Deputy Director

POSITION SUMMARY

Under administrative direction, is responsible for serving as the Department Director of Utilities in his or her absence, and for assisting in the overall operations and administrative management of the department. This would include the Division of Sewer and Drainage Services, the Division of Water Distribution, the Division of Utilities Administration, the Division of Environmental Services, the Division of Water Reclamation, and the Division of Water Treatment. This employee will also assist with key departmental functions, including coordinating assigned activities with other divisions, departments and outside agencies. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of the assigned department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Assists in defining departmental goals and objectives; develops strategies to measure and monitor the achievement of each; To include but not limited to all activities involved in water treatment and distribution, and sewer and water line maintenance, including repair and alteration of infrastructure and equipment, and supervising the work of subordinates; is responsible for water quality, water production, plant maintenance and associated wells and reservoirs to ensure an adequate and safe water supply to the City. Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures; Assists with ensuring that the City is following all current water requirements established by federal, state and regional regulatory agencies; interprets policies and procedures established by regulatory agencies; maintains safe work environment and ensures compliance with City safety policies; prepares, reviews and submits periodic reports regarding water quality and water production; investigates and selects most efficient treatment techniques to comply with the state drinking standards. Advises and consults with City management, employees, labor representatives and the general public regarding departmental actions, programs, and services; Presents department's policies and positions in meetings, negotiations, and other communication forums; Performs contract administration duties including evaluating proposals and bids, negotiating and recommending terms, monitoring performance and ensuring compliance to agreements; Prepares comprehensive and technical reports, documents and correspondence regarding the operation of the Department; Oversees or conducts administrative investigations into performance, activities, incidents, and complaints involving division managers, supervisors, and employees; Participates in labor contract negotiations, contract administration, department-level grievance appeals and arbitration preparation; Maintains liaison and consults with the City Department of Law on pending litigation or other legal matters; Maintains liaison and consults with the Mayor's Office, City Council, and other City departments on matters affecting the department; Interviews, trains, completes performance evaluations, approves leaves, and handles initial grievances for employees; Reviews and assists in the preparation, evaluation, and monitoring of operating and capital improvement budgets; Keeps department director informed on a timely basis of all situations that could affect the accomplishments of department goals; Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service; May serve in other capacities appropriate to the mission of the department, as requested by the Director; Perform related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of program development, implementation and administration. Methods and techniques of statistical data collection and analysis. Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration. Principles and procedures of financial reporting. Principles and procedures of management systems and reporting. Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation. Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations. City personnel policies and procedures. Principles and procedures for developing goals, objectives and management plans. Public administration principles and processes.

Skill in:

Advanced analytical, research, problem solving, decision making, time-management and interpersonal skills; Proven leadership and strategic thinking; Negotiation and ability to influence; Verbal and written communication including business writing, report preparation and public speaking skills; Financial reporting and budgeting; Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications, including but not limited to, the Microsoft Office suite; Operate assigned vehicle in the course of duty.

Ability to:

Maintain a high level of maturity, professionalism, initiative, and ability to maintain confidentiality; Manage large and multiple projects; to supervise, direct, train and evaluate work of staff; Develop effective relationships with customers; to communicate effectively orally and in writing; Succeed in an environment of pressing deadlines and changing conditions; Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures; Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; Ensure program compliance with applicable laws and regulations; Investigate informal and formal complaints and recommend solutions; Research, analyze, evaluate, and recommend new service delivery methods and techniques; Prepare and deliver oral presentations to the City Council, employee organizations, and community groups; Implement and maintain positive employee relations; Maintain confidentiality of certain City information; Promote and maintain highest integrity throughout all personnel; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS

Each applicant must have a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business, or area of operational expertise and five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the public or private sector related to assigned department activities is required. A Master's degree or other graduate degree in the aforementioned or operational areas is strongly preferred. Where a specialized certification or experience is required for the position, a substitution may be permitted to replace educational requirements. Must possess a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of a Wastewater Operator's License, Water Operator's License, or related license as issued by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency is preferred. Must be an excellent communicator and team builder. May require specific industry-mandated or related certifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. In this position, the employee will frequently stand, walk and sit. The employee will occasionally write. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this positions.

Physical:

Sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment.

Vision:

See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents.

Hearing :

Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Standard office setting environment. The employee is frequently indoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually low. Occasional travel to various worksites will be required.

Class Code:

Deputy Director (7336)