Director of Public Works/City Engineer

City of Montclair; Montclair (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Montclair is seeking a Director of Public Works to plan, direct, and coordinate municipal engineering, maintenance, and related services. The role requires strong leadership to implement city policies, manage a multi-disciplinary team, and oversee capital projects and utilities programs.

Candidates should have extensive knowledge of public works procedures, budgeting, and regulatory compliance, with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly to the City Council and residents.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public works planning, engineering, maintenance, and construction.
• Strong supervisory and disciplinary process knowledge.
• Ability to research, prepare, and present complex reports.
• Ability to develop comprehensive plans to meet future city services.

Responsibilities

• Plans, directs, and coordinates Department services and ensures compliance with laws and regulations.
• prepares and directs department budget; presents complex reports to lay audiences.
• Advises City leadership and public on public works issues.
• Plans, organizes, and assigns work; develops policies and standards.
• Supervises employees and conducts performance reviews; handles disciplinary actions as needed.
• Represents the Department in meetings with community groups and agencies.

Skills

Public works planning

Engineering

Budgeting

Communication

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering or related field

Master's degree in civil engineering or related field (desirable)

Job description

Under administrative direction, plans, directs, and coordinates municipal engineering and maintenance services; is responsible for the development and administration of programs designed to address primary areas of City service; exercises independent judgment, wisdom, common sense, and initiative in establishing efficient and effective departmental operations consistent with City Council policies and administrative guidelines established by the City Manager; functions as a member of the City's management team and actively participates in addressing issues of concern to the City; and performs related work as assigned.

• Plans, directs, and coordinates Department services and ensures services are provided according to federal and state laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations
• Establishes policies and procedures relating to Department activities, and ensures policies are administered equitably
• Prepares and directs the administration of the Department budget
• Prepares and presents complex reports regarding public works projects in a non-technical manner easily understood by lay people
• Guides the development of comprehensive plans to satisfy future needs for department services, which involve assessment of needed construction or repair of City infrastructure and other related Department services
• Advises, and otherwise provides assistance to, the City Council, City Manager, other City personnel, and the public regarding issues related to public works services and activities
• Plans, organizes, and assigns work
• Develops and establishes work methods and standards
• Conducts or directs staff training and development
• Reviews and evaluates employee performance, and executes disciplinary action as necessary Represents the Public Works Department, or delegates such authority, in relations with the community, advisory committees, local, regional, state, and federal agencies, other public works agencies, and professional organizations
• Schedules public hearings and leads discussions regarding proposed public works projects Interacts with co-workers at all levels in the organization in a collaborative and customer service-oriented manner
• Performs all duties within the context of the City's Mission Statement and organizational values Participates in City's Development Review Committee and develops conditions of approvals for development projects
• Reviews and approves subdivision maps
• Reviews, approves, and inspects all development plans and construction related to public works improvements

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

This class reports to the City Manager.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and techniques of public works planning, engineering, maintenance, and construction, including fleet, streets, grounds, and maintenance programs; laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations regarding local government operations related to municipal engineering services and public works programs; familiarity with land use and development issues, procedures, and processes; principles and practices of supervision and disciplinary processes; data collection and analysis techniques; municipal budgeting processes; data processing systems/applications in a public agency; positive employee relations; and techniques of maintaining effective Council/staff and public/staff relations.

Skills and Abilities to: Plan, organize, and coordinate Department activities; research, prepare, and present complex reports on a variety of subjects; plan and enforce a balanced budget; communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing; deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions; establish and maintain effective relationships with the community at-large, the City Council, other City departments and public officials, public and private organizations and businesses, commissions/committees, and City staff; analyze complex administrative situations and resolve them through application of City policy and management principles and practices; develop comprehensive plans to meet future City services; select, train, supervise, and evaluate employees; understand, explain, and apply policies and procedures; deal tactfully and courteously with internal and external customers; interpret complex regulations, laws, and guidelines; represent the Department and/or City effectively in a variety of meetings, including preparing and making presentations; develop new policies impacting Department operations/procedures; make decisions regarding operational and personnel functions; respond to emergency and problem situations in an effective manner; and interpret financial statements and cost accounting reports.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering or a related field is required. Master's degree in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field is highly desirable. Five years of progressively responsible administrative experience in municipal engineering services, including the functions of public works planning, engineering, and traffic/transportation systems; maintenance and construction; utilities; and public works programs; and five years of supervisory experience at the mid-management level or above.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Must possess a California Driver License and proof of insurability. Must possess a valid Professional Civil Engineer License from the State of California in good standing.