Description

The City of Grand Saline is seeking a Director of Public Works to join our team.

Position Overview:

The Director of Public Works plans, directs, and reviews the activities and operations of the Public Works Department. The position oversees the development of future public works planning and projects while ensuring the effective management and maintenance of existing infrastructure. The position requires the ability to make complex technical and operational decisions.

The Director is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating the work of several divisions. This includes oversight of engineering, water and wastewater operations, street maintenance, traffic operations, utilities, infrastructure, drainage systems, mowing and upkeep of City properties, and the maintenance and operation of the City pool facility, along with other related services. The Director coordinates departmental activities with other City departments and outside agencies and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Administrator.

The Director of Public Works is responsible for responding to and resolving citizen complaints, both verbal and written, regarding department operations and services. This is a key supervisory position that oversees Public Works employees and ensures the efficient and effective delivery of services across all operational areas of the department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Leadership & Department Administration - Responsibilities related to managing the department and personnel.

1. Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate activities of the Public Works Department and coordinate with other departments and agencies.
2. Develop and implement long- and short-term departmental goals, policies, and procedures.
3. Provide management direction in hiring, motivating and evaluating Public Works personnel; establish performance objectives and reviews.
4. Initiate and monitor employee training, licenses, continuing education, and renewals.
5. Maintain awareness of developments in Public Works management and perform related duties.
6. Improve Public Works operations, streamline processes, and enhance service delivery
7. Attend professional development workshops and conferences.
8. Provide leadership and administrative direction on major public works activities.
9. Maintain a professional appearance and behavior.
10. Perform tasks as directed by the City Administrator

B. Regulatory Compliance &  Emergency Management - Ensuring operations follow laws, regulations, and emergency plans.

1. Ensure federal, state, and local environmental and safety statutes, ordinances, and codes related to utilities, streets, parks, pools, and facilities.
2. Knowledge of safety training regulations and safe work practices.
3. Ensure responsibilities under the City and County Emergency Operations Plan are carried out.
4. Oversee compliance with EPA, TDH, TCEQ, and other regulatory agencies.  Submit required reports to the TCEQ in a timely manner, submit required water samples to TCEQ, Adhere to TCEQ rules and regulations,

 C. Budgeting, Financial Management & Procurement - Planning and managing financial resources and contracting processes.

1. Prepare Budget estimates and manage the annual Public Works budget.
2. Prepare and evaluate cost estimates for construction and repair projects.
3. Coordinate advertising for bids and recommend vendors based on best bids and competency.

 D. Capital Planning & Infrastructure Management- Planning long-term infrastructure improvements and city projects.

1. Provide capital improvements planning and recommend options for Public Works projects.
2. Prepare or coordinate traffic, utility, and other studies and reports.
3. Formulate long-range plans for engineering, water/wastewater, construction inspection, street maintenance, and traffic operations.
4. Determine need for new equipment, facilities, and major repair or rebuilding projects.

 E. Project & Program Management - Overseeing engineering, construction, and contractor performance.

1. Supervise capital improvement projects and coordinate engineers and contractors.
2. Ensure contractual agreements are met and projects properly serve the City.
3.  Supervise development and implementation of Public Works projects including budgets and deadlines.

F. Public Relations & Stakeholder Communication - Interaction with citizens, officials, and other stakeholders.

1. Represent the City at public and private meetings and conferences.
2. Communicate effectively with the public and employees.
3. Proactively resolve citizen complaints.
4. Maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, agencies, and the public.

 G. Legal & Conflict Resolution - Handling disputes and legal matters related to public works.

1. Participate and negotiate in resolving public works issues, claims, and lawsuits.

 H. Records, Data & Mapping Management - Maintaining official information and documentation.

1. Maintain all maps related to City business.
2. Maintain work, personnel, purchasing, and expenditure records and prepare reports for City administration.

I. Operational Support & Field Responsibilities - Operational tasks necessary to support departmental activities.

1. Operate a motor vehicle in the course of Public Works duties.

Requirements

License and Certificates Requirements -- 

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED. 
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License without record of suspension or revocation in any state.
• Must have a minimum of five years of related experience or an equivalent combination of training and/or experience that evidences a comprehensive knowledge of required job duties and expectations.
• Must hold a Certificate of Competency for Surface Water Operator minimum Class C certificate, (B preferred) as issued by TCEQ. 
• Must hold a Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator minimum Class C certificate, (B preferred) as issued by the TCEQ.
• Must work toward Water and Wastewater Operator B License if not possessed at time of hire. 
• Spanish bi-lingual verbal communication skills are highly preferred, but not required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities -- 

1. Work safety.
2. Proficient office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
3. Must be knowledgeable of applicable Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations.
4. Ability to assist with water/wastewater installations; perform line and pump maintenance as well as oversee the installation of water/wastewater taps.
5. Utilize complex math for chemicals used to treat water/wastewater.
6. Adhere to local government operations, rules, and regulations.
7. Respect confidentiality
8. Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs of prospects.
9. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, city officials, and general public.
10. Communicate effectively with all levels of City staff, officials, and the general public, verbally and in writing.
11. Be resourceful, organized, credible, detail-oriented, accurate, creative, responsible, self-motivated, possess good work ethic and habits.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

The physical/mental demands, and working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 

1. Ability to work in extreme cold, heat and temperature swings.
2. Ability to work with exposure to dust and fumes.
3. Ability to walk, carry, climb, kneel, sit, squat (in awkward positions), and stand for extended periods of time.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.