Assistant Public Works Director

Position Available with the City of Marion:
Assistant Public Works Director (Full-Time)

Hiring Range of $72,693 - $82,000, depending upon experience and qualifications.

The City of Marion is seeking applicants with the experience and skills to assist with the day-to-day management and strategic planning of its Public Works Department. This is an opportunity to be a part of a dynamic, resilient team of professionals dedicated to making the City of Marion an exceptional place to live, work, and visit.

The City offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, including employer-paid medical, dental, vision and life insurance; enrollment in the Local Government Employees' Retirement System; a 5% employer contribution to a supplemental retirement plan with no required employee match; paid holidays; and paid time off.

Job Summary:

The City's Public Works Department includes Streets, Sanitation, Fleet Maintenance, Water Utility Maintenance, Water Treatment, and Wastewater Treatment. We are seeking candidates with experience in the operations, planning, supervision, and management of at least two of those functional areas, preferably in a local government setting.

Detailed Description of Duties:

This position performs responsible administrative, technical, and managerial work overseeing a variety of Public Works programs, projects, and functions. Work requires skill and experience in public works and/or utilities administration, project management, and personnel management. Work also requires knowledge of the modern methods used in the construction and repair of water and sewer lines and/or streets and storm drainage and general knowledge of the principles of engineering relevant to same.

Work requires considerable self-initiative, interaction with the public, and the ability to use independent judgment in the performance of duties. Work is performed under the direction of the Public Works Director and is evaluated based on how efficiently and effectively the assigned areas of responsibility are performed and managed.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Provides management guidance, planning, and direction for assigned divisions; sets priorities and deadlines in accordance with departmental needs; meets with subordinate supervisors to maintain open lines of communication and solve complex problems; assists Public Works Director with overall personnel management; assists in implementing and administering policies, procedures, and practices.
• Manages a wide variety of projects; writes RFPs and RFQs; reviews bids for compliance with specifications and evaluates qualifications of bidders; performs contract management; collaborates with engineers, consultants, regulatory authorities, contractors, and other City departments.
• Prepares bid specifications for the purchase of services, supplies, and equipment for the department; researches and negotiates with vendors to obtain the most beneficial rates.
• Compiles, maintains, and updates manuals containing technical specifications and standard details for the design, construction, and/or modification of street and/or water and/or sewer infrastructure.
• Reviews planned development utility and street plans for compliance with the City's standard details and specifications; oversees projects for compliance with specifications and contract documents; troubleshoots problems and devises solutions; reports progress to the Director.
• Oversees easement acquisition for projects when necessary. Researches deeds, tax maps, and other documents for easement verification, easement acquisition, etc.
• Applies for required permits from federal, state, and local regulatory authorities.
• Researches state and federal legislation and actions of regulatory authorities for pertinence to operations and environmental permits; prepares records and reports pertaining to department operations and regulatory compliance; performs statistical analysis, feasibility studies, and efficiency studies and generates reports; attends meetings of various councils, committees, and boards when requested.
• Assists Director in submitting, managing, and administering the departmental budget; oversees and approves expenditures; assists Director with short-term and long-term strategic planning.
• Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries or complaints; precedent-setting situations are referred to Director.
• Oversees departmental safety program; coordinates all required training; maintains documentation and files; ensures that all required plans and programs are in place and kept up to date.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines:

Interested candidates will be assessed on the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
• Experience with the application of principles and practices of municipal public works and/or utilities administration.
• Considerable knowledge of the methods, equipment, and materials used in the construction, maintenance, and repair of streets and drainage infrastructure and/or water and sewer utilities.
• General knowledge of the principles of engineering relevant to the construction and repair of streets and drainage infrastructure and/or water and sewer utilities.
• Thorough knowledge of the hazards of the work, safety precautions, and OSHA regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of the local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing the provision of public works and/or utilities services.
• Knowledge of governmental budgeting and purchasing and the City's related policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of and skill in executing modern and effective supervisory practices including leadership, motivation, communication, delegation, discipline, and performance review.
• Ability to interpret and prepare complex, technical, and detailed records and reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form.
• Ability to use independent judgment to solve complex technical problems and make sound recommendations.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with superiors, public officials, co-workers, consultants, contractors, subordinates, and the general public.

Environmental Conditions:

• Work subjects the employee to inside and outside environmental conditions, and the employee may be exposed to loud noise, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, fumes, odors, dust, and other potential safety hazards. Work may be subject to OSHA Standards regarding confined space entry.

Minimal Requirements:

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• May require specific certifications as determined by the City.

Preferred Education / Experience:

• Prefer graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil or environmental engineering, public administration, or a related field, and considerable experience in a responsible position in the public works or utilities field, with considerable personnel management responsibilities; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Prefer NC Water Treatment Facility Operator Certifications (Distribution and/or Surface Water Treatment) and/or NC Water Pollution Control System Operator Certifications (Wastewater Collection and/or Treatment).