Public Works Director (Salary commensurate with experience)

City of North Myrtle Beach; North Myrtle Beach (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

City of North Myrtle Beach is seeking a Public Works Director to oversee engineering, utilities, sanitation, streets and stormwater. You will lead department programs, budgets, and personnel while collaborating with city leadership to deliver major projects and improve public works services.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, 10 years of public works experience with 5 in management, and professional certifications.

Qualifications

• Ten years of public works experience with at least five years in management.
• In-depth knowledge of engineering, utilities, sanitation, streets and stormwater.
• Ability to manage budgets, contracts, and capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, management and evaluation of engineering and maintenance functions.
• Lead department operations, programs, budgets and personnel.
• Coordinate contracts with local, state and federal agencies.

Skills

Public works leadership

Engineering oversight

Contract negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Construction Management

Tools

Valid driver's license

S.C. Professional Engineer Certification

Job description

Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Public Works Director oversees the planning, management, and evaluation of a broad range of administrative, engineering, and maintenance functions. Key areas of responsibility include engineering, public utilities, sanitation, streets, stormwater, and environmental programs. Leads all aspects of department operations, programs, policies, and standards, including engineering and utility operations, design, construction, project management, and the full spectrum of installation repair, and maintenance services. Exercises responsibility for customer relations, capital improvements planning, budget preparation and management, personnel management, and oversight of major contracts. Participates as a key member of the executive leadership team.

Conducts on-site work reviews to ensure compliance with established policies/specifications and full utilization of personnel, materials, and facilities with concern for quality, safety and efficiency.

Supervises, directs, and evaluates the Sanitation Operations Manager and Division, Streets and Drainage Operations Manager and Division, Utility Operations Manager and Division, Public Works Engineer, and Engineering Division; performs personnel management tasks including instructing, assigning and reviewing work, planning, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, allocating personnel, acting on employee problems, counseling, evaluating personnel performance, recommending and approving transfers/promotions, discipline, and termination, and recommending salary increases.

Partners with division managers to evaluate and recommend the award of professional engineering, architectural, and construction contracts.

Oversees engineering functions; reviews and approves technical plans, drawings, papers, reports and specifications; interprets technical materials; directs construction, maintenance and project management efforts.

Formulates and administers operating, maintenance and capital improvements; prepares and manages the annual budget; provides long range plans for development of new utilities and facilities.

Conducts customer relation activities; responds to requests, inquiries and complaints from citizens, fellow employees and council members, provides assistance, advice and information.

The Director plays a collaborative role regionally, coordinating resource management efforts and working with officials from other jurisdictions and agencies to ensure compliance with federal, State, and County environmental and safety regulations.

Develops and implements short term and long-term rate structures for providing municipal services including water, sewer, solid waste, and storm drainage.

Prepares and administers an emergency management plan for infrastructure protection during hurricanes, hazardous materials, homeland security, and other potential events.

Develops, implements, and administers department budget; monitors expenditures for adherence to established budgetary parameters; prepares and submits invoices.

Exercises responsibility for the preparation and management of supplies and equipment specifications and purchasing activities.

Prepares and presents reports and recommendations, while managing operating and capital improvement budgets with a focus on effectiveness and fiscal accountability.

Negotiates contracts and agreements with local, state, and federal agencies for the provision of services, regulations and funding.

Directs project development and implementation; oversees contract development and administration; establishes and maintains liaisons with other City departments, contractors and agencies regarding major projects and programs; develops and implements strategic plans for infrastructure development and maintenance; performs and delegates authority to Department Directors as required. Meet and negotiate agreements with attorneys, contractors, officials related to public works matters.

Negotiates with property owners to obtain easements and rights-of-way for public works projects.

Receives, reviews, and/or prepares water/wastewater treatment plant and distribution/collection system reports, results, permits, etc. to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Receives, reviews, and/or prepares various reports, charts, and records such as budget recaps, change forms, purchase requisitions, council agendas, accident reports, worker's compensation forms, division monthly reports, leave requests, bids, proposals, etc.

Prepares various records and reports such as performance appraisals, change forms, accident reports, worker's compensation reports, monthly reports, public information articles, annual reports, purchase requisitions, ordinances and amendments, safety and training minutes, policies and procedures, specifications and plans, easements, complaint forms, etc.

The Director represents the department before the City Council, advisory bodies, community groups, external agencies, and the media, ensuring open and transparent communication on major initiatives.

Interacts and communicates with a wide variety of individuals and groups such as City Council, City Manager, public works superintendents and staff, City departments, consultants, SCDES and Department of Transportation, US Army Corps of Engineers, US EPA, suppliers, citizens, developers, contractors, county departments, etc.

Communicates technical and policy matters such as departmental goals, budgets, performance measures, and infrastructure projects to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Strong understanding of local, state, and federal laws, codes, and regulations to ensure that infrastructure, engineering, and public safety activities are compliant and uphold community standards.

Operates and/or utilizes surveying equipment, computers, and various office equipment.

Subject to call out on 24-hour basis.

Performs other related duties as required.

All employees of the municipality shall learn the emergency operations procedures for their respective department and position and execute these duties fully during times of emergency. This may or may not include assignment to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Must be physically able to operate a manhole hook, shovel, drafting tools, Topcon level, Topcon theodolite, video equipment, and a variety of automated office equipment which includes a computer, copier, adding machine, plotter, etc. Must be able to exert up to twenty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to ten pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Light Work usually involves walking or standing to a significant degree. Must be able to lift and/or carry weights of ten to two hundred pounds.

Education: Bachelor's degree in, Engineering, Public or Business Administration, Construction Management,or closely related field

Experience: Ten (10) years of public works experience with a minimum of five (5) yearsat the management level

• Valid driver's license

• S.C. Professional Engineer Certification
• Master's in Business Administration (MBA) or Master's in Public Administration (MPA)
• Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection System certification

• The City retains the right to determine equivalencies.
• Any certifications not possessed at hire, must be obtained before the employee is removed from probation in order to continue employment with the City.