Public Service Director

Supervised By: City Manager
Supervises: Employees of the Public Works Department
FLSA: Exempt

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the City Manager, is responsible for the overall management of Public Service operations and personnel, which encompass streets, facilities maintenance, motor pool, and parks. Assesses and directs departmental operations, prepares budgets, oversees contract engineers and consultants, and participates in City infrastructure planning.

Essential Duties and Job Functions:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.

1. Plans, organizes and directs the activities of the Public Service Department in accordance with community needs, pertaining to Public Works. Oversees a myriad of operational areas including parks, water, traffic, streets, buildings, maintenance, and motor pool. Develops and implements departmental policies and procedures.

2. Assesses Department operations, staffing levels, facilities and equipment. Analyzes capital needs, makes recommendations for improvements, and implements changes. Monitors operational costs and makes recommendations for increasing efficiency.

3. Prepares and presents annual budget requests, administers departmental budget, and ensures that the authorized budgetary and purchasing procedures are properly used. Develops and administers capital budget, drafts specifications and receives bids for the purchase of vehicles, equipment and parts and the construction of public service projects and facilities.

4. Provides oversight for contracted Public Service projects, services and purchases. Administers the bid process, makes recommendations for selection, participates in negotiations, and ensures compliance with project specifications, schedule and standards for quality.

5. Oversees the preparation and maintenance of a comprehensive system for recording and accessing accurate infrastructure maps showing all streets, street improvements, sewers, water distribution systems, sidewalks, and other improvements to publicly owned property.

6. Participates as a member of the City’s Planning and Development Team and is responsible for an engineering review of each site plan as requested. Attends other meetings as necessary.

7. Directs the recruitment and hire of department personnel. Assigns work, supervises personnel, evaluates performance and oversees professional development. Takes disciplinary action according to established procedures.

8. Keeps abreast of Public Service developments, new administrative techniques, and current issues through continued education and professional growth. Maintains cooperative relations with peer agencies and other governmental units. Attends conferences, workshops, and seminars as appropriate.

9. Acts as department spokesperson, establishing and maintaining effective relationships, with citizens, community groups, City officials, other employees, and other interests. Responds to public inquiries, investigates complaints, and assists the public as needed.

10. Responds to Public Service emergencies utilizing and maintaining well-defined procedures.

11. Performs related work as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

Requirements include the following:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in business, public administration, civil engineering or a related field required.

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in public works, including supervisory experience.

• A valid State of Michigan Driver’s License, a satisfactory driving record, and the ability to maintain one throughout employment.

• Knowledge of management techniques involved in budgeting, personnel administration, public relations, labor relations, contract management, capital planning and project management.

• Knowledge of safety best practices and MIOSHA regulations.

• Skill in assembling and analyzing data and information, administering budgets and preparing comprehensive and accurate reports.

• Skill in planning and executing public works projects.

• Skill in handling difficult public relations or customer service issues with tact and diplomacy.

• Skill in the use of computer systems and related software.

• Ability to effectively motivate, coordinate and manage staff to maximize their potential, productivity and effectiveness, and promote a constructive work environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively and make effective presentations in a public setting.

• Ability to work constructively and interact professionally with others, and handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.

• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, adjust to changing priorities and work within deadlines.

• Ability to attend meetings outside of normal business hours.

• Ability to respond to emergencies on a 24-hour basis and lead effectively in highly stressful situations.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.

This position regularly works in an office setting with a controlled climate where they sit and work on a computer, communicate by telephone, email or in person, and move around the office. This position is also required to regularly travel to other locations within the city and occasionally travel throughout the state and nationally to attend conferences and other meetings.

An employee in this position is regularly required to work outside the office at field sites, including visiting construction sites with treacherous terrain, requiring the employee to traverse uneven ground, climb up or crawl down to access the site, and may involve fumes, dust, chemicals or other hazardous materials, loud machinery and equipment and other dangers associated with engineering projects and construction sites. An employee in this position must have the strength, stamina and physical coordination needed to gain access to the construction project sites described above, observe and inspect work in progress.

Applications are available by clicking here.  Please mail your completed application to the following:

City of Inkster
Telane Ransom
Human Resources
26215 Trowbridge
Inkster, MI 48141