County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Appointed by the Board of Supervisor, and through its general policy direction, the Director, provides general executive leadership, and directs, organizes, coordinates, and reviews the policies, programs, activities, and operations of the Public Works Agency which include programs and services such as Infrastructure Operations and Management, Traffic and Transportation Engineering and Planning, Construction and Contract Administration, Development Engineering and Permitting, Flood Control, and Community Services; provides policy guidance and advise to County executive leaders and governing bodies on public works matters; fosters cooperative relationships with community groups and enlist support for Agency objectives; and performs related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This single position class is responsible for conferring with, advising and making recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and various governing bodies. Direction is exercised through subordinate managers who have programmatic or departmental responsibilities, whereas the Director has overall responsibility for the planning and operation of the agency, its programs and related matters.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.


1. Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the activities of the various Public Works Agency which involves providing a wide variety of engineering, architectural, environmental, transportation, inspection, construction, and maintenance services to government agencies and the general public.

2. Prepare and make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and other governing bodies on short and long-range strategic plans; develop, recommend, and implement public works programs and continuous improvement efforts; formulate operating policies and procedures; and analyze and develop specific proposals for action on current and future needs.

3. Direct the Alameda County Flood Control and Water Conservation District in such activities as planning, designing, constructing and maintaining flood control and water conservation projects; manage and account for district funds; make recommendations regarding legislative and congressional actions required for flood control and water supply in Alameda County; make applications for water rights and federal or state funds for flood control and water conservation projects and programs; and direct the performance of countywide planning and studies for water quality.

4. Confer with officials of federal and state agencies, cities, and industry experts regarding public works matters of mutual interest and establish cooperative agreements and contracts; and direct special studies of public works facilities required for development in cooperation with cities and other agencies.

5. Direct the preparation and administration of the Agency budget; and appear at budget hearings to relate budget requests to the operational needs and goals of the Agency.

6. Interview and select employees for the highest professional and administrative positions in the Agency; through subordinate managers, select professional employees and evaluate their performance; develop and direct a comprehensive in-service training program; and approve the assignment of agency personnel.

7. Appear before a variety of groups such as governmental legislative bodies, c1v1c organizations, and technical groups to present, discuss, and stimulate interest in the County public works program; and develop contacts helpful in securing legislation and funds necessary to achieve public works goals.

8. Attend professional conferences and meetings; and keep informed on legal, technical, and administrative trends in the field of public works.

9. Direct the research, analysis, and preparation of a variety of written reports and correspondence relating to Agency matters.

10. Attend regular meetings of the Board of Supervisors to present, explain, and advise on agenda items pertaining to public works activities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Either I

 

Education:

Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public/Business Administration, Civil Engineering or related fields,

 

AND

 

Experience:

Broad and extensive experience in engineering administration, including the equivalent of at least eight years of experience in charge of a major department in a public works organization, such as a transportation and road department, or a flood control and water conservation district, or in charge of a construction and development engineering department, or an engineering and architectural department; and experience in planning and coordinating the work and activities of such branches or departments, giving direction and technical guidance to professional and non-professional personnel; and in resolving highly difficult and sensitive public legislative problems.

 

Or II

Any combination of training, education and experience that is equivalent to one of the patterns listed above and will provide the required knowledge and abilities.

 

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license.
Possession of a valid registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil Engineering within the State of California or ability to secure the registration within one year of employment.


NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices and techniques of modern public administration, management, personnel administration and organizational development.
• Principles and practices of governmental policy, organizational structure, and responsibility including modern trends in public works planning, services, operations, and program evaluation.
• Physical, social, economic, and legal implications for public work programs.
• Engineering, construction, and transportation planning, design, economics and contract administration.
• Federal and State legislative processes, and the process to effect desirable legislative outcomes.
• Public relations and outreach principles, practices and techniques.
• Engineering and transportation economics.
• Environmental law, requirements, and standards.
• Budget preparation, administration and control.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, direct and coordinate a large and complex public works program.
• Advise governing bodies and oversee complex administrative and executive activities including the development and implementation of agency policies.
• Select, direct, and provide leadership to staff and engage and motivate others towards a common goal.
• Analyze complex technical and administrative public works programs, develop appropriate solutions to problems, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Develop, control, and administer the Agency’s budget and expenditures.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and private officials, administrators, and organizations to foster support for County public works programs.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing with individuals and groups; and make compelling public presentations.
• Keep up with developments in the field of engineering, public works administration, technology and related public service trends.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the County’s Mission, Vision, and Values.
• Lead in a manner that is visionary, strategic and innovative when working towards change.
• Collaborate with other Agencies and Departments to meet overall county-wide needs while leveraging financial and other resources.
• Use business acumen to build a strong organization which delivers results.
• Provide the highest level of service delivery to diverse customers.
• Use interpersonal skills to communicate effectively.
• Promote personal and professional growth for self and others.
• Work effectively as a member and leader of diverse teams.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

Old document: 0305h
Revised 5/77
DF:sw
Revised 10/25/93
New document: Jobspecs/2055
ys/1/01

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.