Job Details

Public Works Director

The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of the City's Public Works Department. This includes oversight of operations, maintenance, and capital projects related to the City's water, wastewater, streets, pressurized irrigation, stormwater, and sanitation systems. The Director ensures the efficient delivery of essential public services, oversees department budgets and personnel, and coordinates with other City departments, contractors, and external agencies. This position requires strategic planning, sound management practices, and strong leadership to guide the department's daily operations and long-term goals. While the Public Works Director reports directly to the City Administrator, the position exercises significant autonomy, judgment, and discretion in departmental decision-making. The work is performed in both an office and outdoor environment. Works under the supervision of and reports directly to the City Administrator. Employees of the Public Works Department.

Examples of Duties

Leadership & Management

• Plan, organize, and manage all department operations, including day-to-day activities and long-range strategic initiatives.
• Provide direction and guidance to all department staff, including direct supervision of division directors and administrative staff.
• Recruit, train, and evaluate staff performance; make decisions on promotions, mentoring, and discipline.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, other city departments, contractors, consultants, elected officials, and the public.
• Ensure the department operates efficiently, safely, and in compliance with applicable policies and regulations.

Operations & Maintenance

• Direct the operation, maintenance, and repair of the City's water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, and pressurized irrigation, and sanitation systems.
• Oversee the delivery of solid waste collection and related services.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations related to water quality, wastewater discharge, and public works projects.
• Oversee the bidding, procurement, and maintenance of all department equipment and vehicles.
• Maintain and update departmental maps, asset inventories, and work order systems.
• Coordinate with other departments on shared infrastructure and operational activities.
• Oversee the snow removal operations and Snow Events as defined by the current snow proclamation.

Project Oversight

• Plan, schedule, and oversee public works and utility projects, including infrastructure repairs, replacements, and upgrades.
• Coordinate with engineering consultants and contractors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, and quality assurance.
• Participate in the development and review of capital project scopes, schedules, and cost estimates.

Financial & Strategic Planning

• Prepare and manage the department's annual operating budget.
• Develop and recommend capital improvement projects and assist in preparing the City's Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
• Monitor expenditures and ensure compliance with procurement policies and budgetary limits.
• Identify and pursue grant and funding opportunities to support departmental initiatives.
• Evaluate municipal public works issues and present recommendations to the City Administrator and City Council.

Public & Inter-Departmental Relations

• Provide responsive communication and assistance to residents, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Attend City Council meetings as scheduled and provide professional input on public works matters.
• Collaborate with other City departments to ensure integrated and efficient operations.
• Represent the City in meetings with other governmental agencies, organizations, and community groups.

Peripheral Duties

• Represent the City in professional organizations related to public works and utilities.
• Serve on committees and boards as assigned to contribute expertise and represent the City's interests.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, consistent with the overall goals and responsibilities of the Public Works Department.
• Assists the Ammon Urban Renewal Agency as needed on relevant projects.

Typical Qualifications

Classification Requirements:

• Knowledge of: principles and practices of public works operations, maintenance, and administration; methods, materials, and equipment used in the construction and maintenance of water, wastewater, street, storm drainage, and solid waste systems; federal, state, and local regulations applicable to public works and utilities operations; project management, budgeting, and contract administration practices; occupational safety standards and safe work practices (OSHA); human resources management principles; grant funding sources and procurement procedures; municipal government structure and public service delivery.
• Ability to: plan, organize, and direct the operations of a multifaceted public works department; develop and implement policies, procedures, and programs for efficient service delivery; interpret and apply regulations, policies, and technical standards; prepare and manage complex budgets and capital improvement plans; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with the public, City Council, and staff; establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, employees, contractors, and the public; analyze and solve operational and administrative problems; exercise sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism in all interactions; operate standard office equipment and use computer software for spreadsheets, databases, and reporting.
• Minimum Acceptable Experience and Training: Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, Construction Management, Environmental Science, or a related field; and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works operations, utilities management, or municipal services, including supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position. Valid Idaho Driver's License; a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is preferred, but not required.

Supplemental Information

Essential Physical Abilities:

• Communicate effectively in person, on the telephone, and in meetings.
• Operate computers and related office equipment.
• Perform duties in both office and field environments, including walking, bending, stooping, and occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
• Work outdoors in various weather conditions as needed to inspect projects or operations.

Tools, Equipment, and Information Technology (IT) Required for the Position:

• Workstation-quality desktop computer and standard office software (MS Office Suite).
• Mobile computer and City-issued smartphone.
• IWORQs Asset and Work Order Management software.
• Manager Plus Fleet Management Software.
• SCADA/Ignition software for utilities monitoring (as applicable).
• Other technology as required to perform assigned duties.

Work Environment:

The employee primarily works in an office environment with periodic exposure to outdoor conditions. Fieldwork may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, uneven terrain, noise, and varying weather conditions. The noise level is usually moderately quiet to moderate. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Travel Requirements:

• The employee must possess and maintain a valid Idaho driver's license and proof of valid insurance.
• Some local travel required.

Disclaimer Safety Sensitive:

This position is a safety sensitive position (defined in section 5.1 of the City of Ammon Personnel Policy Manual). A valid Driver's License is required to drive fleet vehicles for city use. It is subject to pre-employment, random, reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing.

Disclaimer:

Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing a significant safety threat to self or others. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required of individuals in the job. This job description is not an employment agreement and/or an expressed or implied employment contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.