code directly affecting the water, sewer, and streets divisions; develops the annual budget; prepares and presents reports and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council as required; responds to citizen complaints and inquiries about public works services; and maintains daily records of labor, materials, and equipment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervises the work of maintenance crews involved in the construction, repair, and maintenance of streets, sidewalks, storm sewers, alleys, municipal rights-of-way, parks, and inspects work completed for compliance with established standards.
• Assigns and supervises the work of employees engaged in the construction, maintenance, and repair of the City’s water distribution and sanitary sewer systems. Inspects work for compliance with design standards and appropriate federal, state, and local codes. 
• Inspects streets, sidewalks, storm sewers, alleys, municipal rights-of-way, and parks to determine needed repairs; prepares estimates of costs of repairs.
• Serves as the City’s liaison with the Rend Lake Conservancy District in the absence of the Director of Public Works.
• Plans, directs, and evaluates the construction, maintenance, cleaning, and repair of the City’s sanitary sewer collection system.
• Provides orientation and training to employees in the proper use of equipment and tools; instructs employees in safe work methods and procedures.
• Assists in the development of the annual operating budget for each division; reviews and may approve departmental expenditures.
• Assists in the evaluation of long-range plans for the Public Works Department in conjunction with other City departments. Organizes and assists with the preventive maintenance programs for the Public Works Department.
• Supervises, inspects, and evaluates the work of subordinate personnel engaged in construction, maintenance, and repair activities to ensure compliance with project standards.
• Receives complaints and/or questions from the general public regarding public works services and activities; answers questions and initiates corrective measures where appropriate.
• Assists in the administration of the terms of the labor contract between the City and the Union; makes recommendations regarding the resolution of problems or disputes.
• Inspects the work of private contractors to ensure compliance with appropriate federal, state, and local codes.
• Assists in the supervision of the City’s mosquito spraying and snow plowing programs.
• Assists with the repair and maintenance of the City’s traffic signals.
• Responsible for the in-house CDL training program.
• Performs related duties as required or assigned.

Supervisory and Administrative Responsibilities

• Requires the ability to effectively supervise and coordinate the work of subordinate employees engaged in the construction, repair, and maintenance of public works facilities, including the City’s water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems.
• Requires the ability to effectively administer the terms of the labor contract between the City and the Union.
• Requires the ability to effectively train and instruct employees in safe work practices as well as the safe operation of equipment.
• Evaluate and document employee performance. Issues oral and written warnings, leading to suspension and/or termination.
• Requires the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, City officials, private contractors, the general public, and state/federal regulatory agencies.
• Requires the ability to effectively administer the terms of the labor contract between the City and the Union.
• Requires the ability to estimate and budget for costs of personnel, equipment, supplies, and services.
• Requires the ability to prepare detailed budgets, reports, and related documents.
• Requires thorough knowledge of the construction, maintenance, and repair of streets, sidewalks, storm sewers, and related public facilities, including the City’s water distribution and sanitary sewer collection systems.
• Requires the ability to prepare and maintain work records and reports.
• Requires the ability to prepare and present oral and written technical reports and recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
• Ability to organize duties and produce results in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and one-to-one.
• Requires strict confidentiality in daily duties.
• Requires the ability to exercise judgment and discretion in developing, implementing, and interpreting policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Education

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to the completion of four years of high school.
• Requires the ability to obtain an Illinois Class “D” Water Supply Operator’s License.

Experience

• Requires five years of progressively responsible work experience in public works activities or a directly related field.
• Experience in supervising skilled and unskilled employees engaged in various types of underground construction activities.
• Valid Class D Illinois Driver's License.
• Extensive knowledge of modern construction, maintenance, and repair practices of streets, sidewalks, storm sewers, water distribution, and sewer collection systems.
• Possession of or ability to obtain the State of Illinois Department of Agriculture Public Applicator’s License for Mosquito- Pest Control and Weed Control.
• Supervisory experience in a public works environment is preferred.
• Requires the ability to pass a background security check.

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.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental 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)