Public Works Director/City Engineer

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

Job summary

The City of Sonoma is seeking a Public Works Director / City Engineer to lead streets, parks, water utility, stormwater, and cemetery services, directing operations and coordinating with other departments and outside agencies.

You will set departmental goals and budgets, supervise management and professional staff, prepare CIP projects, review plans, and represent the city with regional boards and the City Manager, ensuring high standards of service and public safety.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of public works and water utility administration.
• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of land development and budget preparation.
• Ability to plan, direct and control department operations.
• Ability to develop policies, supervise staff and manage stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop, plan and implement department goals and objectives.
• Coordinate department activities with other departments and outside agencies.
• Direct and participate in budget development and expenditure control.
• Supervise staff and administer performance evaluations and training.
• Prepare CIP projects and budgets and negotiate consultant contracts.
• Represent the city with outside agencies and regional boards.

Skills

Public works administration

Civil engineering

Land development

Leadership

Budget management

Staff supervision

Intergovernmental coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Public administration

Job description

Public Works Director / City Engineer Job Description

City of Sonoma
Updated: 5/3/2017

Definition

To plan, organize, direct and review the activities and operations of the Public Works Department
including streets, parks, water utility, stormwater, and cemetery services; to coordinate assigned
activities with other departments and outside agencies; and to provide highly responsible and
complex administrative support to the City Manager.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned management, supervisory, professional and
administrative support staff.

Examples of Essential Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop, plan and implement department goals and objectives; recommend and administer
  policies and procedures.
• Coordinate department activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and
  organizations; provide staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council; prepare and present
  staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Direct, oversee and participate in the development of the department's work plan; assign work
  activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods
  and procedures.
• Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the department budget; direct
  the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor
  and approve expenditures; implement mid-year adjustments.
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct
  performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures; maintain discipline and high
  standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Prepare Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) and corresponding project budgets.
• Negotiate consultant agreements, including contract language and fees.
• Represent the City with outside agencies by functioning as intergovernmental coordinator for
  water supplies, regional traffic issues, and other regional governance boards; attend board
  meetings as necessary.
• Review and approve developer plans and applications, including property map actions, recording
  of parcel maps, and developer improvement plans for construction.
• Establish engineering standards for the City with standard plans and specifications.
• Direct and participate in code enforcement efforts and resultant legal processes.
• Represent the department to outside groups and organizations; participate in outside community
  and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports and studies; prepare written
  correspondence as necessary.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees and the
  public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of public works and water utility
  administration.
• Principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Principles and practices of land development.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs.
• Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.

Ability to:

• Plan, direct and control the administration and operations of the Public Works Department.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff
  reports and related documents; know and interpret laws, regulations, codes and
  procedures; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related
  issues; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently
  twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine
  manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written
  means; and lift or carry weight of 25 pounds or less.
• Prepare and administer department budgets.
• Develop and implement department policies and procedures.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned personnel.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions
  and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course
  of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Experience and Training:

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in municipal public works
  operations, including three years of administrative and management responsibility.
• Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with
  major course work in civil engineering, public administration, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a Professional Engineer license from the State of
  California Board of Professional Engineers.