Assistant Public Works Director

Work Unit Overview: The Public Works Department within the County is responsible for maintaining roads and bridges and complying with the statutory requirements set forth for County road superintendents. Services include overseeing the design and reconstruction of existing roads and bridges; performing maintenance projects such as pothole repairs, chip seals, striping, signage, safety modifications, and drainage and storm water improvements. During the winter the department performs snow removal, de-icing, and sanding. Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities): These duties are the essential functions and are not all-inclusive of all duties that the incumbent performs. • Plan and coordinate the construction and maintenance of county roads, bridges and property, and the maintenance and repair of county vehicles and heavy equipment to ensure that the department provides services safely, in accordance with laws and policies, and within available resources. Develop and implement long and short range goals and objectives and establish policies and procedures for implementation of road maintenance and repair operations that are consistent with the policies of County Commissioners and Federal and state regulations. • Manage and oversee department personnel to ensure qualified staffing for operations in compliance with employment regulations and law. This includes personnel budgeting, hiring, performance management and appraisal, training, overseeing department supervisors, terminating employment, and conducting disciplinary and grievance hearings. • Conduct inspections of county roads and bridges to ensure safety and when necessary direct employees to respond to emergency situations including emergency snow removal, water on roadways, fallen trees, etc. This also includes periodic inspections of grounds, shops, facilities, and equipment and investigating and resolving complaints or procedural problems. • Resolve operational problems by developing and implementing new programs, methods and procedures to increase department efficiency and quality of work. This includes suggesting and implementing needed changes in county policies such as work in road right-of-way or easement permits and recommending and implementing changes in county policies as needed. • Oversee construction operations and contract administration to ensure effective program delivery and proper utilization of county resources. This includes reviewing work related to all current and future projects in terms of accomplishment of program activities; planning the nature, content, and extent of operations; reviewing and approving negotiations, contracts, and agreements with private businesses, other agencies, and the public; and providing for the continuous monitoring of the condition of roads and bridges. • Ensure employees and outside contractors follow County requirements when performing road and bridge work. Coordinate Road and Bridge work activities with other public works departments, County departments and local agencies. Ensure the implementation and enforcement of safety and traffic control procedures to ensure the safety of County employees and the public. • Administer the department budget established by the County Commissioners to ensure the performance of the assigned areas of responsibility within available resources. Monitor revenues and expenditures to ensure sound fiscal control and prepare annual budget requests. Ensure effective and efficient use of budgeted funds, personnel, vehicles, materials, contractors, facilities, and time. • Oversee the implementation of the equipment program including directing the development, deployment, and maintenance of equipment and vehicles for use within the County. Oversee the acquisition and deployment of equipment and vehicles; direct specialized mechanical repair and replacement of parts and equipment; and ensuring the proper maintenance of equipment. • Direct the administration of nvironmental, regulatory, and permitting activities in the County to ensure compliance. This includes ensuring documentation and permitting are attained for all projects; monitoring special permits; and related compliance activities. Establish practices and procedures; monitor compliance requirements through review of work; and resolve unusual or complex problems for subordinates. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: This job requires a thorough knowledge of: State and Federal regulations; operation of heavy equipment; County road conditions, areas and needs; construction and bridge maintenance on both paved and graveled roads; engineering and mechanical principles; management practices; budget and financial management experience; personnel management; policy management. This job requires skills in a general office environment as well as technical proficiency with engineering related software such as AutoCad and ArcView. Familiarity with GPS survey equipment is preferred, but not required. This job requires the ability to: communicate effectively verbally, electronically and in writing; manage multiple tasks at once; work with contracts and agreements; adhere to safety techniques and procedures at all times; comply with state and federal laws as well as County policies and procedures; deal with stress and emergency situations; deal effectively and tactfully with other County employees and the general public to accomplish departmental goals; establish effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, other County officials and departments, various state and federal agencies, and the general public. Education and Experience: The job requires education and experience equivalent to a BS degree in engineering or land surveying and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, management, construction, or related work experience. Professional Licensing as a PE or LS is preferred, but not required. Richland County application can be picked up and returned to Job Service Sidney at 211 North Central.