Director of Public Works (Open Until Filled) - County of Madera : Job Details

* Applications accepted via email. See the application process section below.*EBrochure - Director of Public WorksDEFINITIONUnder administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Public Works Department including Administrative Services, Engineering Services, Water and Wastewater Utilities, and Maintenance and Operations; serves as the Road Commissioner, serves as the County Engineer, and may serve as or provide administrative over sight of the County Surveyor function, as required by state law; formulates departmental policies, goals, and directives; coordinates assigned activities with other County departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among County departments and with intergovernmental, regulatory agencies, and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Chief of Development Services in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICSThis is a department head classification that oversees, leads, and participates in all activities of the Public Works Department, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the Chief of Development Services in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, County functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Supervisors, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement interdisciplinary projects and programs. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives and serves as an advisor and contributor to executive management and Board of Supervisors on policies, procedures, and major County initiatives.SUPERVISION EXERCISEDReceives administrative direction from the Chief of Development Services. Exercises supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision. The job functions listed below are not inclusive or exclusive and are intended only as illustrations or examples of the various types of work that may be performed in various divisions/departments. Reasonable accommodation will be made when requested and determined by the County to be appropriate under applicable law.* Assumes full management responsibility for all Public Works Department programs, services, capital projects, and activities including road operations, surveying, engineering services, solid waste management, public transportation, water and wastewater utilities, special projects, and right-of-way acquisition.* Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.* Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary.* Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.* Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.* Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.* Determines priorities for road and bridge maintenance and capital projects; estimates staff hours, equipment costs, and materials costs for road and bridge maintenance and construction projects; reviews completed work and work in progress for adherence to proper work standards.* Provides engineering expertise for grading, flood control, surveying, water and wastewater systems, structural calculations, traffic engineering, and land development projects; provides technical engineering input for public works projects.* Directs efforts and policies to prevent work-related accidents and/or mitigate safety hazards; confers with department staff on accidents or safety-related incidents or concerns.* Performs the duties of County Road Commissioner and receives policy direction from the Board of supervisors in this capacity; serves as County Engineer and either preforms or oversees the performance of the County Surveyor as required by law at the discretion and appointment of the Board of Supervisors.* Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.* Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.* Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public works.* Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the Chief of Development Services.* Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.* Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.* Performs related duties as assigned.Knowledge of:* Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.* Principles and practices of leadership.* Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.* Principles and practices of strategic plan development.* Principles and practices of budget administration, including funding program requirements.* Principles and practices of contract management.* General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.* Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration.* Functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected Board of Supervisors.* Principles and practices of civil engineering, including public works projects planning, development, design, construction, maintenance and operation.* Methods of preparing designs, plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and recommendations relating to County public works projects.* Duties and responsibilities as established by law, of the County Road Commissioner, County Engineer, and County Surveyor.* Methods and techniques of developing technical and administrative reports, and business correspondence.* Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility, including but not limited to the Government Code, Streets and Highways Code, the Subdivision Map Act, Public Resources Code, and Public Contract Code.* County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.* Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.* The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.* Current equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to the work performed.Ability to:* Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.* Provide administrative and professional leadership for the Department.* Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.* Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.* Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of management, supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility.* Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.* Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.* Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.* Understand and resolve complex engineering problems.* Effectively administer a variety of public works programs and administrative activities.* Effectively represent the County and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, developers, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.* Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.* Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.* Direct the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.* Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.* Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to the work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.* Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.* Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.* Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Education and Experience:Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:* Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering and seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional engineering experience involving the design, construction, and maintenance of public works projects, or other professional experience in a diversified public works agency, including three (3) years of management or administrative experience.Licenses and Certifications:* Possession of, or ability to obtain by the time of appointment, an appropriate California driver's license.* Possession of a valid registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the State of California.PHYSICAL DEMANDS Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various County and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds.ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.This position is open until filled. To be considered for this exceptional career opportunity, submit resume and cover letter immediately for optimal consideration. Review of resumes will begin on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Comprehensive resume should reflect years and months of employment, beginning/ending dates, as well as size of staff and budgets managed. Career highlights or accomplishments may also be submitted as a supplemental document forfurther consideration.Submit requested material to: [email protected] will be screened in relation to the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be given preliminary interviews by Ralph Andersen & Associates and in consultation with the CAO. Candidates deemed most qualified will be referred for further consideration. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in Round #1 Interview Activities (via Video) in late January. Ideally, final selection (Round #2) will be in late January or early February. The new Director of Public Works will begin work at a mutually agreeable date, ideally no later than March 2024.Final appointment by Madera County does require completion of comprehensive reference and background checks.For further information contact Project Director, Ms. Heather Renschler at (916) ###-#### or [email protected] of Madera is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of the organization.