PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Transcription

1 WASHINGTON PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR UP TO $139,000 (Estimated 2018 salary) Plus Excellent Benefits Apply by December 3, 2017 (open until filled)

2 WHY APPLY? Located along the shores of the Columbia, Yakima, and Snake Rivers in southeastern Washington, Pasco is a growing community that enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year. The exceptional climate, combined with the area s inviting waterways, enables residents and visitors alike to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities from water sports and golf to wine touring and outdoor theater. The City is highly regarded in the community for its organizational integrity and for the quality of services provided. The organization is financially sound with a dedicated team of employees, and a supportive City Manager and City Council. If you are a public works professional looking to lead and shape a dynamic public works department, this is the position for you! THE COMMUNITY Rated as one of the 10 safest cities in Washington State to live, Pasco is a thriving community of 72,000 that has seen tremendous growth in the last decade, along with an increased sense of community and public safety. Aesthetic and recreational charisma surrounded by natural beauty makes this desert community, which is rich in agriculture, a popular recreation destination. In the late 1990s, several developers purchased large farm circles in Pasco for residential and commercial development. Since that time, Pasco has undergone a transformation that has not only seen its population overtake the neighboring city of Richland, but also has resulted in growth in the City s retail and tourism industries. The west side of the City has exploded into new housing tracts, apartments, and retail services. According to the US Census, Pasco was the fastest growing city in Washington State between Pasco, along with the neighboring cities of Richland and Kennewick, comprise the Tri-Cities metropolitan area with a population of nearly 275,000; the third largest, and fastest growing metro area in the state. Pasco is just a few hour s drive from the major urban centers of Seattle, Spokane and Portland. The Tri-Cities Airport in Pasco has direct flights to Seattle, Denver, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Phoenix and San Francisco. The Tri-Cities offers breathtaking parks, a vibrant downtown, upscale dining and retail, art galleries, antique shops, and a variety of entertainment venues. Residents and visitors enjoy endless recreational opportunities, including water sports, fishing, biking, hunting, skiing and more. Golf is one of the most popular sports enjoyed year-round with over ten premier courses. The massive Columbia River separates Pasco from its neighboring communities and features many waterfront parks, trails, and easy river access. The Tri-Cities is a sports minded community, which is reflected in the many public athletic facilities and is home to two professional sports teams: Tri-City Americans WHL Ice Hockey and Tri-City Dust Devils, a professional Single A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies (playing at the GESA Stadium in Pasco). Pasco has its share of fine sports venues in the mix, boasting a state-of-the-art, six-field softball complex and a world class, 15-field soccer facility. The region is also home to over 160 wineries, and is known as the Heart of Washington Wine Country, producing some of the finest wines in the world. Pasco has enjoyed many awards over the years, including The Best Places to Invest in Real Estate in Washington (2015), 10 Fastest Growing Cities in Washington (2015), Top Cities on the Rise (2014), and The 50 Safest Cities in Washington (2014). 2

3 THE CITY Incorporated in 1891, the City of Pasco is a fullservice city with an exceptional workforce of approximately 350 employees. The City has a total budget of $183 million including capital expenditures, for The City Departments include: Public Works, Community and Economic Development, Administrative and Community Services, Police, Fire, Finance and Municipal Court. Pasco operates under the Council-Manager form of government with the seven-member City Council each serving overlapping, four-year terms. Six Council members each represent a district, while one is elected at-large. Every two years, the Council selects a member to serve as the Mayor of Pasco. Dave Zabell was appointed City Manager in June of 2014, and is responsible for the dayto-day administration of city business, implementation of Council policies and establishment of operating policies and processes. This is an excellent opportunity to build a high performing team, develop future leaders and shape a Public Works Department equipped to meet the challenges ahead. While the department has experienced significant turnover in leadership over the past three years, there has also been an increase in staffing. In addition to personnel changes, department staff is engaged in a cultural shift. Over the past 20 years, while the City has grown tremendously, much of the focus has necessarily been placed on keeping up with growth. The department has recently initiated a comprehensive effort to evaluate and redesign long-standing practices and processes aimed at a lean culture. The department management team and staff are desirous of a strategic and strong leader to lead the department into the future. THE POSITION Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Public Works Director directs, plans, manages, and reviews the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including Engineering, Plant and Field Divisions. As well, the Public Works Director coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies, and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager. The Director is responsible for three direct report FTE s, including an Operations Superintendent, City Engineer, and a Public Works Administrative Assistant. Other responsibilities include: THE DEPARTMENT The Public Works Department is the largest department in the City, comprising nearly 40% of the City s budget. The Public Works Department is a full-service department, and acts as the community stewards for the planning, design, construction, inspection, operation and maintenance of the City s infrastructure, including all roadways, sidewalks, street signals, street lighting, storm drainage, water production facilities, water and sewer conveyance systems, process water reuse facility, and sewage treatment systems. The Department is comprised of Engineering, Fleet, Water, Wastewater/Sewer, Street/Storm Water and Process Water Reuse divisions, operating on a total budget of $72 million, and employing 89 FTE s. Recommend and administer policies to assure the operation of the Public Works Department is in compliance with City standards and federal, state, and local laws. Direct, oversee and participate in the assignment of work activities, projects and programs. Monitor workflow, review and evaluate work projects, methods and procedures. Supervise and participate in the development and administration of the Public Work Department budget. Direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies. Monitor and approve expenditures, implement mid-year adjustments. Coordinate Public Works Department activities with other departments/divisions, outside agencies and organizations. 3

