7. discussion on potential changes to the Public Works Director job description and recruitment for the positionSCAâ–ºNDIA.
Staff Report
Date of Meeting: September 7, 2016
To: City Council
From: Neil Soltis, Administrator
Re: Public Works Director position description
Background: The last recruitment effort to fill the vacant Public Work director position generated S
applications. The lack of applications can be attributable to a combination of the pay and benefit
structure and the job description. The Council has some flexibility with regard to the pay structure
when formulating an offer to an applicant. The nature of the job description, particularly the
minimum qualifications, seems to be a more limiting factor in attracting candidates.
Issue: Should the job description be revised?
Proposal Details: Based on the discussion at the Council work session an alternate job
description has been drafted for review. Potential changes are offered for the Knowledge,
Skills, and Abilities section, the minimum qualifications, and the desired qualifications. The
intent of the changes is to allow someone working in the construction field to be a better fit for
the position with the thought experience in construction management is more important and
that the individual can obtain the other certifications over time. For individuals who do not
possess the sewer and water certifications, the current job description is not realistic since the
courses to obtain the certification are offered in a particular order and cannot necessarily be
completed within one year. The attached shows the current job description, an alternate job
description, and the previous Maintenance Supervisor job description that was used prior to
the Public works director position being created.
Fiscal Impact: None
Options:
1. Restart the recruitment effort using the current job description
2. Restart the recruitment effort using the alternate job description
Recommendation: Option 1- Restart the recruitment effort using the current job description
CURRENT PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. General knowledge of road construction and maintenance practices.
2. General knowledge of building and grounds maintenance practices.
3. General knowledge of tools and equipment used to perform maintenance
responsibilities.
4. Mechanical aptitude.
5. Knowledge of subsurface sewage treatment systems and small water systems.
6. Ability to perform, plan, prioritize and coordinate work responsibilities and effectively
utilize time, equipment, materials and personnel.
7. Skill in handling customer complaints and general information requests through phone
and/or personal contacts.
8. Basic skill level with personal computers and Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheet
software.
9. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide variety of City
personnel and the general public.
10. Ability to occasionally attend meetings or respond to emergencies on weekday evenings
and/or weekends.
11. Ability to deal discreetly with confidential information.
12. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
13. Ability to do some lifting, bending, climbing, reaching, overhead pushing and pulling.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Graduation from high school or GED equivalent required.
2. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in construction and
maintenance methods, materials and equipment as employed in road, drainage,
subsurface sewage treatment systems, and other public works projects.
3. Minimum of three years experience supervising employees.
4. Experience with building and grounds maintenance.
5. Experience in work safety standards and implementation of OSHA regulations.
6. Valid Minnesota Class E Water Supply system Operator certificate or ability to obtain
that certificate within six months.
7. Valid Minnesota Class D Wastewater Operator license or ability to obtain one within one
year.
8. Valid Minnesota Subsurface Sewage Treatment Provider certification or ability to obtain
that certification within one year.
9. Valid Minnesota Class "A" driver's license and good driving record.
10. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
11. Familiarity with SCADA systems and GIS software
12. Ability to respond from home to Public Works facility within 30 minutes
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor's Degree from an accredit college or university.
2. Certified Tree Inspector
3. American Public Works Certification
ALTERNATE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR POSITION
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. General knowledge of the best practices and procedures associated with
construction projects and maintenance activities, including project planning and
safety considerations.
2. General knowledge of building and grounds maintenance practices
3. General knowledge of the tools, materials, and equipment used to perform
maintenance responsibilities.
4. General knowledge and experience in procurement, bidding, and contracting
5. Skill in operating a wide range of equipment used in public works.
6. Skill in the use of computer systems and related software with proficiency in Microsoft
Office Suite
7. Ability to write clear and comprehensive work reports and read and interpret
technical manuals, documents, work orders, blueprints, diagrams and sketches.
8. Ability to prepare budgets, collect data, prepare accurate reports and present
information to groups in a public setting.
9. Ability to oversee the establishment and maintenance of accurate operational
record keeping systems.
10.Ability to analyze organizational and administrative problems, recommend
alternative courses of action, and provide leadership to others in implementing
such actions.
11.Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, adjust to changing priorities and work within
deadlines.
12. Ability to effectively motivate, coordinate and manage staff to maximize their
potential, productivity and effectiveness, and promote a constructive work
environment.
13.Ability to work constructively and interact professionally with subordinate
employees, elected officials, the general public, contractors, and representatives
of other public agencies
14.Ability to handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
15. Ability to deal discreetly with confidential information.
16.Ability to occasionally attend meetings outside of normal business hours.
17.Ability to occasionally respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis and lead
effectively in highly stressful situations.
18. Perform heavy manual work under confined and uncomfortable conditions
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Graduation from high school or GED equivalent required.
2. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in facilities management
and infrastructure construction and maintenance or a related field or equivalent
combination of education, experience and/or training which provides the knowledge,
skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.
3. Knowledge of safety best practices and OSHA regulations.
4. Demonstrated ability to operate heavy equipment.
5. Demonstrated ability in general mechanics.
6. Demonstrated experience in project planning and management.
7. Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
supervisors, associates, subordinates, contractors, officials of other agencies and the
general public.
8. Ability to complete ongoing training required to maintain all state licenses
9. Valid Minnesota Class "A" driver's license (or equivalent) and good driving record.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Previous supervisory and administrative experience is strongly preferred.
2. Bachelor's Degree from an accredit college or university.
3. Ability to respond from home to Public Works facility within 30 minutes
4. Certified Tree Inspector
5. American Public Works Certification
6. Valid Minnesota Class E Water Supply system Operator certificate.
7. Valid Minnesota Class D Wastewater Operator license
8. Valid Minnesota Subsurface Sewage Treatment Provider
Familiarity with SCADA systems and GIS software
PREVIOUS MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR POSITION
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of and skill in operation of heavy diesel and gas -powered construction
equipment.
2. Knowledge of road construction and maintenance practices.
3. Ability to assess weather conditions and make judgment calls to perform required duties.
4. Ability to plan, communicate and coordinate maintenance activities.
5. Ability to make minor repairs and adjustments to equipment.
6. Building maintenance skills.
7. Mechanical aptitude.
8. Ability to do some lifting, bending, climbing, reaching, overhead pushing and pulling.
9. Agility to perform job responsibilities in climatic extremes
10. Ability to work overtime or be on call as necessary and assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
1. High school diploma or equivalent education.
2. Three years experience in road construction and maintenance work involving the
operation of a variety of road construction equipment.
3. Valid class "A" driver's license and good driving record.
4. Supervisor or lead worker experience desirable.