Description

The City of Hickory Hills, Illinois, is seeking an experienced, organized, collaborative and forward-thinking professional to serve our 14,000 residents as Assistant Director of Public Works. Hickory Hills is located 14 miles southwest of Chicago, has a well-maintained infrastructure and boasts a strong sense of community.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Public Works has the responsibility to plan, organize, staff, direct and control operations of the Public Works Department and those employees that perform the public works related tasks in the maintenance of streets, storm sewers, water and sanitary sewer distribution systems and municipal buildings and grounds. This highly responsible position, providing professional overall management and supervisory direction reports directly to the Director of Public Works. The Assistant Public Works Director requires a strong background in Public Works operations, excellent communication skills and a passion for serving the public. This position plays a crucial role in responding to citizens requests, managing programs and overseeing day to day operations and may serve as acting Director when the Director is absent.

Duties and Responsibilities

•         Manages the City’s day to day activities for the road, water, sewer and stormwater systems, along with the fleet by planning, coordinating, supervising, operating and budgeting resources including employees, contractors, vendors, supplies, inventory and equipment.
•         Possesses knowledge, skills and abilities in all Public Works operations.
•         Coordinates work activities with other departments, agencies and the public.
•         Acquires additional knowledge of Public Works Management practices, methods and materials through continuing training and education.
•         Recommends equipment and personnel budgets, codes, tracks and analyzes costs.
•         Evaluates performance of employees, trains and instructs crews in job practices and methods of work; recommends personnel action.
•         Maintains inventory of parts, supplies, materials and fuel; schedules equipment maintenance.
•         Responds to inquiries by utility and construction companies, contractors, other outside agencies and the public; coordinates work as necessary.
•         Responds to emergency situations; schedules response crews, allocates necessary supplies and equipment, directs activities and supervises work.
•         Interacts with citizens regarding Public Works matters. Promotes and maintains responsive, positive, community relations.
•         Supervise the various personnel involved in the daily operation of the Public Works Department, gaining their respect and when necessary taking a positive corrective action in personnel matters.
•         Supervises, coordinates and inspects work activities to ensure that schedules are met and that work is performed in a safe, efficient manner and in accordance with standard operating practices and procedures.
•         Participates in the installation and repair of water mains, service lines, leaks, hydrants and valves and water meters.
•         Participates in the installation of sewer mains, service lines, manholes and maintenance of lift stations.
•         Operates heavy equipment as needed to train and insure timely completion.
•         Recommends hiring, termination and disciplinary actions.
•         May work weekends, on call and responds to emergency calls.
•         Performs preventative maintenance on City infrastructure and maintains related inventory.
•         Oversees assigned projects and contractual services provided to the City and reviews work to ensure timely completion within the established budget.
•         Prepares schedules, inspections and annual reports, maintains operational manuals and procedures.
•         Maintains, in good standing, the IEPA designation of operator in charge.
•         Enforces regulations, polices, work procedures and safety rules and provides and enforces the use of appropriate safety equipment.
•         Responds to customer inquiries and complaints.
•         Complies with all City polices, protocols and procedures.
•         Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Minimum Experience

•         Possession of a valid Illinois commercial driver’s license Class B with air brake endorsement.
•         Seven years related experience, at least 2 years in a supervisory role and 2 years in the installation, repair of a water distribution system with municipal Public Works experience preferred.
•         Valid Illinois Class C Water Plant Operator’s license.
•         Extensive knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of public works maintenance and construction including street maintenance.
•         Thorough knowledge of the materials, supplies and equipment used in public works maintenance and repair projects.
•         Proficient use of Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook and SCADA.
•         Extensive knowledge of occupational hazards and safety precautions associated with public works maintenance and repair projects.
•         Some knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering and survey work and related plans and specifications.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

•         Considerable knowledge of the methods, materials, equipment and procedures used in the maintenance, construction, reconstruction and repair activities of municipal utility systems.
•         Advance knowledge in water treatment and distribution.
•         Advanced skills in the operations of a variety of hand tools and construction equipment ranging from hand electrical drills to backhoes.
•         Knowledge of applicable Federal, State and City codes, regulations and ordinances governing the administration of the treatment and distribution systems.
•         Strong knowledge of repair and maintenance practices of mechanical equipment and machinery.
•         Sound knowledge of general management principles and practices to include budgeting, policy and procedure development and personnel management and supervision.
•         Sound skill in analyzing and evaluating information and providing oral and written reports and recommendations on technical, administrative and financial matters.
•         Sound skills in planning, organizing, assigning and coordinating the activities of professional and technical staff. Ability to plan, coordinate, direct and supervise the work crews involved in varied maintenance, repair and construction projects and to evaluate projects for adherence to specifications and deadlines.
•         Technical competence with Microsoft software suite of products.
•         Knowledge of SCADA operation.
•         Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees; other departments and the public and others in a courteous and professional manner that builds cooperation and consensus.
•         Ability to work from engineering plans and specifications.
•         Ability to comprehend and follow complex oral and written instructions.