Reporting directly to the Mayor, the Public Works Director plans, organizes, directs, and controls all activities of the engineering division, regional water treatment facility, wastewater treatment and collection systems, and public works operations which include fleet, streets, sanitation, and facilities. The Director determines short-term and long-range needs and develops operations and maintenance plans and budgets. The Director ensures the efficient and economical use of the resources of the department, including budgeted funds, grant money, personnel, facilities, and time, to accomplish short-term and long-range objectives. The director is responsible for directing and implementing the Department’s work plan and ultimate management through meeting with managers and staff to identify and resolve problems; assign projects and delegate areas of responsibility; and ensure objectives are being met.

1. Monitor and control performance of the department in conformance with objectives, plans, schedules, and budgets. Monitor variances and implement necessary corrective actions.
2. Apply thorough and extensive knowledge of modern operations and maintenance techniques and sound management principles to manage, advise, and provide support to assigned divisions. Advise department managers and provide direction.
3. Manage the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and priorities in support to the City’s strategic plan and goals and objectives.
4. Supervise assigned managerial, professional, and support staff; assign projects and functional areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
5. Coordinate with the Planning and Development Services Department as needed to review plans, permits, and design standards, according to City policy, procedures, and ordinances, assess and develop needs for maintenance and capital improvements to support long-range plan development.
6. Research and recommend to the Mayor programs for public works and utility maintenance and operation, consistent with public health and safety. Prepare requests for state and federal financial assistance for such programs, supply proper supporting materials, and maintain intergovernmental coordination.
7. Coordinate the operations of all public works divisions to assure consistency, teamwork, and eliminate duplications and conflict.
8. Respond to public inquiries, investigate, and resolve complaints, or refer to appropriate individual or department for resolution.
9. Develop and maintain constructive relationships with elected officials, property owners, developers, contractors, and the public regarding public works programs and activities, to ensure that efforts are effectively directed toward achieving City goals. Assist the Mayor and other department heads in special projects as assigned.
10. Provide staff support to the City Council as needed on public works matters by preparation and analysis of reports. Schedule and assign staff to meet project or program requirements.
11. Attend frequent city council, planning commission, and community meetings as required, often outside regular working hours.

QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree in civil, sanitary, environmental, public works, or mechanical engineering and/or in public administration; and ten (10) years of previous experience of professional public works experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A professional engineer certification and master’s degree is preferred.

Licenses and other requirements: Valid Washington State driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Emergency management training and/or experience.
• Municipal public works such as design, maintenance, and construction.
• Municipal solid waste.
• Principles of budget preparation and expenditure control.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations pertaining to public works functions.
• Managerial and leadership functions.

Ability to:

• Interact extensively with the public, City Council, City departments, and other entities on a regular basis while providing a high level of responsivity and complex support.
• Plan, schedule, and review the work of others in a manner conducive to proficient performance and high morale. Desirable to have five or more years of experience in management at a comparable level.

LEVEL OF AUTHORITY: Implements programs with activities reviewed by the Mayor for adequacy of professional judgement, compliance with policies, and achievement of results consistent with objectives within budget. Operates with only nominal direction and appreciable latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability, within broad policy guidelines, department objectives and applicable laws, rules, and ordinances.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is performed in a standard office environment. Requires occasional attendance at evening meetings and supporting special project deadlines outside the normal workweek. Travel to off-site locations may be required.

PHYSICAL: Manual dexterity, often repetitive, to utilize a personal computer and other standard office equipment. Must be able to identify and assess written and numerical materials. Ability to communicate effectively for the exchange of information. Ability to be stationary for extended periods of time with occasional mobility within an office environment. Must be able to push, pull, or lift ten pounds and carry twenty pounds.

OTHER: The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility; but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individual may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

Following an offer of employment, and prior to starting work, individuals may be required to have a pre-employment physical examination by a physician designated by the City of Anacortes. The City will pay for the examination. Satisfactory clearance to perform essential job functions will be required for employment. As an absolute condition of employment, employees are required upon hire to sign a drug-free workplace agreement and an agreement not to use tobacco products in any form while on the job.

The City of Anacortes is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, creed, sex (including pregnancy), age (over 40), marital status, families with children, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, genetic information, sexual orientation including gender identity, or status as an honorably discharged veteran or military status, or any other class protected by federal, state, or local law. Accommodations for people with disabilities are provided on request.