PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/WWTP SUPERINTENDENT

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

 

General Statement of Duties

 

Performs difficult professional, technical and administrative work planning, organizing and directing a variety of public works and public utilities activities including: water and sewer system and wastewater treatment plant construction, maintenance and operations; street and sidewalk maintenance and repair; sanitation services; equipment services, park and cemetery maintenance, and engineering services.

 

Distinguishing Features of the Class 

 

An employee in this class plans, organizes and directs the work of employees engaged in a wide variety of municipal operations and services to insure that projects are completed in a safe, effective and efficient manner by both municipal work crews and contract labor.  The employee provides technical advice and assistance in working with the Town Administrator and other members of the management team.  Work also includes: contract management, handling citizen issues and budget and personnel administration of the department.  Work involves serving as ORC of the Water Distribution System and Sewer Collection System, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The employee is also the Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent.  As the Superintendent, the employee develops and implements maintenance procedures for the treatment plant; maintains and reviews records; plans, supervises and participates in the activities of personnel engaged in wastewater treatment operations and maintenance; insures safety of employees; and provides technical guidance.  The employee represents the Town to a wide variety of citizens.  Work is performed independently and in coordination with the Town Administrator and other Town officials.  The employee is subject to working in inside and outside environments.  The employee is also subject to various hazards such as working in close proximity to heavy equipment, loud noises, electrical current, oils and working in narrow or enclosed spaces.  May be subject to final standards of the OSHA blood borne pathogens.  Work is performed under the general direction of the Town Administrator and is evaluated by review of reports, conferences and acceptance of the community.

 

Illustrative Examples of Work

• Responsible for operations and maintenance of Wastewater Treatment Plan, Water Distribution System and Sewer Collection System, street maintenance, and solid waste.
• Oversees and coordinates plant/system maintenance and repair activities; inspects lift stations. Implements preventive maintenance programs for the utility systems including implementation of critical valve maintenance, hydrant maintenance and flushing schedules, and meter change-out schedules; water and sewer line right of way inspection and maintenance; sewer line cleaning, and wastewater treatment plant equipment housekeeping, maintenance, and repair; street and sidewalk maintenance and repair; coordinates necessary repairs with outside contractors.
• Plans, organizes and supervises departmental compliance with all applicable codes, laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures: ensures adherence to established safety procedures: monitors work environment and use of safety equipment to ensure safety of employees and other individuals: initiates any actions necessary' to correct deviations or violations. 
• Plans, organizes, and supervises engineering work in the design and construction of streets, sidewalks, sewer systems, drainage structures, utilities installation.
• Evaluates the need for, and develops plans and schedules for, long range public works programs; organizes available resources for the maintenance, improvement, and repair of public works facilities, and Town buildings.
• Supervises and conducts field inspections of municipal construction and repair work.
• Compiles estimates, contract provisions, and specifications.
• Confers with the Town Administrator and various public groups on proposed projects and improvements.
• Confers with subordinates on the construction, repair, and maintenance of public works facilities;
• Develops and administers operating and capital projects budget.
• Prepares and presents regular and special oral and written reports.
• Recruits, trains and evaluates job performance of department employees. Implements personnel policies.
• Implements appropriate recognition and disciplinary actions. Develops performance improvement programs.
• Develops training programs to meet department needs. Provides leadership to department employees.
• Responds to inquiries from citizens, businesses and developers on issues relating to street, storm water management, garbage and yard debris problems or needed repairs.
• Responds to emergencies and ensures adequate and prompt corrective action is taken.
• Coordinates and manages activities related to adverse weather conditions. Serves as point of contact for federal FEMA programs.
• Works outside normal work hours in emergency and on-call situations, as needed.
• Oversees and assists in maintaining a safe work environment and ensures federal and state requirements are met. Develops and enforces safety standards.
• Compiles and/or monitors various administrative and/or statistical data; performs research and makes applicable calculations; analyzes data and identifies trends; prepares/generates reports; maintains records, prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, flow charts, technical reports, public notices, spreadsheets, or other documents.
• Provides information/education to the public concerning water/sewer utilities; participates in public meetings. Attends meetings and makes presentations as needed.
• Prepares a variety of records and documents and submits necessary reports to meet required state permits.
• Performs related tasks as required.

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of public works and utilities and engineering administration, planning and construction.

 

Related public works, storm water and utilities Town policies, state and federal laws and regulations.

 

Equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance and repair of water and sewer lines and streets.

 

Related engineering principles and practices.

 

Engineering design principles and ability to apply them to designated projects.

Wastewater treatment processes and equipment, including basic chemical, bacteriological, and biological processes.  Water distribution systems and sewer collection system operation and maintenance requirements.

 

Industrial wastes and their effect on wastewater treatment processes and equipment.

 

Governmental budgeting, personnel and purchasing practices and related Town policies and procedures and public personnel laws and regulations.

 

Principles and practices, laws and regulation relating to supervised functions.

Application of information technology to work of the department including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) GIS, spreadsheets, and data analysis tools.

 

Ability to:

Manage subordinate supervisors utilizing effective leadership communications, motivation, staffing, conflict resolution and coaching.

 

Prepare complex and detailed records and reports.

 

Maintain effective working relationships with Town Administrator, Town Council, other public officials, employees, contractors and general public.

 

To present ideas effectively in oral and written form.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands of Work

 

This is medium work requiring the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects; work requires climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, and grasping; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving small defects and/or small parts, operation of machines, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, extreme cold, extreme heat, and noise.

 

Education and Experience

 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering, or related field, and considerable experience in a responsible management position in utilities or public management field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

 

 

Special Requirement

 

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.