NATURE OF WORK:
Under the general direction of the Public Services Bureau Chief, the Manager of Field Services will be responsible for overseeing the five field service divisions and Supervisors within the Public Services Bureau, which include Forestry, Streets, Recycling & Environmental, Greenways, and Traffic. This position will assist in the planning and direction of the routine and emergency operations, maintenance, and repair of the City’s infrastructure systems including but not limited to streets, signs, lighting, parkways, traffic control, greenways, and urban forest. The Manager will develop short and medium-range goals for the divisions, participate in making and implementing budget recommendations; manage city contracts under their areas of responsibility; direct operations for compliance with regulatory agency rules, regulations, and safety requirements; manage and train division Supervisors; respond to emergency conditions, including assisting in coordinating the department’s snow and ice program. This position will identify potential hazards, enforce protocols, and cultivate a culture of safety awareness, ensuring the efficient management and execution of safety-sensitive tasks requiring specialized training and certifications. The Manager will coordinate and monitor training initiatives and certifications for all staff under their purview and be responsible for maximizing customer service; and promoting the positive image and policies of the department. Work requires considerable professional judgment and initiative within the framework of established regulations and policies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignments will include some or all of the following):
● Responsible for general oversight of the operation and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure including the Streets, Traffic, Recycling and Environmental, Forestry, and Greenways Divisions.
● Investigates, evaluates, and analyzes existing and proposed activities to improve bureau services, increase job productivity, and lower operational costs.
● Evaluates the bureau’s goals and priorities in relation to those of the organization and redefine them as changes occur. Prioritizes and schedules activities and assigns resources to various needs.
● Plans, organizes, and prioritizes work in order to perform duties in a timely manner. Identifies the appropriate stakeholders and involves them in the process. Establishes clear objectives and can break larger projects into individual tasks to better plan out the work. Anticipates existing or potential problems, circumstances, activities, or events that affect the Department and keeps the Director and/or Bureau Chief apprised of them.
● Provides enhanced interaction between management and employees through regular contact with Division Supervisors and employees. Promotes and demonstrates a high level of involvement with team members in the development of team goals. Plans and conducts regular meetings with employees within the divisions to ensure open and up-to-date communication.
● Works with the Division Supervisors to establish and communicate clear and meaningful performance standards and expectations to employees. Provides appropriate feedback to employees regarding work strengths and accomplishments as well as areas for improvement.
● Manages and evaluates the performance of the Supervisors under their supervision. Identifies and addresses performance problems directly and appropriately. Takes prompt appropriate corrective action, provides staff development as needed, and follows through in resolving problems.
● Assists and trains employees in the effective use of facts, data, and objective analysis in decision-making and process improvement. Implements plans for improvements, taking into consideration the impact of changing conditions, and accurately assesses the results.
● Assists in the analysis of the city’s infrastructure and makes recommendations to the Bureau Chief regarding improvements and maintenance that should be addressed.
● Assists the Bureau Chief and/or Director in the preparation and administration of the operating budgets including staffing, materials, and equipment; participates in recommendations and justification memorandums.
● Develops service contracts through the competitive bid process. Manages and oversees the contracts to ensure appropriate service quality.
● Reviews, updates, and implements the Department’s Standard Operating Procedures and safety practices; ensures that all procedures and practices are followed. Acts as a role model in following the organization’s policies and procedures, employee manual, and labor contracts.
● Coordinates an effective training schedule for subordinates in work practices, proper equipment operation and maintenance, and safety issues in the workplace. Proactively and collaboratively identifies areas for employee development and seeks opportunities to empower staff to achieve their fullest potential.
● Assists other bureaus within the department to achieve similar goals and standards.
● May act as the Public Services Bureau Chief in their absence.
● Develops and implements the department's long-range vehicle/equipment replacement plan in coordination with the Fleet division.
● Communicates with community members and other internal and external customers to resolve service concerns and provides the highest quality of service impartially within the policies and framework established by the City; works with all levels of employees within the organization; always represents the Department and City in a friendly, courteous, and professional manner.
● Prepares and presents agenda items for the Public Works Agency at City Council and any other committee or boards. May participate as a member of external and internal boards and committees.
● In cases of emergency, performs responsible duties in the planning and execution of emergency operations. Participates in emergency task groups to assist in developing the unit’s emergency and safety procedures.
● Performs other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
● A bachelor’s degree in public administration or a closely related field, or five years of progressive experience in a related field with thorough knowledge of skilled maintenance and construction work in lieu of a degree. A combination of education and experience will be considered.
● A minimum of three years of supervisory experience coordinating a range of activities undertaken by others that involve directing, monitoring, providing direct performance evaluations, and issuing disciplinary action.
● Considerable experience in operating a municipal snow and ice control program.
● Possession of a valid driver’s license, CDL is preferred.
● Proficiency with current computer software systems, including email, calendar programs, asset management, and job-specific software.
● Considerable experience in administering budgets.
● Considerable knowledge of standard practices, methods, tools, materials, and equipment used in public works maintenance.
● Considerable experience managing unionized employees.
● Considerable knowledge and experience in administering contracts for outsourced services.
● Broad and in-depth knowledge of all Public Works Department operations.
● Considerable knowledge of regulatory agency rules and regulations, including Illinois Department of Transportation, Cook County Highway Department, and Motor Fuel Tax.
● Considerable knowledge of and experience with safety precautions to be observed in maintenance and emergency repair work.
● Ability to oversee emergency operations with 24/7; 365-day availability.
● Ability to effectively communicate policies and procedures to the general public as well as to supervisors and staff.
● Ability to exercise good judgment and make proper decisions to ensure systems' proper and safe operation.
● Thorough knowledge of the Illinois Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
● Must be willing and able to obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) ICS 100, 200, 300,400, 700, and IS 800 Certification within 12 months of employment.
● Ability to read engineering plans and specifications, blueprints, and as-builts.
● Ability to use a cell phone, computer, tablet, and any necessary electronic tool for their work.
● Ability to keep accurate records and prepare reports of projects as they progress.
● Ability to supervise the work of others and evaluate accomplishments or areas of improvement.
● Ability to establish good internal and external working relationships.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:
● Ability to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions such as extreme cold, high winds, rain, snow, sleet, high temperatures, and humidity.
● Ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
● Ability to focus on small and distant objects, recognize the depth of objects, lift, bend, kneel, sit, or stand for long periods of time, work in confined spaces, and work outdoors at night with limited lighting.
● Ability to walk or navigate over rough, uneven, or rocky surfaces.
● Ability to work around chemicals, asphalt products, concrete, vehicle or equipment fumes, gasses, dust, and dirt while following safety guidelines.
● Ability to work on job sites with elevated noise levels and vibrations.
SUPERVISION:
Work is performed under the direction of the Public Services Bureau Chief. Instructions, either verbal or written, are in the form of the project to be completed, with the employee’s work reviewed through ongoing observation, written and verbal communications, meetings, and feedback from the Bureau Chief and other department employees.
PUBLIC CONTACT:
The employee has regular contact with other City employees to schedule work and equipment. The employee will work with other departments to collaborate and schedule projects that impact them. The employee will have direct contact with the public, elected officials, contractors, utility companies, and property owners to answer questions and provide information. Some contact may be of a difficult nature; the employee must use judgment as to when to refer community members to other management and administrative staff.
To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.
Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and criminal background check.
The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact Human Resources at 847-448-8204 (voice) or 847-866-5095 (TTY).
