HomeMy WebLinkAboutPW - Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Page 1
Council Approved 09-21-15
Council Approved 05-21-18
Revised 10-2021
City of Waukee
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Director of Public Works/City Engineer Reports To: City Administrator
Dept/Div: Public Works Direct Reports: Assistant Directors, Administrative
Pay Grade: D1 Coordinator, PW Admin. Assistant
FLSA Status: Exempt – Executive
JOB PURPOSE: The Director of Public Works/City Engineer holds full responsibility to plan, develop,
implement and coordinate the ongoing activities of the Public Works Department overseeing
the Engineering and Operations Divisions.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)
1. Leads and directs the Public Works Department staff through selection, orientation, training, performance
management and discipline according to standard operating procedures, City policy and departmental rules
and regulations.
2. Develops and directs the Public Works Department policies, procedures, regulations, programs, systems,
operations, goals and objectives.
3. Oversees the financial aspects of the Public Works Department operations, including accounting for
department revenues, approving expenditures, keeping accurate inventory and preparing the annual CIP
and budget request.
4. Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City employees, municipal officials, business
and community groups, developers, builders, other city, county, state and federal departments/agencies,
representative of the media and the general public.
5. As the City Engineer leads in establishing public works and capital improvement projects and works with
consulting engineers in the design of such projects, including the compilation of cost data and estimates.
6. Ensures customer complaints are addressed pertaining to all areas of responsibility; investigates causes,
takes corrective action as appropriate and maintains records of resolutions.
7. Serves as chief spokesperson for the Public Works Department.
8. Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.
SUCCESS FACTORS:
1. Take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making;
identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information and
specify alternate solutions that result in effectiveness.
2. Create positive energy in both individuals and groups to build high morale and group commitments to goals
and objectives.
3. Actively support all efforts to increase cooperation, communication and collaboration between and among
co-workers, departments, City officials, other jurisdictions, the business community and the general public.
4. Lead in developing and nurturing a team environment within the Department and across the City.
5. Adapt to a work environment that will change day-to-day, requiring quick departure from and reorganization
of one’s schedule.
6. Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure
of time-sensitive deadlines.
7. Safeguard confidential information and use it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically
required in the course of performing specific job duties.
8. Contribute to overall City effectiveness by providing critical staff support to task forces and by participating,
as necessary, in assisting all other teams.
9. Utilize high level of conflict resolution skills with staff, community members, elected officials and all
stakeholders.
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
Page 2
Council Approved 09-21-15
Council Approved 05-21-18
Revised 10-2021
10. Attentive to the City’s standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and
procedures ensuring that all work performed and all staff members meet those standards while exhibiting
consistent treatment of all staff.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Bachelor’s Degree in, Engineering, Public Administration or related field.
2. Eight (8) years of experience in Public Works or in professional engineering related to public infrastructure.
3. Four (4) years of supervisory experience.
4. State of Iowa Professional Engineering (PE) license required or able to obtain within six (6) months of hire.
5. Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License and meet the requirements of the City’s motor vehicle policy.
6. Working knowledge of all aspects of gas, water, sanitary sewer, wastewater and storm sewer utilities and
street maintenance.
7. Able to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal
with several abstract and concrete variables.
8. Knowledge of federal, state and local codes and regulations governing design and construction of public
works projects.
9. Comprehensive knowledge of current principles, practices and operations of public works administration.
10. Thorough knowledge of engineering information sources and in the application of engineering methods.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
1. Able to read plans, and observe and evaluate job sites.
2. Able to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of directors, staff, developers,
contractors, colleagues, elected officials and the general public
3. Able to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations.
4. Able to maneuver in undeveloped areas on uneven surfaces for up to one mile in various types of weather.
5. Able to distinguish sounds to troubleshoot equipment.
6. Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic
devices and handwritten) in English with other employees and the community.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
1. Climate-controlled office with hazards typical of that environment.
2. Position requires travel within and outside of the City which imposes common travel hazards.
3. Position requires outdoor work where heat, cold, precipitation and the results of weather and nature may
be encountered.
4. May be exposed to dust, noise, and moving machinery causing potentially dangerous conditions.
5. To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours
within Waukee Public Works Building.
6. The employee in this position is required to reside within the Waukee City limits within six (6) months of
hire date and shall maintain residency throughout tenure.
I have read and understand the information contained in the Job Description. I understand that this Job Description is not intended and should not be
construed as an exhaustive list of all the responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Also, while this list is intended to
be an accurate reflection of the current job, the Employer reserves the right to revise the functions and duties of the job or to require that additional or
different tasks be performed as directed by the Employer. I understand that I may be required to work overtime, different shifts or hours, outside the
normally defined workday or work week. I also understand that this job description does not constitute a contract of employment nor alter my status as
an at-will employee. I have the right to terminate any employment at any time and for any reason and the Employer has a similar right.
Signature Date
The City of Waukee is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act, the City will provide
reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities, and encourages prospective employees and job incumbents to discuss potential
accommodations with the Employer.