Director of Public Works

Description The Director of Public Works is tasked with overseeing the integration of physical assets, management practices, and personnel required for Hempfield Township to effectively deliver and maintain the structures and services vital to the welfare and quality of life of its residents. The role involves performing administrative and technical functions related to planning, coordination, and supervision of departmental activities. The incumbent is responsible for managing personnel, finances, and other essential resources to address current needs while also strategically planning for the future of the Township in terms of transportation, stormwater, and facility infrastructure. Furthermore, this position will recommend long-term strategies to enhance Township policies, procedures, and operational efficiency within Public Works. Essential Duties & Responsibilities : The Director of Public Works position duties will include, but not be limited to, the following: 1. Management and Supervision a. Plan, organize, and direct the department's workplan and activities, prioritizing tasks related to public works projects. b. Develop and implement departmental goals, objectives, and priorities to meet service standards and community needs. c. Establish and update a comprehensive practices and procedures manual to ensure standardized operations and consistency. d. Schedule personnel and allocate resources effectively, overseeing operational and maintenance functions across township properties, roads, parks, storm sewers, and public facilities. e. Ensure compliance with the township's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for unionized employees, addressing employee relations, performance reviews, and professional development. f. Support a collaborative workplace culture and actively engage staff in training, using tools like OpenGov for budget management, Cartegraph for asset management, and PA One Call for utility coordination and safety compliance. 2. Strategic Planning and Technology Integration a. Utilize data-driven methods to plan and manage infrastructure projects, ensuring efficient scheduling, budget alignment, and service delivery. b. Lead departmental technology initiatives, including using the OpenGov software for financial transparency and budget planning, Cartegraph software for asset management and work order tracking, and PA One Call system for utility location and safe excavation practices. c. Oversee asset lifecycle management for township infrastructure, including pavement, stormwater facilities, and fleet vehicles, using digital platforms for tracking, condition assessment, and inventory control. d. Develop and maintain comprehensive departmental records, reports, and documentation to align with American Public Works Association (APWA) standards for potential accreditation and operational excellence. 3. Public Relations and Community Engagement a. Serve as the primary public contact for Public Works, attending community meetings, responding to inquiries, and collaborating with residents, contractors, and other stakeholders to maintain favorable public relations. b. Provide updates to the Board of Supervisors and Township Manager on department activities, project status, and resident concerns. c. Prepare and distribute informational materials, including press releases and social media posts, to inform the community about public works projects, seasonal updates, and emergency operations. 4. Financial Management and Budgeting a. Prepare the department's annual operating budget, capital improvement plan, and forecasts, collaborating with the Finance Department to ensure fiscal responsibility and efficient resource allocation. b. Monitor and control departmental spending, track expenditures, and oversee purchases, contracts, and capital project payments. c. Identify and pursue grants and alternative funding opportunities to enhance the department's capabilities, ensuring compliance with all reporting and management requirements. 5. Compliance and Administration a. Ensure all department activities comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including MS4 stormwater management, DEP and EPA standards, and safety protocols. b. Implement and monitor safety programs, conducting regular training sessions on safe practices and emergency preparedness. c. Manage fleet, equipment, and infrastructure assets to optimize operational efficiency and service quality, coordinating closely with external agencies and internal departments as needed. 6. Team Driven Leadership a. Participate in committee work for the department and Township as deemed appropriate by the Township Manager and/or Board of Supervisors. b. Provide other services and perform tasks as requested or assigned by the Township Manager c. Further the mission of Hempfield Township and support the vision of the Board of Supervisors Physical Demands : The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed both inside and outside the normal office setting. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to operate computers and various pieces of office equipment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee might have to work in outside weather conditions and will be exposed to wet and humid conditions, frigid or hot temperatures, airborne particles, and extremely noisy environments. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the employer's needs and the job's requirements change. Requirements Education & Experience: 1. Educational Background and Professional Experience a. A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, public administration, project management, or a related field is preferred. b. A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Administration, Engineering, Environmental Planning) is preferred and may substitute for some experience requirements. c. Licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Pennsylvania is preferred but not required; candidates without PE licensure should demonstrate strong technical competency in public works operations. d. At least seven to ten years of progressive experience in public works management, including hands-on knowledge of road maintenance, utility and stormwater infrastructure, facility operations, fleet management, and project oversight. e. At least five years of supervisory experience in a public works or infrastructure-related role, with direct oversight of teams in a unionized setting preferred. f. Proven experience in complex project management, from planning through execution, with emphasis on managing large capital projects, developing operational plans, and overseeing multi-disciplinary teams. g. Consideration may be given to any equivalent combination of education, management, and/or field experience. 2. Knowledge Base: a. In-depth understanding of municipal codes, public works regulations, PennDOT, Pennsylvania MS4 (stormwater) policies, and APWA standards for public works excellence. b. Experience with grant writing, administration, and state and federal funding programs relevant to public works. c. Familiarity with GIS mapping and data analytics for infrastructure planning, spatial analysis, and resource allocation. Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for reporting, data management, and presentations. d. Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable practices in public works, including green infrastructure and environmentally friendly approaches to road, facility, and utility maintenance. e. Familiarity with union agreements and labor relations, including interpreting and upholding collective bargaining agreements in a public works context. Necessary Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: The individual must possess the following skills and abilities or demonstrate that they can perform the job's essential function, with or without reasonable accommodations, using some other combination of skills and abilities. 1. Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with both the public and Township officials. 2. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey ideas clearly and concisely. 3. Possession of a valid Pennsylvania driver's license and flexibility to travel as required. 4. Pennsylvania Act 153 Child Abuse Clearances and CPR and First Aid certifications are required. 5. Proficiency in managing multiple tasks simultaneously and effectively addressing urgent issues with quick, practical solutions. 6. Skilled in directing team members in safely and efficiently using public works facilities, equipment, and tools. 7. Can conduct engineering project research, prepare comprehensive reports, and provide accurate job estimates. 8. Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills, with proven abilities in supervision, effective communication, and technology use. 9. Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices, and methods as applied in a municipal context, particularly in road maintenance, and a solid understanding of relevant Township Codes, Ordinances, and Public Works Policies. 10. Understanding of sustainable practices in public works, including road maintenance, stormwater management, and land use management, is essential for long-term infrastructure planning. 11. Proficient in computer operations, including word processing, spreadsheet preparation, database management, and the ability to quickly learn new software applications. 12. Strong comprehension of the English language for effective communication and documentation.

Created: 2024-11-05