DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS - Fort Pierce, FL

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Under the direct supervision of the Deputy City Manager of Public Services, the Public Works Director is responsible for the overall management, administration, and operation of the public works department. This senior level executive oversees the comprehensive operations of the department, ensuring the efficient and effective delivery of essential services and infrastructure projects. This position involves strategic planning, budget management, and oversight of public infrastructure and services, including streets and drainage, solid waste collection, parks and ground maintenance, facilities maintenance and fleet management. Highly responsible administrative, technical and supervisory work directing the operations of the Public Works Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Strategic Planning and Leadership
Supervises, directs, plans, coordinates and instructs all divisions and personnel within the Public Works Department.
Develop and implement long-term strategic plans for the public works department aligning with the City’s goals and objectives.
Establish within city policies, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.

Operational Oversight
Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level supervisory and managerial personnel, to ensure the execution of the department’s strategic plan; assign projects and areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with management staff to identify and resolve problems.
Ensure projects are completed on time, within budget and to the required quality and safety standards.
Manage the procurement process, including negotiating contracts and overseeing contractor performance.

Financial Management
Oversee and participate in the development and administration of the public works department budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and fiscal responsibility.
Monitor expenditures, revenues, and financial performance implementing corrective actions as needed.
Identify and pursue funding opportunities including grants, and partnerships, to support departmental initiatives.

Human Resources and Staff Development
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate public works department personnel.
Encourage a positive work environment that promotes teamwork, professional growth, and high morale.
Address personnel issues and implement strategies to correct deficiencies, retain and motivate employees.

Community Engagement and Communication
Serve as the primary point of contact for the public on matters related to public works.
Represent the public works department to city administration, other city departments, elected officials, and outside agencies coordinating department activities with public service needs.
Attend public meetings, provide updates on projects, and engage with the community to address concerns.

Emergency Response and Preparedness
Develop and implement emergency response plans for public works- related incidents and natural disasters.
Coordinate with emergency management agencies and other departments to ensure readiness and effective response to emergencies.
Manage recovery efforts and restoration of services following emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of modern techniques, methods and procedures, principles and practices of all phases of Public Works, general office and business administration and the ability to apply them.
Knowledge of the use and care of all types of tools, equipment, instruments, materials and supplies.
Ability to plan, direct, supervise, coordinate, organize and inspect Public Works projects and plans, programs and activities.
Ability to prepare written technical reports, estimates, cost and construction records.
Ability to plan, assign, instruct, review and evaluate work assignments of technical and professional personnel.
Ability to address civic organizations or other public or private groups on subjects relative to Public Works programs and projects.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with subordinates, superiors, municipal officials and the general public.
Ability to effectively lead and manage an organization.
Ability to prepare, develop and present long-range plans and programs.
Skill in public relations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree in public administration, Civil Engineering, or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred)
Minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in construction or Public Works maintenance, with a progressive detailed knowledge of modern Public Works practices. Ten (10) years’ of progressively responsible experience in major supervisory capacity or any acceptable combination of training and experience thereof.
Proven track record of strategic planning, budget management, and policy development.
Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS OR REGISTRATIONS:
None

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:
Acceptable hearing (with or without hearing aid)
Acceptable eyesight (with or without correction)
Ability to communicate in English both orally and in writing
Ability to access, input and retrieve information from a computer
Ability to access files and retrieval of data
Ability to sit at a desk and view a display screen for extended periods of time.

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