Director of General Services

FLSA: Exempt

DEFINITION

This position operates under the policy direction from the Board of Supervisors and administrative direction from the Chief Administrative Officer. The General Services Director is an organizational leader capable of overseeing a complex and diverse department; combining good judgment and initiative to deliver superior support functions to other County Departments; performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative direction from the Chief Administrative Officer. Exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a department director classification that oversees and directs all activities of the Department of General Services, including short- and long-term planning as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the County Administrative Officer in a variety of administrative, coordinative, analytical, and liaison capacities. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, County functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Supervisors, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering County goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for thedepartment; establishes, within County policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of thedepartment’s annual budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs assigned staff; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance withdepartmentstandards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Coordinate the County Energy functions through a collaborative effort with other Departments.
• Oversees all real property asset transactions including fee and less than fee rights for both infrastructure and transportation projects ensuring the completion of appropriate due diligence.
• Directs staff in managing all county Public Projects using the appropriate delivery method for the project and engaging technical experts as needed.
• Makes final interpretations of County regulations and codes regarding the management of public projects and the contracting of goods and services for all Departments and develops long range business plans to centralize appropriate services using a collaborative approach in working with other Departments.
• Develops long range facility maintenance and modification plans and recommends space plans and capital improvement projects to accommodate all County functions.
• May be assigned to other managerial or administrative duties as directed by the Chief Administrative Officer.
• Represents the County and thedepartmentin meetings with representatives of governmental agencies, professional and business organizations, employee organizations, and the public.
• Contributes to the overall quality of thedepartment’s service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and County needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of changes.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposal for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Monitors developments in legislation related to departmental objectives, evaluates their impact upon County operations, and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Administrative Officer; including presentations to the Board of Supervisors.
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• 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 contracting law, real property management including acquisition, leasing and tenant rights, and commercial construction methods and materials.
• Public agency budget development, contract administration, and County-wide administrative practices related to the functions assigned.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to departmental objectives.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability To:

• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Department of General Servicesand the County.
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff; delegate authority and responsibility.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Work effectively under stress and in urgent situations.
• Comprehend complex contracting, organizational, financial and real property related problems and objectives and develop and execute appropriate plans to the benefit of the County.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff reports.
• Effectively represent thedepartmentand County in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, regulations, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to work performed.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• 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:

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or business administration or other related field from an accredited college or university; and

Five (5) years of increasing responsible management experience in public administration or other relevant environment with multiple divisions and regulatory compliance components, including three (3) years of staff level experience in contracting, property management or construction management.

Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office and field environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
• Incumbent may be required to visit construction sites that require additional safety considerations.
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes motor vehicle, personal computer, fax machine, and standard office equipment.

Disaster Service Worker

All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.