Director of Public Services (DPS) Position Available In Essex, Massachusetts

Director of Public Services (DPS) 4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1 Perry Way, Newburyport, MA 01950 Complex supervisory, administrative, and professional work in planning, organizing, coordinating, directing, and supervising the Public Services Department, including highway, parks, cemeteries, water, sewer, engineering, and facilities.

Supervision:

Works under the direction of the mayor. Performs highly responsible work, requiring the exercise of considerable independent judgment in planning, direction, and control of the operation and maintenance of public services infrastructure for the City of Newburyport. Directly supervises eight full-time employees including the deputy director, three division heads, city engineer, business manger, facilities manger and electrician and has indirect responsibility for all employees of the Public Services Department in multiple locations.

Job Environment:

Work is performed under a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, office environment, worksites, and at each of the department’s facilities with occasional exposure to variable outdoor weather conditions and hazards associated with construction sites, various public works projects, and heavy mechanical equipment. Frequently required to work outside normal business hours. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and may be contacted at home at any time to respond to important situations and emergencies. Operates office computer and standard office equipment; operates an automobile. Makes constant contacts requiring perceptiveness and discretion with other City officials, particularly the Mayor, the City Council, Fire and Police Departments, local State and Federal agencies, engineers, attorneys, architects, suppliers, consultants and salespeople, and the public. Has access to department-oriented confidential information, including personnel records, lawsuits, criminal investigations, collective bargaining negotiations and bid documents.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed below 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.) Supervises, plans, directs, and administers all aspects of the Department of Public Services, including the highway construction and maintenance, tree and parks maintenance, electrician/street/traffic signal lights, building maintenance and custodians, operations at the water and sewer treatment plants, and water and sanitary and storm sewers; develops and recommends departmental policies, projects, and procedures, confers with division heads conferencing ongoing and future projects. Oversees management of department personnel administration, training, staffing, and evaluation of employees, administers departmental expenditures including payroll, procurement, and contracts for outside services, administers all short and long-term planning; maintains departments records and correspondence. Assists with labor relations when necessary. Knowledge/experience with DPS/Municipal operations, including but not limited to: Sewer system: gravity, force mains, lift stations, SCADA.

Water system:

hydrant install/repair water mains/etc.

Drainage systems:

catch basin install/repair, drain manhole install/ repair, etc.

Highway:

All aspects of Plowing operations, paving and sidewalk installation, ADA requirements, etc. Oversees the preparation of the department’s operating and capital budgets; presents annual budget to the mayor; advises the mayor on technical aspects of public services projects and programs; implements various programs and projects according to authorized budget appropriations. Participates in public hearings on department projects; responds to requests for information and complaints from citizens. Assist the Business Manager in developing and managing the operational budget for the Highway, Water and Sewer Divisions. Reviews all major engineering, design, and construction projects for the department; provides organizational studies and engineering and technical support to all other city departments, boards and commissions, as required. Works with the water and sewer Business Manager to submit water and sewer rates. Represents the department at a variety of different meetings both within and outside of the city; develops and maintains effective working relationships with municipal, county, State, and federal officials and agencies to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations affecting the work of the department. Performs other similar or related work as required, or as situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor of Science or related field experience and/or fifteen years of experience in municipal public works construction and maintenance, five of which are in a management position; strong public administration and customer service skills are highly desirable.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge:

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering and technical and practical knowledge of materials, methods and techniques related to public works projects and issues; thorough knowledge of public works financing and administration. Knowledge of materials, methods and techniques related to road construction and maintenance. Knowledge of Sewer lift stations, vacuum sewer systems and sewer main cleaning maintenance. Knowledge of SCADA systems and knowledge water distribution systems. Knowledge of snow and ice control techniques and practices. Detailed knowledge of the physical characteristics of the City of Newburyport and its roadway system.

Ability:

Ability to plan, assign and supervise the work of groups of employees engaged in a variety of public construction and maintenance operations. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious working relationships with city officials and departments, State agencies, the public, consultants, vendors and contractors. Ability to deal with employees tactfully and effectively and maintain positive public relations. Ability to prepare and administer budgets and to prepare financial reports.

Skill:

Excellent management and leadership skills. Excellent labor relations skills, Skill in developing policies and procedures to accomplish goals and objectives. Excellent customer service and public relations skills.

Physical Requirements:

Moderate physical effort required in performing duties under typical office conditions. Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard and standard office equipment. The employee is occasionally required to lift and move heavy boxes and equipment of up to 60 pounds. The employee is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$145,000.00 – $155,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance

Schedule:

Monday to

Friday Education:

Bachelor’s (Preferred)

Experience:

municipal public works construction: 10 years (Preferred) Ability to

Commute:

Newburyport, MA 01950 (Preferred) Ability to

Relocate:

Newburyport, MA 01950: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location:

In person