Under policy direction from the Board of Supervisors, and in coordination with the County Administrator, provides direction, leadership and overall administration of all activities and programs of the Public Works Department; serves as the County Road Commissioner and County Flood Control Engineer; and does other related work as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Director of Public Works is an at-will, single position class that is exempt from the San Joaquin County Civil Service system. The incumbent is responsible for leading, managing, and administering the programs, functions, budgets, and activities of the Public Works Department. Through subordinate managers and supervisors, the Director of Public Works directs all public works projects, programs, activities, and administrative policies.
TYPICAL DUTIES
This specification is a general guideline for the class. The statements below are not restrictive, and the responsibilities and duties assigned to a position in this class may expand beyond those identified in this specification.
Plans, organizes, directs, and coordinates the activities, programs and functions of the San Joaquin County Public Works Department, including engineering, surveying, roads, bridges, solid waste operations, transportation, utilities, water resources, flood management, fleet services, and other programs; directs operations to maximize efficiency, improve service levels, reduce administrative and service provision costs, and ensure effective utilization of available resources; exercises good judgment and makes sound business decisions in managing department activities; provides strategic leadership within the department through communication, demonstration, and accomplishment of the organizational mission, vision, and values.
Through subordinate managers and supervisors, manages the work activities and responsibilities assigned to staff; maintains control of assignments of a large and diverse workforce; directs and administers department personnel matters, including employee selection, assignment, and evaluation; directs employee discipline as required; directs and oversees staff development and training.
Directs and oversees County engineering activities and projects with Federal, State, County or related agencies; directs and oversees the County Surveyor function through subordinate staff, or through contracted services.
Directs the development and implementation of operational policies and procedures; analyzes and interprets existing and proposed legislation as well as various regulations, policies, procedures, and other directives to determine impact on operations; oversees the development and implementation of programs and systems which result in efficient and effective public works operations.
Directs the development and administration of the department’s budget(s), including special district budgets; ensures that budget expenditures are properly controlled to conform with approved funding; determines appropriate levels of service; analyzes services to ensure cost effectiveness and superior customer service.
Attends meetings of the Board of Supervisors and provides recommendations on matters germane to areas of assignment; confers with management staff on policies, procedures, and workload standards, and directs changes as needed.
Represents the County and confers with officials of Federal, State, and local agencies, and others regarding public works matters of mutual interest for establishing policies, programs, funding initiatives, cooperative agreements and contracts.
Directs and manages the effective development and utilization of technology to improve systems and processes.
May act as, or oversee the activities of, the County Surveyor, who is registered as a Land Surveyor in the State of California.
Acts as a consultant on technical engineering matters for other County departments.
Oversees the preparation of complex reports and correspondence and other documents, including ordinances and resolutions, for action by the Board of Supervisors.
Develops and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships with federal, state and county officials, other counties, community groups, and the public.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
License: Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Land Surveyor issued by the California State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, or a certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists, with registration number 33965 or lower.
Education: Graduation from an accredited university with a master’s degree in business administration, public administration, civil engineering, or a closely-related field.
Experience: Seven years of senior-level management experience with responsibility for diversified engineering and related activities in a large public works organization, including at least five years as a Registered Civil Engineer.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Licenses: 1) Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists; and 2) Possession of a valid California driver’s license.
KNOWLEDGE
Principles and practices of public administration, including effective organization, leadership, administration, supervision and fiscal management; principles and practices of professional civil engineering disciplines as related to projects performed in a public works environment; administrative principles and practices related to organizational planning and analysis; principles and practices of contracting and procurement; principles of statistical analysis; research methods and reporting; Federal, State and local laws governing the planning, development and maintenance of public works projects; work methods, materials and equipment used in the engineering, construction, and maintenance of roads, bridges and related structures; flood management and water resources; general operations of a utility district; solid waste operations; general automotive and equipment shop operations; social, political, and economic issues influencing program administration; modern office automation technology and computer software programs relevant to assigned operations.
ABILITY
Plan, organize, direct, and administer the operations and programs associated with a large, complex public works department in a cost effective manner while also ensuring excellent customer service; provide appropriate and effective leadership and management over diverse staff teams, including subordinate managers and supervisors; exercise good judgment and make sound managerial decisions; gather, organize and analyze data in order to propose solutions to problems; exercise analytical and critical thinking to analyze complex problems and recommend appropriate solutions; understand, interpret, and apply legal codes, regulations, and rules pertaining to program operations; develop and implement sound fiscal strategies as needed to manage organizational operations, programs, and projects; prepare and administer budgets, as well as fiscal and financial records; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; prepare and deliver thorough and comprehensive written reports and give oral presentations to small and large groups; develop and execute strategic plans and establish priorities; direct the utilization of complex automated systems and manage automation efforts, including the direction of systems development, maintenance, and operation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of the work, including other County departments, external agencies, employees, and the general public.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS
Mobility—frequent operation of keyboards, sitting for extended periods; occasional walking, driving, standing for long periods and climbing stairs; Lifting—frequent lifting of 5-10 pounds; Vision—constant use of good overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; Dexterity—frequent writing and repetitive motion, including use of a computer keyboard; Hearing/talking—frequent hearing and talking on the telephone and in person; Emotional/psychological—constant decision-making and concentration; frequent public contact; Special Requirements--occasional evening, weekend and/or holiday work; Environmental—occasional outdoor work with exposure to varied weather conditions.
San Joaquin County complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and, upon request, will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.
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