Director of Public Works and Infrastructure

Prairie Island Indian Community; Welch Township (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Prairie Island Indian Community seeks a Public Works and Infrastructure Director to lead and manage the Public Works and Infrastructure divisions, including Water/Wastewater, roads, utilities, and facilities. You will oversee budgets, grants, safety, and performance, while aligning operations with the community's vision and values.

Required are a public works-related bachelor’s degree, 7+ years in management, and 5+ years supervising staff and contracts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a public works related field (civil engineering, environmental science, construction management or public administration).
• Seven years of public works management experience.
• Five years of supervisory experience including personnel, contractors, and department operations.
• Strong leadership and personnel management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Knowledge of public works operations, infrastructure, and contract administration.
• Ability to interpret engineering plans, specifications and regulatory documents.
• Experience working within a government structure and tribal government.
• Pass drug screen and criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Advance the strategic goals and objectives through departmental initiatives in alignment with PIIC’s Vision, Mission, and Values.
• Oversee construction and repair of Tribal roads, sidewalks, rights-of-way, and related utilities.
• Administer planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of varied facilities.
• Consult with staff on short and long-range goals and plans for Public Works operations.
• Plan, organize, and direct major work elements for professionals and staff.
• Monitor third-party contractors to ensure project progress and grant compliance.
• Monitor grant reporting and ensure division grants follow grantor requirements.
• Oversee division budget and resources; advise on budget funding for programs.
• Maintain records and prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Collaborate with Finance on asset management inventory and control.
• Assist in monitoring architectural and engineering contracts.
• Analyze special conditions and solve problems in projects.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures.
• Manage goals and objectives as outlined in contracts and grants.
• Supervise division staff and performance management.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Staff management

Public works knowledge

Budget oversight

Strong communication

Contract administration

Regulatory compliance

Interdepartmental collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree (public works)

Job description

SUMMARY

The Public Works and Infrastructure Director is responsible for all aspects of Public Works and Infrastructure services to include but not limited to, facilities and grounds services, utilities, roads, parks, and infrastructure.

The following existing departments fall under the authority of Public Works and Infrastructure: Public Works, Water/Wastewater (Utilities). Oversight and accountability of the Public Works and Infrastructure division includes all facets of the daily operations, including, but not limited to, quality assurance; staff supervision and development; active monitoring; fiscal accountability; and comprehensive planning, organizing, scheduling, directing, and coordinating all of the activities of the departments. The Public Works and Infrastructure Director is expected to perform all duties and responsibilities necessary to meet the goals and objectives of applicable programs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following duties and responsibilities are not meant to be all inclusive and may be adjusted to meet business needs.

1. Advance the strategic goals and objectives through departmental initiatives in alignment with PIIC’s Vision, Mission, and Values
2. Responsible for the oversight and management of the construction and repair of Tribal roads, sidewalks, rights-of-way, equipment, etc. in relation to the Public Works and Infrastructure services, functions, and activities.
3. Administrative responsibility in the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of varied utilities and Public Works facilities.
4. Consults with assigned staff on the development of short and long-range goals and plans, necessary for the success of Public Works operation.
5. Plan, organize, and direct major work elements for professional, technical, and support personnel of the Public Works and Infrastructure Division.
6. Monitor and review work of third-party contractors to assure project advancement and compliance with funding and performance measures.
7. Monitor grant reporting and assure that division grants are following grantor agencies requirements including narratives, reporting and compliance.
8. Oversee budget and management of division resources; provide input and recommendations for departmental and division budget in order to fund existing and new program services.
9. Maintain manual and computerized records and the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports as needed or deemed necessary to ensure accountability in the administration of the applicable Public Works programs, services, functions, and activities.
10. Work closely with Finance and the departments for asset management inventory, acquisition, and control.
11. Assist with monitoring architectural and engineering consultants contracts who are involved in the design and construction of assigned projects.
12. Responsible for analyzing special conditions/circumstances which arise in projects, assisting staff with solving difficult or unusual problems.
13. Supervise and assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures
14. Responsible for carrying out the goals and objectives as outlined in the applicable contract(s) and/or grant(s) maintained.
15. Manages the division including but not limited to, general supervision of assigned departments, training and coaching, performance evaluations, disciplinary procedures, leave approvals, timecards, etc., with applicable approval when necessary.
16. Performs other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in a public works related field such as civil engineering, environmental science, construction management or public administration.
2. Seven (7) years of experience in public works management and administration
3. Five (5) years of supervisory experience including responsibility for personnel, contractors, and department operations
4. Strong leadership and personnel management skills with the ability to establish staff member accountability and maintain a positive working environment.
5. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, including ability to prepare reports and present technical information
6. Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
7. Demonstrated knowledge of public works operations, infrastructure, construction management, and contract administration
8. Ability to review and interpret engineering plans, specifications, construction documents, regulatory requirements, contracts, bids, and other technical documents
9. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a management team and government structure
10. Demonstrated ability to work respectfully within a Tribal government and Native American community
11. Pass drug screen (UA) and a criminal background check
12. Valid driver’s license and proof of insurability

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certifications in water quality and wastewater management and safety
• Working and demonstrated knowledge of IHS and other standards

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: *

• Position requires repetitive use of fingers, hands, wrist in job related duties, i.e. telephone, computer. Complete range of motion, including fine motor skills and tactile sense of both hands.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time with occasional amounts of standing or walking
• Must have the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds

REQUIRED TRAINING

• Harassment training
• Any position-related training as determined by Tribal Administrator

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed primarily in an office setting, but may include occasional outdoor activities

DISCLAIMER AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

All Prairie Island Indian Community employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

The Prairie Island Indian Community Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance applies to this and all employment opportunities for the Community.

*See physical demand analysis for more detailed information.