Description
The City of Newark's Public Works Department has a mission of providing the most desirable and sustainable environment for the community by ensuring that all City property is maintained to the highest standards possible in an environmentally responsible manner; all buildings are safe, sound and of high quality; and all City facilities are designed, constructed, and function to the highest degree of safety and utility in a cost-effective manner.
The person spearheading this is the Public Works Director. Under administrative direction from the City Manager, the Public Works Director plans, oversees, and directs the activities and operations of the Public Works Department including engineering, maintenance, environmental services, and building inspection divisions. This position participates as a member of the City Manager’s Executive Team in the consideration of general City policies, programs, and concerns; and serves as a technical advisor to the City Council, Planning Commission, City Manager, other City departments, and civic groups. The Public Works Director exercises direct supervision to division managers (City Engineer, Chief Building Official, Environmental Services Manager, and Maintenance Superintendent) and indirect supervision of other professional, technical, and administrative staff; including developing, evaluating, and recognizing staff performance. All Department work is directed and coordinated by the Public Works Director. This includes determining and administering major departmental policies, planning long-term programs, and developing and implementing the City’s Capital Improvement Program. The Public Works Director prepares and administers the Department budget and capital improvement budget as well as manages and oversees the activities of the environmental services section, including the City’s Climate Action Plan. Other environmental services programs and initiatives that the Public Works Director manages and oversees include integrated waste management, recycling, stormwater, climate protection, and sustainability programs. This position also responds to complex and sensitive community concerns and confers with contractors, developers, and the general public.
The ability to prepare and present to the City Council and other municipal boards and commissions is required along with attendance and participation in professional group meetings. The Public Works Director must stay up to date on new trends and innovations in the field of public works; monitor changes in law, regulations, and technology that may affect the City or departmental operations; and ensure compliance with legislative, regulatory, and judicial mandates, regulations, and professional standards. Other duties include but are not limited to:
- Conferring with and advising staff on problems related to design, construction, and maintenance of streets, parks and landscaped areas, sewers, and other public works structures.
- Overseeing the maintenance of public works facilities and City equipment.
- Reviewing plans, technical engineering reports, budget estimates, and proposed ordinances and regulations.
- Explaining and interpreting depart- mental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
- Directing the conduct of special studies related to activities of the Department and submitting recommendations on projects and programs to the City Manager.
- Implementing policy and procedural changes as required.
- Participating and developing depart- mental and organizational total quality review.
Ideal Candidate
The City of Newark is seeking an innovative, experienced, and collaborative candidate who engages in cultivating a positive work culture to serve as the next Public Works Director. The ideal candidate will be a professional team player who can work well with a variety of people of varying backgrounds and roles and use excellent interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships. As a representative of the City, the incumbent must build strong City Council and community relations and work effectively with contractors, property owners, and the general public. The ability to express ideas on technical subjects clearly and concisely is required. Timely and impactful verbal and written communication are vital.
Presentation skills and a candidate successful in securing grant funding are desired. Experience overseeing the implementation of large-scale projects is valuable, as the City embarks on building a railroad overpass, two fire stations and a community center. A candidate with a strong focus on customer service with a proven track record of excellent leadership and motivation of staff is crucial. A forward thinking and emotionally intelligent candidate with an inventive, problem-solving mindset is essential to success. The new Public Works Director will be an engaging leader who can motivate and coach their division leaders to guide and support every team member. A candidate who can exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines and work harmoniously in a supportive manner with the Executive Team will be the most competitive.
Benefits
COMPENSATION
The annual salary range for the Public Works Director is $223,516 to $268,236 with a 3% COLA increase in July 2024. Placement within this range is dependent upon experience and qualifications. The City also offers an attractive benefits package, including:
Medical Insurance/Dental/Vision – The City provides a generous monthly cafeteria benefit plan for medical, dental, and vision coverage. Monthly City contribution towards PERS Health Plans are as follows:
Employee only: $913
Employee plus one dependent: $1,826
Employee plus two or more dependents: $2,412
Holidays – 13 paid holidays per year, including two flexible days.
Management Leave – Up to 56 hours per year.
General Leave – 184-256 hours annually. May cash out up to 80 hours per year.
Deferred Compensation – Mandatory participation in the City’s 401(a) deferred compensation plan, 6% employee contribution matched by City.
Retirement – The City participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS); Classic Members 2.5% @ 55.
Retirement Health Savings Plan – $100 per month.
Health and Fitness – Families enjoy free use of the courts, exercise equipment and pools at the Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center, and resident rates for classes and rentals.
Work Schedule – 9/80 work schedule (City Hall closed every other Friday). Hybrid schedule is available.
Life Insurance – $50,000 life insurance policy.
Educational Reimbursement – Up to $10,000 lifetime benefit.
Vehicle – $400 monthly vehicle allowance.
Special Instructions
If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please apply online at:
Filing Deadline: May 10, 2024
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews with Bob Murray & Associates. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist interviews will be held with the City of Newark. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following selection of the Public Works Director.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms. Valerie Phillips or Ms. Stephanie Dietz at: (916) 784-9080