Deputy Director Public Works

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to providing top-quality municipal services in a prime Northern California location, consider a career with the City of Arcata and apply today! We are currently recruiting for the position of Deputy Director Public Works. 

Please note: Interviews are tentatively scheduled for Thursday, September 24th. Please hold this date.

Enjoy GREAT BENEFITS including: the City currently pays the majority of the medical coverage premium for employees (and their dependents) and 100% of the premium for dental and vision coverage. If applicable, the City also offers a $400/month health insurance opt-out option. Additionally, the City offers this position 14 days of Management Leave annually; vacation accrual increases with service; immediate City contribution to deferred compensation, increasing with service; longevity pay, etc. See more in the "Benefits" tab. 

DESCRIPTION
Under general direction of the Director of Public Works, this position plans, organizes, coordinates, manages, and supervises assigned personnel, programs, operations, and activities within the Streets, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, and Central Garage Divisions of the Public Works Department; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Public Works Director in areas of expertise; and performs all other related duties as assigned.

An ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, multi-priority environment; demonstrates high emotional intelligence; is established as a motivating and supportive leader; and successfully collaborates across internal departments and with outside agency partners.  

Also note: With an upcoming City reorganization and the creation of a Public Works Department in process, the position title and job description have been updated accordingly. We anticipate the reorganization process to be completed by January 1, 2027 with more information available regarding the Department structure.

• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities for assigned Divisions; develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Division programs and activities; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; identifies opportunities for improvement and provides recommendation to the Director.
• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Streets/Utilities Divisions, including construction, operation and maintenance of streets, water distribution system, wastewater collection system, and central garage; manages and coordinates the work plan for the assigned Divisions; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
• Serves as the City’s Legally Responsible Officer (i.e. LRO) for the City’s water distribution and wastewater collection systems; including obtaining and maintaining Water Distribution Operator and Wastewater Collection System Maintenance certificates at least at the level required by the state based on the state’s designation of the grade of distribution and collection systems; higher certificate levels may be required as determined necessary by the City.
• Manages project coordination for assigned construction or capital improvement projects, including planning, budgeting/finance development, design and development of project specifications, review, construction and inspection processes; requests, evaluates, negotiates and manages consultant proposals and contracts; assists in identification of and securing financing options for projects; sets project schedules, design review elements, agency coordination, regulatory agency compliance, and budgeting consideration in accordance with appropriate standards.
• Oversees, manages, and directs the work of outside consultants and contractors, observing all applicable City administrative policies and procedures; reviews and evaluates work products and/or services for compliance with the City’s objectives, quality, and contract scope; approves payment of invoices for contractual work as appropriate.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures, division safety programs and division emergency response program, including providing training to staff on applicable local, state, and federal policies and practices; providing required certification programs; instructs and provides training for staff in work methods, use of equipment and relevant safety precautions.
• Participates in the selection, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Manages and participates in the development, administration and monitoring of assigned Division budgets and applicable Capital Improvement Plans.
• Responds to inquiries, requests, and complaints as it relates to division and department functions and takes appropriate action; ensures the public is kept updated and aware of programs, projects, and other related activities through the department’s public notification policies and procedures.
• Leads the Department’s asset management program to identify, assess condition of, and prioritize improvements for streets and underground utility infrastructure by utilizing the Department’s asset management software and geographic information system.
• Performs the duties of Director, as assigned, during their absence.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of: Principles, practices, regulations and techniques related to the construction, operations and management of Streets, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, and Central Garage; principles and practices of personnel and program management, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and project management; supervision, training, evaluating, and disciplining of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision; principles and practices of public sector budget development and administration; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations concerning the operation of Streets, Water Distribution, Wastewater Collections, and Central Garage Divisions; principles and techniques of capital improvement design, funding and long-term maintenance; principles and practices of contract administration, including public bidding requirements; report writing principles and practices; business mathematics; standard office computer software, including word processing, spreadsheets, database and electronic reporting programs; English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation; techniques for dealing effectively with those contacted in the course of work,  in person, electronically and on the telephone.

Ability to: Read, analyze, understand and apply a wide variety of laws, rules and regulations, instruction manuals, plans and profiles, diagrams, labels, and other technical information; develop and maintain records management systems in accordance with legal requirements; interpret, explain, and ensure compliance with City policies and procedures, complex laws, codes, regulations and ordinances; evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods; research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures and techniques; analyze, interpret, summarize and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner; plan, organize, schedule, assign, review and evaluate the work of staff; prepare and administer assigned budgets; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures and other written materials; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; operate a computer, electronic devices, and necessary software applications, and other applicable standard office equipment; establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS 

• Possess a Valid California Class C Driver’s License.
• Possess a State of California Water Distribution Operator Grade 1 certificate.
• Obtain a Grade 3 State of California Water Distribution Operator Certificate within eighteen (18) months of hire, or Certificate Grade required by the state to serve as the Legally Responsible Officer (i.e. LRO) for the Water Distribution System.
• Obtain a Grade 2 State of California Wastewater Collection System Maintenance Certificate within eighteen (18) months of hire, or Certificate Grade required by the State.
• Other certificate(s) specific to functional area of assignment may be required.
• A commitment to support inclusion in the workplace.
• Willing and available to respond as needed outside of normal work hours, including being available by cellular phone and/or other communication devices.
• Willing and available to attend meetings after normal work hours; to travel for trainings and/or meetings; and to work extended hours, nights and/or weekends as necessary to complete assigned tasks, including responding to emergency calls.
• Ability to respond in person to an emergency in the City within thirty (30) minutes.
  
  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Work is performed in a general office and field environment. Must be able to perform the physical aspects of the job, including sitting and standing for periods of time, operating standard office equipment, including a computer; visit various City sites, including traversing uneven terrain; climbing ladders, crawling in confined areas, bending and stooping; operating a motor vehicle; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; lift, push, pull, and carry up to 50 lbs.; work around and come in contact with raw sewage, hazardous/toxic chemicals, strong odors, and infectious disease; occasionally working outside in varying weather conditions, with occasional exposure to dust, pollen and heavy equipment.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING 
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:

• Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field, and at least five (5) years progressively responsible experience in public infrastructure development and maintenance activities or related service delivery operations, including at least three (3) years related supervisory and budgetary experience.

• Additional related experience at the supervisor and/or management level can be substituted for the education requirement on a year by year basis.