Job Description

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS

Supervised By: Village Manager

Supervises : All employees of the Public Works Department

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

Under the administrative direction of the Village Manager, is responsible for the overall management of public works and utility operations. The scope of responsibilities encompasses the Village's roads, water and sewer distribution systems and wastewater plant, rubbish collection, storm collection system, motor pool, and other operating areas. Directs all resources of the department to achieve a timely and adequate response to the Village’s public works service needs.

Essential Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Plans, organizes and directs all aspects of departmental operations including personnel, budgeting, planning, and general administration. Develops and implements departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.

2. Responsible for overseeing and supervising the day-to-day activities of all DPW staff and for ensuring that DPW staff are properly and successfully trained, certified, and licensed to perform the work required of them. Assists in the recruitment and hiring of department personnel. Takes remedial or disciplinary action as required.

3. Assists the Village Manager and Village engineers in evaluating and planning capital improvement and maintenance campaigns and projects. Assesses department operations, staffing levels, facilities, and equipment. Analyzes capital needs, makes recommendations for improvements, and implements changes. Monitors operational costs and makes recommendations for increasing efficiency.

4. Responsible for the proper operation and maintenance of the Village’s water system, wastewater systems, composts, streets, bridges, storm sewers, sidewalks, signs, parks, fences, parking lots, buildings, machinery, other village-owned or village-leased real estate, vehicles, materials and equipment assigned to the Department of Public Works.

5. Assists the Village Manager in preparing the annual budget requests, administers the departmental budget, and ensures that the authorized budgetary and purchasing procedures are properly used.

6. Attends Village Council meetings, completes special projects and research, prepares status and special reports, and makes presentations. Attends other meetings as necessary.

7. Drafts specifications and review bid proposals for equipment, materials, and services. Oversees and monitors contracted services.

8. Confers with the Village Manager on key issues and progress toward objectives. Makes recommendations to assist management in making needed improvements.

9. Attends and participates in staff meetings, completes required forms and paperwork, prepares work programs, and reports progress periodically.

10. Acts as department spokesperson, establishing and maintaining effective relationships with citizens, news media, community groups, Village officials, other employees, and other interests. Responds to public inquiries and investigate complaints.

11. Oversees the Capital Improvement Program and other plans involving the municipal infrastructure. Evaluates and recommend utility rates.

12. Works cooperatively with the Village’s contract engineers for project design and construction and maintains regular contact with county, state, and federal agencies, professional and technical groups, and the general public regarding construction activities and services.

13. Prepares or oversees the preparation of detailed reports and statistical data as required by the State of Michigan and other governmental agencies. Coordinates and takes part with other governmental agencies in the various programs related to environmental issues.

14. Operates all Village vehicles and other equipment as needed in implementing various construction, replacement, or maintenance projects and/or performing other tasks assigned to DPW.

15. Provides technical assistance, support, and direction to wastewater treatment plant staff as needed, in consultation with the Village Manager.

16. Keeps abreast of public works developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Maintains cooperative relations with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.

17. Performs other duties as required.

required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

· Associate’s Degree in construction management and skilled trades and seven years of progressively more responsible experience in public works operations and supervision. A background and degree in civil engineering are desirable.

· The Village, at its discretion, may consider an alternative combination of formal education and work experience.

· Michigan Commercial Driver’s License B with air brakes endorsement or willingness to obtain. 

· S-2 and D-2 water certifications or willingness to obtain.

· Knowledge of the laws, regulations, and practices related to street construction and maintenance, safety precautions, equipment operations, and utility maintenance and repair.

· Knowledge of equipment and operational demands in the delivery of a full range of municipal services.

· Knowledge of equipment maintenance and repair requirements and procedures.

· Skill in coordinating, assigning, and supervising the work of seasonal and skilled public works employees.

· Skill in identifying and repairing street, equipment, parks, and grounds problems.

· Ability to use Microsoft Suite applications, GIS, and other mapping applications and the ability to master new software programs utilized by the Village for public works.

· Ability to effectively communicate ideas and concepts orally and in writing.

· Ability to establish effective working relationships and use good judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness when dealing with employees, vendors, contractors, other public works professionals, administrators, regulators, and the public.

· Ability to plan and implement preventive maintenance programs.

· Ability to operate a wide variety of light and heavy equipment, and to train others in usage.

· Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24/7 basis.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounter while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate with others in person and on the telephone. The employee is occasionally required to use survey equipment and use computers to view and create written and electronic documents. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of moderate to heavy weight. The employee is frequently required to travel to other locations within and outside of the Village, occasionally requiring the employee to work on uneven or muddy surfaces and at construction sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works outdoors and occasionally works in a business office setting. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate and can be very loud.

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The Village of Middleville provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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