SPECIAL INFORMATION: This is an open and continuous recruitment until vacancy is filled. Priority deadline screening is scheduled for September 3rd. This recruitment may close at any time without notice.
Application Process
A limited number of applicants who clearly show that they most closely meet the needs of this position in terms of training, experience, education, and other job-related characteristics will be accepted to participate in the selection process. This process will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. The subsequent selection process may include a written test/written exercise, performance exercise, panel interview, and a final departmental interview. As a condition of employment, the selected candidate may be required to successfully pass a physical exam including a drug screen, a Livescan fingerprint background check, and a reference check. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to make changes to components of the examination process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The City of Seaside provides outstanding services to the public and is deeply committed to a community and workforce that is inclusive, equitable, and diverse. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified applicants, including underrepresented minorities that contribute to the diversification and enrichment of ideas and perspectives. The City of Seaside does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group of class protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Under administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, organizes, manages, and provides direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Public Works Department; coordinates assigned activities with other City departments, divisions, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among City departments, divisions, and with intergovernmental and regulatory agencies and various public and private groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the City Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. The work provides for a wide variety of independent decision-making, within legal and general policy and regulatory guidelines. Exercises general direction and supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
Class Characteristics
This is a department head classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Public Works Department, including operation and maintenance of Maintenance and Utilities Division, Engineering functions including short- and long-term Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning, development and administration of Federal, State, and local funds for capital improvements and expansions, and providing professional-level support to the City Manager in a variety of areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other City departments and public agencies. Responsibilities include performing and coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies; managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department; and developing, implementing, and interpreting public policy.
Examples of Duties
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Assumes full management responsibility for all Public Works Department programs, services, and activities, including all CIP planning, design, and construction, permitting and land development services, traffic and transportation engineering programs, construction inspection, real property management, operation and maintenance of water, sewer, traffic control, buildings, and streets.
- Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within City policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels.
- Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's annual budget and capital improvement budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements adjustments as necessary.
- Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
- Contributes to the overall quality of the department's service by developing, reviewing, and implementing policies and procedures to meet legal requirements and City needs; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
- Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposal for professional and/or construction services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; negotiates and administers contracts after award; ensures contractor compliance with City standards and specifications, time and budget estimates; analyzes and resolves complex problems that may arise; recommends and approves field changes as required.
- Develops, recommends, implements, and oversees the City's capital improvement program; provides oversight and input into the conceptual design of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects.
- Serves as the City Engineer and the District Engineer for the Seaside County Sanitation District.
- Analyzes civil engineering plan design, specifications, consultant and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes.
- Reviews and approves plans and specifications for CIP; tract and parcel maps, lot line adjustments, and legal reviews; controversial encroachment permits; and other engineering and design documents.
- Meets and confers with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements.
- Represents the Public Works Department to other City departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
- Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies and procedures as appropriate.
- Makes presentations to the City Council, Successor Agency Board, and a variety of other boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in related fields and other services as they relate to the area of assignment.
- Maintains and directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files.
- Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect City or departmental operations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
- Prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the City Manager.
- Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Typical Qualifications
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, or a closely related field; and six (6) years of management and/or administrative experience in civil engineering, capital improvement program, and/or public works administration, including two (2) years management and/or supervisory experience; and at least four (4) years of civil engineering experience. A Master's degree is desirable.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California class C driver's license by time of appointment.
- Possess and maintain a valid certificate or registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California.
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of municipal public works administration and engineering.
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
- Public agency budgetary, contract administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
- Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration.
- Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of municipal facilities.
- Civil and transportation engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works programs and private development projects.
- Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes.
- Methods, materials and techniques used in the construction of public works projects.
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations and management, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
- Record keeping principles and procedures.
- Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to the work.
- English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
- Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff.
- Hazards and necessary safety protocols relating to public works and engineering.
Ability to:
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls for the department and assigned program areas.
- Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the department and the City.
- Plan, organize, and direct effective CIP and public works engineering services and programs.
- Conduct complex civil engineering research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical reports.
- Analyze and interpret engineering plans and specifications in accordance with design requirements and applicable standards and regulations.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner.
- Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, and City engineering policies and procedures.
- Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, and technical personnel; delegate authority and responsibility; select, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations; effectively administer a variety of engineering programs and administrative activities.
- Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
- Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
- Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
- Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to inspect City development sites, to operate a motor vehicle, and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although walking around at construction sites on occasion is required in addition to standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information, and walk on uneven surfaces while in the field. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS
All City of Seaside employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.