Job Opening - Public Works Director

Job Opening: Public Works Director

POSITION TITLE:                    Public Works Director

DEPARTMENT:                        Public Works

REPORTS TO:                          City Administrator

EFFECTIVE DATE:                   January 1, 2023

FLSA STATUS:                         Exempt

SALARY STEP:                        Range 53-56 / Step 1-10 / $89,426.25-$125,652.72- annually (Depending on Qualifications)

BENEFITS:                               

Complete benefits package including:

• excellent medical, dental, vision,
• life insurance,
• employee assistance program,
• pension with the Washington State Department of Retirement.
• Paid time off and holidays

The City of White Salmon, Washington is in search of an experienced, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable leader to serve as the Director of Public Works.

LIVING IN WHITE SALMON
Located just an hour outside of Portland, Oregon in the picturesque Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon is a tight-knit community of approximately 2,500 people.

As the gateway to the White Salmon River and Mt. Adams Wilderness Area, White Salmon provides not only a quaint mountain setting, but direct access to scenic adventures for whitewater daredevils and casual hikers alike.

Just 10 minutes away, Hood River, Oregon and its surrounding communities create opportunities for everything from apple picking excursions to fresh powder Mt. Hood ski days. Day trips to great food and cultural activities in Portland, weekend getaways to Oregon/Washington beach towns, and road trips to the many amazing sites across the Pacific Northwest are common activities for White Salmon residents.

CORE OBJECTIVES

The Public Works Director serves as a strong, knowledgeable, and collaborative leader, charged with planning, directing, and overseeing all operations of the Public Works Department. This entails:

• Leveraging the Director’s deep knowledge of operating and maintaining infrastructure systems, construction administration, engineering, project management, maintenance operations, and all corresponding aspects thereof.
• Effective, detailed oversight of department programs and services, including: design and construction of public improvements, engineering, systems development charges, and the operation, maintenance and service delivery associated with roadways, sidewalks, public rights-of-way, water services, and wastewater collection systems.
• Alignment with the Planning Director on planning and development of public facilities and infrastructure in accordance with City Development Code and review of building permits, land use decisions, and required reports, studies, and plans.
• Integration of all City processes and procedures as they relate to Public Works.

SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Superior management skills that promote teambuilding and good communication. An ability to identify and reward top contributors, as well as drive accountability and corrective action where necessary.
• The drive and ability to execute against goals, policies, and priorities for the Public Works Department, as well as troubleshoot feasibility problems and propose thoughtful, viable solutions.
• Big-picture thinking that enables Public Works to contribute to the development of short- and long-range objectives with City Administration where appropriate.
• Diligence and knowledge to perform reviews of infrastructure master plans, policies, and project proposals and report emerging or sensitive issues to the City Administrator and City Council.
• Project management expertise to effectively direct construction projects and, where appropriate, provide more detailed oversight.
• The ability to understand, interpret, explain, and apply all policies, laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances applicable to public works construction and maintenance.
• The desire and skills to contribute effectively as a member of a team, work productively and cooperatively with other teams and external customers, and convey a positive image of the City of White Salmon to the public.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assign work activities and projects to the Public Works staff, monitors productivity, and evaluates work procedures to ensure timely and cost-effective project results.
• Direct and/or perform construction management over large and complicated projects, to include project planning and design, development/administration of project terms and conditions, and evaluation of contract compliance.
• Serve as primary for the development of the Public Works initial budget during budget season. Administer approved budgets and forecast additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Prepare and/or direct preparation of a wide variety of briefs and reports related to the department and City’s public works infrastructure.
• Monitor and inspect progress of projects in the field through project briefs, email, comprehensive reports, interaction with foreman and crew, and review of completed work orders.
• Evaluate the level of service provided by the department as a basis for making improvements to productivity and cost effectiveness. Evaluate work procedures, staffing, equipment, project scheduling, productivity, and labor costs as guides to improving work practices.
• Direct and oversee public information for the department via project status reports, snow and inclement weather, water quality data, and other informational communications. Prepare and present monthly department reports, as well as annual work plans and reports, to City Council.
• Serve alongside other department heads as part of the strategic leadership team supporting the City Administrator.
• Perform other duties as assigned that support the overall objective of the position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Mandatory Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, construction management, architecture, or closely related discipline
• PLUS six (6) years or more of progressively responsible experience in public works, engineering, construction management, and supervision of professional, technical, and trades staff.

Special Requirements/Licenses

• Possession of or required to obtain a valid Washington driver’s license within 60 days of hire.
• Must have a safe driving record.
• Certification in water operation systems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the direction of the City Administrator, who supports and evaluates the Director in achieving goals and objectives.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supervision of Public Works Department staff which, including oversight and final authority for assigning and reviewing work and evaluating performance.
• Oversight of the City’s contracts for engineering services and construction inspection services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.