City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Director, Public Works

Under the direction of the Assistant City Manager, responsible for directing, planning and providing leadership for the operations of the Public Works Department (which includes Construction Inspection, Project Management, Capital Improvement Project Delivery, Street & Bridge Operations, Engineering Services, Neighborhood Connectivity and Shared Services), oversight of capital improvement projects on behalf of sponsor agencies, and coordination and control of work performed in the City’s right of way. 

1. Exercises significant authority for capital project delivery and operation and maintenance of the transportation system, including decisions related to the staffing, administration, and financial management of the Public Works Department.
2. Manages the strategic planning and progressive administration of Public Works programs and activities relating to design, maintenance and construction of streets, sidewalks, and urban trails, safe routes to school, bicycle facilities, multi-year capital improvement project delivery, construction inspection, and engineering and architectural facets of the Department.   
3. Ensures effective coordination and communication with other City Departments, neighborhood associations, the general public, media, consultants, public agencies and/or private sector representatives.
4. Develops and implements short and long range strategies, objectives, procedures, and priorities; determines appropriate service and staffing levels; allocates resources accordingly.
5. Plans, manages and develops the department budget; and has fiduciary responsibility for and administrative control over the Transportation Fund, Capital Project Management Fund and Child Safety Fund; estimates funds needed for personnel, contracts, commodities and capital improvement projects; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; and directs the preparation and implementation of budgetary adjustments as necessary.
6. Establishes and maintains standards for work performed in the City’s Right of Way and for public buildings and facilities.  Manages the physical assets of the City and resolves conflicts among using agencies for work performed in and the use of the City’s Right of Way.
7. Acts as official departmental representative to other City Departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, outside agencies, the general public and others; explains, justifies, and defends department programs, procedures, and activities; and negotiates and resolves sensitive, significant, and controversial issues. Briefs and advises City management and the Mayor and Council regarding program administration in person and through written reports.
8. Ensures productivity, efficiency and quality of services of the Department.
9. Responds to and resolves sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources.
10. Develops and negotiates contracts between the City, consultants, contractors, private developers and other governmental entities.
11. Effectively directs the work of a wide range of consultants involved in various public and private development activities so as to ensure that the city’s objectives are achieved both from an economic and scheduling perspective. 

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge and demonstrated experience in the technical aspects of design, construction, maintenance, repair, and operation of the physical assets of public facilities.
Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
Skill in oral and written communications.
Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
Skill in using computers and related software applications.
Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
Ability to interpret, recommend and propose revisions to state statutes and city ordinances.
Ability to communicate complex, technical issues in non-technical terms to the general public.
Ability to maintain effective communication and working relationships with Boards and Commissions, city employees and the public.

Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related engineering concentration, plus ten (10) years of related experience, five (5) years of which were in a managerial capacity.

Masters degree may substitute for two (2) years of experience.