Description

Our Public Works Director works as part of a dynamic and ambitious team of Town Employees to maintain the quality of life in Boiling Springs.

GENERAL DEFINITION AND CONDITIONS OF WORK

An employee in this class performs managerial, administrative, supervisory, and difficult professional work in directing the activities of the Public Works Department.  The employee is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and supervising employees and contractors engaged in the operation, maintenance, and construction of the Town’s of water and sewer systems, stormwater system, sanitation and solid waste collection and disposal, streets and park maintenance, and wastewater treatment.  The employee serves as the Operator-in-Responsible Charge (ORC) for the water distribution system and the backflow/cross connection control program and back-up ORC for the land application of residuals program.  The employee provides technical guidance and support to the Town Manager, elected officials, and Town staff.  Work involves long range planning for infrastructure needs, regulatory compliance, and service excellence; participation in capital budgeting and oversight of capital improvement projects; addressing citizen issues and problems; and staff hiring and management. Work requires strong management knowledges and skills in budgeting, staff management, some engineering design knowledge, project management skills, and knowledge of personnel and supervisory principles, practices and laws and regulations.  Work is performed in accordance with departmental policy and State and Federal statutes.  The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments including extreme hot and cold weather and to work hazards including loud noise, vibrations, moving mechanical parts, exposure to chemicals, fumes, odors, poor ventilation, and oils.  Work is performed under the general supervision of the Town Manager and is evaluated through periodic conferences, observation of results achieved, review of records, reports and files, and acceptance of the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS

•          Plans, organizes, and directs the operations of the Public Works Department, including meter reading and repair and replacement, street maintenance, street sign repair and replacement, trash and yard waste collection and disposal, maintenance and repair of the water and sewer systems, water sampling and reporting, wastewater treatment, stormwater, grounds and park maintenance, and vehicle and equipment maintenance.
•          Plans, organizes, and monitors a variety of contracted work; coordinates with engineers and contractors; makes field inspections of public works and utilities projects to review progress and ensure completion.
•          Researches and recommends long range plans and strategies for meeting citizen service needs; plans for short and long-range development of the water distribution and wastewater collection systems, solid waste management, streets construction and maintenance, and park and grounds maintenance.
•          Provides technical advice, assistance and recommendations to the Town Manager on a variety of topics, including policies related to public works and infrastructure maintenance and expansion needs and attends Town Council meetings and makes presentations; serves as the technical resource.
•          Manages and supervises personnel through division supervisors; selects, hires, and promotes personnel in collaboration with supervisors and the Town Manager; ensures appropriate training provided including that for required State certifications; meets with subordinate supervisors to solve more complex problems; sets priorities and deadlines, and provides guidance and direction on daily and weekly basis; provides performance coaching, evaluation and management; keeps Manager informed.
•          Prepares and presents written reports and documents to the Town Manager and elected officials; monitors water quality testing and reporting and backflow and cross-connection program documentation; prepares and maintains reports, logs, and other paperwork as required by governmental and regulatory agencies; manages the Town’s fats, oils and grease (FOG) program.
•          Prepares and recommends annual budget in consultation with the Town Manager; oversees and approves expenditures; consults with and/or advises Town Manager of major expenditures.
•          Responds to and resolves citizens’ inquiries and complaints; engages in considerable personal contact with citizens, contractors, and other Town departments, county and other governmental agencies concerning service requests and complaints; investigates and decides or recommends actions.
•          Ensures OSHA and EPA compliance in all phases of the department’s work; ensures safety training is provided and work is performed in compliance with safety standards and rules.
•          Represents the Town to a wide variety of citizens, contractors, engineers, and State and Federal regulatory officials and is expected to work collaboratively to resolve issues.
•          Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

•          Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of a water distribution system, wastewater collection and treatment system, and laboratory procedures to provide for clean and safe drinking water for residents.
•          Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public works administration as applied to the development and construction, repair, and/or maintenance of public works projects and utilities.
•          Thorough knowledge of the standard methods, materials, and equipment employed for construction and maintenance operations for related public works and utilities activities.
•          Thorough knowledge of the occupational hazards and safety precautions of the work.
•          Considerable knowledge of state laws regulating water purification and distribution and standard procedures to meet permitted requirements; and of principles and practices of sewer collection and treatment. 
•          Considerable knowledge of the Town’s human resources, budgeting and purchasing policies and procedures.
•          Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices including leadership, motivations, communications, performance counseling and evaluation.
•          Working knowledge of related engineering specifications, AWWA requirements, and related environmental laws.
•          Working knowledge of the application of information technology to the work.
•          Ability to plan, direct, coordinate, and supervise and evaluate the work of staff involved in multiple public works field operations.
•          Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in applying standards to a variety of work situations.
•          Ability to read plans, blueprints, maps, and drawings.
•          Ability to express ideas, concepts, and plans effectively, both in oral and written forms, and to make public presentations.
•          Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with managers, elected officials, regulators, contractors, subordinates and the general public, and to emphasize team and customer service-oriented work.
•          Ability to demonstrate flexibility and adapt to changing management/Council priorities and unexpected events without an interruption in service.
•          Ability to maintain and prepare accurate plans and reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

•          Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and perform repetitive motions.
•          Must be able to perform light work of exerting up to twenty (20) pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to ten (10) pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
•          Must possess the visual acuity to read maps, schematic drawings and plans, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform extensive reading, use measuring devices, produce and review written reports and records including mathematical calculations, operate a computer, and to inspect work to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of work.

DESIRABLE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

•          Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in engineering, environmental science, public administration or related field and extensive experience in public works and/or utilities management and considerable supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

         Possession of a valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License.

         Possession of a Grade B Water Distribution Operator certification and a Water Backflow, Cross Connection Control certification issued by the State of North Carolina; or the ability to obtain within the time frame determined by the Town.   

         Possession of a Grade 2 Wastewater Biological certification and a Grade 2 Wastewater Collection System certification issued by the State of North Carolina; or the ability to obtain within the time frame determined by the Town.

         Possession of a Land Application certification issued by the State of North Carolina; or the ability to obtain within the timeframe determined by the Town.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

         Position is assigned to Grade 23 in the Town’s position classification system.