Manatee County, FL – Director – Public Works

Manatee County Government; Florida; On-site; USD 141,000 - 187,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatee County Government is seeking a Department Director to lead the Public Works Department, overseeing planning, program objectives, and operational priorities. The role manages diverse divisions and initiates capital improvement projects, reporting to the County Administrator.

Required qualifications include a Bachelor's degree and strong management, budgeting, and supervisory experience. The position emphasizes leadership, policy development, and effective communication with officials and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration or related discipline.
• Minimum of eight (8) years management experience in a multi-disciplined organizational setting.
• Minimum of three (3) years high level budgetary and/or financial management experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Directs activities and programs of the department to ensure adherence to laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and that goals are met timely and effectively.
• Develops and administers work programs, practices, procedures and policies for improving Public Works programs and projects.
• Manages annual budgets for the department and conducts cost and productivity analyses.
• Negotiates contracts and agreements related to transportation projects.
• Communicates clearly and professionally, with presentations to the Board and the public; liaises with agencies, engineers and contractors.
• Directs staff, allocates work, trains, resolves problems and evaluates performance.

Skills

Leadership

Public relations

Presentation skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration or related discipline

Job description

Work Location: 9000 Town Center Parkway, Bradenton, Florida 34202

Expected Starting Salary Range: $141,239.91 - $187,142.88

Serving in a Department Director capacity at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. The Public Works Director is responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of the County’s Public Works Department, including short- and long-range planning, program objectives, and operational priorities. The Department currently includes the Divisions of Infrastructure Inspections; Project Management; Stormwater Engineering; Infrastructure Design and Transportation Planning; Field Maintenance; Fleet and Fuel Services; Transit; Traffic Engineering; Traffic Operations; the Resurfacing Program; and Right-of-Way Permitting. The organizational structure and the number or configuration of divisions may increase or decrease over time in response to County needs. This classification provides strategic direction and oversight for all assigned divisions to ensure coordinated, effective delivery of public infrastructure, transportation, mobility, maintenance, and related public services. Position initiates and administers all horizontal capital improvement projects.

Note: This position is designated by the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners as serving at the will and pleasure of the County Administrator. Employment in this position is at will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable federal and state laws. Nothing in this job posting, any application materials, or any related communications shall be construed to create a contract of employment or to limit the County Administrator’s authority to terminate the appointment at any time, with or without cause and with or without prior notice, subject only to applicable law. Employment screenings, as outlined in the Personnel Policy, Rules, and Procedures Manual, will be conducted in compliance with applicable federal and Florida Laws.

Working Conditions: The work environment may include exposure to high noise levels while performing certain essential job functions. The position requires the ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 pounds independently and up to 75 pounds with assistance, with or without reasonable accommodation. The role involves sitting for extended periods while working on a computer.

Essential Functions

These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

• In coordination with Division Managers, directs activities and programs of the department to ensure adherence to applicable laws, regulations, rules, policies and procedures, and that goals, objectives and standards are met in a timely and effective manner.
• In coordination with staff, develops and administers work programs, practices, procedures and policies for improving the effectiveness of Public Works programs and projects.
• Develops and manages the annual budgets for the department and performs periodic cost and productivity analyses to ensure efficient and appropriate use of funding.
• Negotiates or participates in negotiation of contracts and agreements related to Transportation projects.
• Communicates clearly, effectively and professionally, orally and in writing; makes presentations to the Board of County Commissioners, various citizen groups and the general public, as necessary; maintains liaison with Federal, State and local governmental agencies, engineering consultants and contractors.
• Directs assigned staff, which includes work allocation, training and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned, including participation in emergency or disaster response activities, as required and consistent with the employee’s qualifications, essential job functions, and applicable federal and Florida law.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, business administration, public administration or related discipline.
• Minimum of eight (8) years management experience in a multi-disciplined organizational setting.
• Minimum of three (3) years high level budgetary and/or financial management experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience may be considered in meeting the minimum qualifications for this position.

More

• Master’s degree in a related field desired.
• Prior related experience in a local governmental setting desired.
• Current Florida Professional Engineer (P. E.) License highly desired.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Land Development Codes, Comprehensive Plans and FEMA regulations applicable to transportation, transportation engineering, and the urban transportation planning process.
• Knowledge of capital improvement programming and comprehensive planning.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time and perform duties effectively and efficiently in a high stress, fast paced environment.
• Excellent public relations and presentation skills.
• Skill in computer operations (including specialized transportation-related systems) and related software applications.

Veterans Preference

In accordance with Florida Statute 295.07, F.S., Chapter 55A-7, priority consideration in employment will be given to eligible veterans and spouses of disabled veterans. Applicants claiming preference must provide a DD Form 214 or other acceptable documentation with their application. We are committed to honoring the service and sacrifices of our veterans and their families.

EEO/ADA Statement

Manatee County Government is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you require any accommodations to participate in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at 941-748-4501 x 3865.

Drug-Free Workplace

Manatee County Government is a drug-free workplace in accordance with Federal and Florida Law.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities

All employees may be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.