Public Works Superintendent

Description

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, schedules, assigns, reviews, and supervises the work of staff performing public works infrastructure and facilities operations, construction, maintenance, and repair duties within the Streets Maintenance and Stormwater Division of the Public Works Department; manages the operational budgets for assigned divisions; provides complex staff assistance to management staff in areas of expertise, and performs related work as required. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Public Works Deputy Director or assigned management. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, technical, and maintenance staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a division head class in the Public Works Maintenance series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized public works infrastructure and facilities operations, construction, maintenance, and repair activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of staff and for providing technical support to management in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. 

Examples of Duties

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of the staff performing public works infrastructure and facilities operations, construction, maintenance, and repair duties within the Streets Maintenance and Stormwater Division; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors public works infrastructure and facilities operations, construction, maintenance, and repair activities; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures. 
• Provides staff assistance to management; assists in the preparation and presentation of staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and outside agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Receives and transmits work orders electronically; prioritizes work order requests, generates new work orders, and assigns tasks accordingly; reviews work orders upon completion; prepares, maintains, inputs, and queries detailed logs, records, and reports of maintenance and repair activities via automated software systems.
• Oversees the design and installation of traffic safety improvements.
• Reviews plans and specifications for assigned projects.
• Arranges for, or purchases, appropriate equipment, and materials necessary for maintenance projects; submits quotes for equipment, materials, and contracted services; prepares requisitions and approves purchase orders.
• Coordinates emergency and special assignments with other City departments and divisions, and with outside agencies and contractors. 
• Monitors the inspection of new installations and repair work.
• Reviews daily records of equipment, personnel, and materials used for each maintenance project.
• Plans and directs employee safety training programs.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to public works infrastructure and facilities operations, construction, maintenance, and repairs; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, inspectors, developers, business owners, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership. 
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.
• Principles, practices, methods, operating procedures, and techniques related to the operations, construction, maintenance, and repair of public works infrastructure and facilities.
• Methods and techniques of maintaining a safe working environment for employees and residents.
• Materials, methods, equipment, and tools used in public works maintenance activities.
• Methods of estimating time, cost, and equipment to perform assigned work.
• Operation of a variety of maintenance and construction vehicles and equipment.
• Purchasing policies, procedures, forms, and techniques.
• California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and procedures relevant to public works infrastructure and facilities maintenance.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions. 
• Perform the most complex construction, maintenance, and repair work on public works infrastructure and facilities.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Plan and organize public works maintenance programs in assigned areas.
• Inspect work in progress and upon completion; identify areas needing improvement.
• Train subordinate personnel on the methods of maintaining public infrastructure.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, construction drawings, diagrams, plans, maps, and specifications.
• Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Obtain certifications as required by OSHA/CalOSHA and provided by the City, to perform assigned duties.
• Organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

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

Education:

• Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade, supplemented by specialized training in public works infrastructure maintenance, street maintenance, drainage, or a related field.

Experience:

• Six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in public works infrastructure, construction, maintenance, and repair, including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.

Possession of, or successful acquisition within probationary period, a valid certification in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED to be maintained throughout employment.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard 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.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. 

Environmental Elements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  

Working Conditions 

May be required to be on-call and to work various shifts or emergencies on evenings, weekends, and holidays.