Job description

The City of Amesbury (estimated population 18,000), a dynamic Merrimack Valley community rich in tradition with a vibrant and expanding economic base, is seeking a strong candidate to serve as the City’s Public Works Director. The Public Works Director performs complex supervisory, administrative, professional, and civil engineering work in planning, directing, and managing the operations of the Department of Public Works, including cemetery, engineering, highway, water, sewer, City buildings, parks, and tree care. Maintains and improves the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under their direction and control. Perform all other related work as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as examples of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Plans, administers, and directs all operations of the department of public works; establishes departmental policies and procedures based on needs of the City; consults with Mayor or their designee on major changes.
• Develops and implements departmental goals and priorities in response to needs of the City and department; evaluates public works needs and formulates long and short-range plans to meet needs; evaluates effectiveness of programs and adjusts as necessary.
• Prepares and documents budget requests for all operation costs, equipment purchases, and construction and maintenance projects. Oversees departmental purchasing in conformance with City policies; develops technical specifications for bids and recommends award of bids. Monitors and controls expenditures.
• Works collaboratively with Human Resources to recruit, interview, and recommend appointment of departmental employees; plan and direct employee training; develop procedural, operational and safety polices for department; evaluate employee performance; handle departmental discipline in accordance with labor contracts, policies and state and federal laws and monitor the use of leave for all department employees.
• Supervises subordinates and ensures staffing levels, including contracted services and seasonal requirements, conducts regular inspections of work sites to ensure compliance with departmental policies and technical requirements.
• Responsible for maintenance of Public Works facilities and equipment as well as municipal facilities.
• Ensures the DOT/FHWA Drug and Alcohol screening regulations are enforced.
• Responsible for the maintenance of all public parks, athletic fields, and cemeteries.
• Overseesthe City’s Tree Warden and manages the related maintenance with outside vendors.
• Formulates and recommends policies, procedures, and projects in areas relevant to Public Works.
• Manages the Public Works operating budget and water and sewer enterprise funds.
• Responds to related media inquiries and questions in consultation with the City’s Communication Director.
• Manages departmental capital needs and recommends capital purchases.
• Reviews major engineering, design, and construction projects including special permits and site plans.
• Oversees the planning, design, and operation of roads, drainage systems, and related improvements.
• Manages labor contracts for department employees and oversees and advises the negotiating team during contract negotiations.
• Oversees winter maintenance and snow removal operations.
• Oversees bidding requirements as they relate to Public Works projects.
• Oversees the collection of garbage and recycling from public buildings and the public recycling center as well as City wide collection programs.
• Oversees work on roads, sidewalks, culverts, and other related public structures.
• Approves department payroll and accounts payable on a weekly basis.
• Responds to and addresses citizen complaints or inquires tactfully and efficiently.
• Makes occasional presentations to City Council about department activities.
• Prepares applications and documentation for state and federal grants.
• Attends occasional night meetings with boards/committees and attends City Council as needed.
• Works with different state and federal agencies to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.
• Manages Chapter 90 funds for road improvements and associated paving schedules.
• Coordinates, prepares, and monitors all Public Works division and capital budgets.
• Other duties as related.

Supervision Received: Works under the administrative direction of the Mayor or their designee.

Supervision Given: Has direct supervisory responsibility for all employees and divisions of Amesbury’s Public Works department.

Minimum Qualifications:

To be considered for this position, applicants must have at a minimum the following:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field and seven (7) years public works experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years management experience
• Must be able to pass a CORI background check and possess a valid drivers’ license

Desired Qualifications

Applicants will gain special consideration if they have the following qualities or qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
• Certified Public Engineer
• Valid CDL or Class C Hoist License
• PE Construction Supervisors License

Required Skills and Qualities:

• Practical knowledge of public works administration, civil engineering, and construction management.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and a desire to meet and serve the community.
• Knowledge of the materials, methods, and techniques of public works applicable to a municipal setting; knowledge of laws and regulations governing municipal public works operation.
• Ability to work well with other staff members and to lead by example.
• Ability to motivate, establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• General knowledge of Microsoft windows operating systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal form.
• Ability to coordinate, multi-task office activities and to supervise staff.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with various departments in cross-disciplinary projects, integration of databases and technology.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Position frequently works out of an office environment with moderate noise levels. Frequent periods at computer terminal or on telephone or operating two-way radio equipment. Frequent periods of supervision or inspecting in non-office environments, including garages and construction projects. Frequent periods spent outside subject to weather conditions while inspecting or directing work, including prolonged periods of inclement weather during storm-related emergency situations. Frequent driving, walking, standing, climbing, balancing, kneeling, crouching, talking, hearing, reaching, inspecting by hand or vision or smell; occasional requirement for sustained uncomfortable physical positions and operation of tools and equipment. Occasional lifting, standing, bending, and carrying of files, documents, and records. Employee should expect frequent periods at computer terminal or on telephone.

The work consists of a variety of duties which generally follow standardized practices, procedures, regulations, or guidelines. The employee uses judgment to locate, select and apply the most pertinent practice, procedure, regulation, or guideline. The sequence of work and/or the procedures followed vary according to the nature of the transaction and/or the information involved, or sought, in a particular situation. The employee must be familiar with, and observe, applicable Federal and State laws, and City rules and regulations. Requires ability to communicate rules, regulations, and related laws in an effective and appropriate manner.

Errors are difficult to detect and could result in financial losses and/or legal exposure.

Makes frequent contacts with municipal employees, other city department, citizens, committees, and some contact with the general public.

Has access to an extensive amount of department-related confidential information concerning personnel, employee health and other records, sensitive employee family and financial information, union grievances, and collective bargaining negotiation proposals.

The City of Amesbury is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City of Amesbury does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status or membership in the armed services, marital status or any other protected category under federal or state law.

Full-time, Exempt, Non-union

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $115,000.00 - $135,000.00 per year

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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