4 Provide highly responsible staff assistance to the City Manager and City Council. Coordinate staff training and development, evaluate employee performance, and implement disciplinary procedures. Direct the preparation of agenda items for the City Council; present agenda items to Council as needed. Develop and review staff reports related to capital improvements and Public Works matters. Direct the evaluation and selection of outside consulting contracts for public works construction projects. Provide long-range planning for the City s capital improvement projects. Review and approve all plans, designs and reports to ensure equipment, machinery, design and/or services meet the needs of the City and follow department standards and procedures. Analyze and recommend improvements to existing facilities, equipment and operating systems of the department. Direct the resolution of inquiries, complaints, problems or emergencies affecting the availability or quality of services. Respond to the most sensitive or complex inquiries of service complaints. 3) System Renewal: Due to the need to focus on immediate impacts of growth and financial restrictions, the Department has deferred infrastructure maintenance in many areas. The City Council has recently raised utility rates to fund system renewal efforts. The Director will be relied on to systematically and efficiently bring the City s utility and transportation systems up to standard. 4) Economic Development: The Director will play a key role in the City s economic development efforts. Major focus areas include Broadmoor, King City industrial area, a significant and growing agricultural processing node, and a catalytic package of capital projects that will transform the City s downtown core. IDEAL CANDIDATE Education and Experience: A Bachelor s degree in Public Administration, Engineering, Construction Management or a closely related field, and five (5) years of professional level experience, including supervisory and managerial experience in the area of engineering and public works operations and maintenance. Candidates must also possess, or be able to obtain a valid Washington State driver license by time of hire. CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES 1) Leadership: Many of the department division managers have recently been placed into their positions. The new Public Works Director has the opportunity to mentor and shape the department leadership team to best address the City s challenges. 2) Capital Improvement Plan: The City s 6-year CIP is an aggressive plan that entails 184 projects for a total of $180 million. The Director will need to meet the challenges of finding alternative funding for additional projects, along with execution of the Capital Improvement Plan. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of modern principles and practices of public works or similar municipal services, program administration, including principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration, supervision, training and performance evaluation. Knowledge of pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations applicable to public works activities. Ability to plan, organize, and oversee the operations of the assigned work programs, along with developing departmental goals and objectives and conduct planning activities. 4

5 Knowledge of principles of civil engineering as applied to the design, construction and maintenance of public works projects, and land and engineering survey systems, methods, and techniques. Ability to analyze and evaluate operations, and design and implement processes that improve performance and create efficiencies. Advanced knowledge and a track record of success in project delivery and leveraging of local funds through grants, public-private partnerships, loans or private contributions. Experience with establishing effective collegial working relationships with staff, other departments/divisions, City Council, other agencies and the general public. Experience with applying discretion in resolving problems and interpreting policies. Candidates should show creativity in problem solving, mentoring staff, supporting an effective and enjoyable work environment while respecting taxpayer s assets, and maintaining a fair but firm leadership approach. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals and groups regarding complex or sensitive issues or regulations. Experience in effectively working in a local government political environment, managing significant budgets, relying on staff to produce quality work and demonstration of sound decision-making skills will be evident in the successful candidate. The ideal candidate will become a visionary leader for the department, and can expect to become the face of Pasco s largest department. Candidates may possess any combination of relevant education and experience that demonstrates their ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. The ideal candidate will be committed to excellent customer service. COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Up to $139,000 DOQ Medical, Dental and Vision $50,000 Life Insurance 24 Days Vacation 12 Days Sick Leave 11 Paid Holidays PERS Retirement Plan Employee Assistance Program Flexible Spending Plan Fitness Center Membership Tuition Assistance Please visit: The City of Pasco is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by December 3, 2017 (first review, open until filled). Applications, supplemental questions, resumes and cover letters will only be accepted electronically. To apply online, go to and click on submit your application and follow the directions provided. Resumes, cover letters and supplemental questions can be uploaded once you have logged in NE Gilman Blvd., Suite 310 Issaquah, WA Prothman. All Rights Reserved. 5