Public Works Director

Plans, directs, and coordinates a comprehensive maintenance program for City streets, wastewater operations, water supply operations, and cemetery. Assist staff in the prompt and efficient delivery of City services. Promote an atmosphere of team work and cooperation.

Budget Responsibilities

• Recommends to City Administrator, Finance Director and City Council an annual operating budget for Public Works Department and provides input to the City Engineer for the five-year street improvement plan for the capital budget.
• Ensures operating expenditures are within budget.
• Serve as the responsible purchasing authority for Public Works Department (Maximum purchasing authority: $500).  

Position Duties

• Directs the City’s sewer, water and cemetery maintenance programs.
• Prepares weekly and monthly work plans and meets with staff on a weekly basis to review weekly assignment, project priorities, and preview upcoming projects.
• Directs snow removal operations including lining up snow plow trucks, drivers and equipment and ensures that vehicles in violation of the City’s winter parking ordinance are tagged, towed, and impounded.
• Directs the City’s street maintenance program including bituminous overlay, patching, seal coating, filling potholes, curbs/gutters, paint pavement markings, etc.
• Prepares specifications for new equipment in conjunction with the City Engineer.
• Directs the repair and maintenance of all equipment.
• Oversees the opening and closure of streets for sewer and water repairs or hookups.
• Ensures that City right-of-ways are clear of tree limbs, rubbish, and other obstructions.
• Coordinates work with private contractors.
• Locate city sanitary sewer and water utilities for contractors doing excavation.  Notify Gopher State One calls prior to digging.
• Order and purchase supplies for the Public Works Department.
• Monitor and maintain safe working conditions on each job and in the Public Works facilities and grounds. Coordinate Safe Assure training.
• Attend various meetings with the City Council, committees, engineers, or others. 
• Have input in City public works projects.  

Responsibility for Relationships

Internal 

• Ongoing work direction of public works staff.
• Daily contact with all departmental employees
• Frequent contact with City Engineer that includes, but is not limited to, budget preparation and project planning / coordination.
• Frequent contact with City Administrator, Finance Director, Mayor, and members of the City Council.
• Attend meetings as directed by the City Administrator.  

External

• Frequent contact, in person or by telephone, with the general public.
• Frequent contact with the public to assist in resolving complaints and concerns.
• Occasional telephone or personal contact with suppliers.
• Attend occasional meetings or conferences as a representative of the City.

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess a Class C Water Operator's License within six months of appointment.
• Must possess a Class C Wastewater Operator's License within one year of appointment.
• Minimum of five (5) years of Public Works or Construction Lead experience.
• A valid state-issued driver’s license with appropriate auto insurance in force.
• Direct experience with department budgeting, planning, and forecasting.
• Prior experience managing, organizing, and motivating direct reports in a union environment.
• Ability to effectively communicate in English both orally and in writing. Skill in typing, spelling, grammar, organizational skills, and business equipment and procedures.
• Communicate tactfully and professionally with the public, staff, and managers.
• Knowledgeable in basic computer operation and proficiency and experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, or similar software.
• Ability to formulate project goals, analyze data, and draw logical conclusions.  

Preferred Additional Qualifications:  

• College degree in a relevant field.

• Knowledge of proper delegation techniques and practices.
• Ability to effectively organize and direct employees.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing.
• Ability to handle confrontational situations with tact (public and employees.)
• Ability to positively respond to complaints and resolve problem situations with tact.
• Ability to operate power tools including drill press, hand grinder, bench grinder, drills, cutting torch, etc.
• Ability to work with others and act in a courteous manner with employees and customers.

The City offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance 
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• PERA Retirement Benefits
• Paid Time Off

Additional voluntary benefits are available at the employee's expense.

Interested candidates should submit an application and resume in person at City Hall (1015 Hillside Ave SW, Ste. 2) or by email to mbloomquist@pinecitymn.gov. Please include “Public Works Director” in the subject line of your email.