Placer County

(Unclassified) 

To assist the Director of Public Works/Road Commissioner in managing and directing the Public Works Department; to plan, organize and direct the activities of assigned divisions; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Public Works/Road Commissioner.

The Assistant Director level recognizes positions that serve as full line assistant to a director or assume responsibility for a major division or divisions and, in addition, perform general administrative tasks for a director.

Receives administrative direction from the Director of Public Works/Road Commissioner.

Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical and clerical personnel.

• Assist the Director of Public Works/Road Commissioner in managing and directing the Public Works Department.
• Assist in developing Department goals and objectives; assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct internal administrative and assigned Department activities.
• Develop and implement the Public Works Department work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Prepare the Public Works budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Represent the Department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written correspondence as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• In the absence of the Director of Public Works, to assume the responsibilities of the Director as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Six years of increasingly responsible experience in public works, including three years of management responsibility.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, public or business administration, or a related field.  Additional training in management is highly desirable.

Required License or Certificate:

• Possession of current registration as a professional Civil Engineer is desirable.  If registration is granted by a state other than California, registration granted by the State of California must be obtained within one year of employment.
• May need to possess a valid driver's license as required depending on the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

• Principles and practices of civil engineering and public works management
• Principles and practices of policy development and implementation.
• Principles and practices of project management, contract administration and negotiation.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of capital improvement programming and capital project financing.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

Ability to:

• Assist in directing a full service public works department.
• Organize, direct and implement comprehensive capital improvement and maintenance programs.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve Department cost recommendations; remember personnel rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time. Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means.
• Prepare and administer a departmental budget.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
• Interpret and explain Department policies and procedures.
• Negotiate contracts and agreements.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, including the ability to make concise and persuasive public presentations.