Under administrative direction of the City Manager, this role operates, implements, plans and directs a comprehensive public utilities and public works program that will insure sound planning, maintenance and service to the public: directs municipal water treatment, water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment systems, and electric generation, transmission ,distribution maintenance, Solid Waste, Streets, Fleet, Traffic, and service systems; assists in planning, implementing and completing the capital improvements program; requires interpretive skills in established standards and procedures. Check out the job profile for more detail: Public Works & Utilities Director Profile- Recommends and initiates department policy; supervises and assists functions to include water production and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, electric generation and distribution and maintenance, Solid Waste, Streets, Fleet and Traffic.
- Directs activities of Public Works & Utility systems to meet applicable State and Federal requirements including, but not limited to, the Safe Drinking Water Act, Clean Water Act, and FEDERAL Energy Policy Act.
- Plans for new projects and maintains applicable present city structures, facilities, streets and utilities.
- Establishes priorities for short and long range projects and coordinates implementation.
- Prepares and recommends a comprehensive budget and supporting data, to include financing options, covering all areas of public utilities.
- Reviews rates and sales data for the utility systems. Recommends rate adjustments as necessary to insure adequate financial performance of the utilities.
- Initiates and administers project financing through various options such as revenue bonds, State Revolving Loans, and various Grant funding mechanisms as well as operational budgets.
- Directs organization to assure effective efficient and flexible use is being made of available personnel and equipment.
- Functions as liaison and advisor for the City with consulting engineers, government agencies, developers, citizens, and others.
- Recommends equipment purchase of new and replacement items.
- Conducts special studies as required; receives and answers citizens’ complaints and inquires.
- Administers personnel matters including policy interpretation, screening, appointment, discipline, evaluation of performance and related matters.
- Implements records and report systems, utilizing state of the art computer system and programs, (i.e. G.I.S., AUTOCAD, SCADA, etc.), to include construction supervision and contract administration.
- Develops effective channels of communication with city officials, department heads, community leaders and the public.
- Has access to and processes information which may be restricted to specific persons.
- Responsible for public funds with authority to release as authorized within approved budgets.
- Assists the Finney County Economic Development Corporation in matters relating to utility service.
- Assists the Utility Billing Office in resolving customer questions, complaints, and other utility issues.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, public utilities, and planning. Knowledge of current management theories, principles and practices; knowledge of computers used in engineering and administration of a large diverse department; skill in communications both orally and written; ability to provide effective departmental personnel leadership; ability to maintain communications, cooperation and interaction with diverse groups, organizations and individuals; ability to obtain federal and state grants; ability to work under pressure; ability to interact with City employees and the general public; and the ability to work with confidential information.
Education, Certification and Experience: A Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Electrical Engineering, a State of Kansas Professional Engineers License; and eight (8) years of significant, progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience with a public employer, three (3) years as a Public Utilities Director or Assistant Public Utilities Director. A valid driver’s license is required, with the ability to obtain a Kansas driver’s license within 90 days of establishing residency.
Environment: Work performed in an office environment, or where temperature, contaminants, and noise are not normally encountered; hazards are minor and controllable. Minimal to moderate stress and interruptions typically found in an office environment.
Physical Characteristics: Light physical work, lifting up to 25 pounds and lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds; a multitude of movements involving standing, lifting, stacking, walking, pushing, and pulling.
